The biggest drawback to this game is its padded length. Some of the later events consist of 24 laps of racing. It doesn't help that there are two separate campaigns. After I finished the Hot Pursuit campaign, I considered the game finished. There was no way I was going to go through the same experience in the World Racing campaign, minus the police chases.
Other than that, the game itself holds up really well - especially the PS2 version. The handling model feels a little heavy at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to it.
The tracks are the absolute highlight. They are fun to drive around in and there are plenty of shortcuts to take. I wish the series would ditch the open world and go back to this track model.
As for the police chases, they are fun, but the cops have a massive advantage over the racers. They have infinite speed boosts, can set up roadblocks and call in helicopters to carpet bomb everyone on the road. As a racer, you have no way to defend yourself. I'm glad they've addressed this in the newer games.
Overall, I'd still recommend it to fans of the series, and fans of racing games in general. Just don't feel compelled to sit through the padded campaign.
Other than that, the game itself holds up really well - especially the PS2 version. The handling model feels a little heavy at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to it.
The tracks are the absolute highlight. They are fun to drive around in and there are plenty of shortcuts to take. I wish the series would ditch the open world and go back to this track model.
As for the police chases, they are fun, but the cops have a massive advantage over the racers. They have infinite speed boosts, can set up roadblocks and call in helicopters to carpet bomb everyone on the road. As a racer, you have no way to defend yourself. I'm glad they've addressed this in the newer games.
Overall, I'd still recommend it to fans of the series, and fans of racing games in general. Just don't feel compelled to sit through the padded campaign.