Racer_S has released Camera Control for Need for Speed Shift, allowing real-time editing of the game’s cameras and FOV settings.

While that’s very useful for those looking to make spectacular screenshots and videos, the tool also adds unofficial support for the TrackIR device to Shift.

Important: This tool only works with the 1.1 version of Shift so make sure you have the patch installed.

 

Download Need for Speed Shift Camera Control 1.0 Here

Carbonfibre has put together a very neat comparison video, showing the Corvette Z06 road car at Silverstone both in rFactor and Need for Speed Shift side by side.

The video shows the Corvette being aggressively driven around the Northamptonshire track, giving us the chance to compare both the physics and track accuracy of both titles. Keep in mind that this isn’t the stock version of Shift but the latest release of Dario Morelli’s Real Mod.

Two weeks ago, VirtualR readers had the chance to submit their Need for Speed Shift questions to Slightly Mad Studio’s Ian Bell, Doug Arnao and Erro Pitulainen.

Hundreds of questions have been submitted and while the guys haven’t had the chance to answer them yet, Ian Bell has been kind enough to engage in a discussion with many VirtualR readers in the comment section.

Since many readers will probably not spot his very interesting answers buried in the mass of comments, you can find the questions and all his answers below (you might have to click “Read More” to see the rest of this article.

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From YodaStar comes another mod that tweaks Need for Speed Shift’s look to more realism by turning off the game’s bloom effect.

The result can be seen below as the removal makes a big difference in terms of contrast and sharpness while the game’s HDR effect stays enabled.

The mod is available in two versions, one for those working with loose files and in packed .bff files.

 

Download Need for Speed Shift No Bloom Mod Here

Download Need for Speed Shift No Bloom Mod BFF Version Here

Dario Morelli has released a new version of his highly populer Real Mod that gives the physics & AI in Slightly Mad Sudio’s Need for Speed Shift a complete overhaul.

Changelog:

• NEW TIRES MODEL: entirely rewritten models for all the cars with three separate “slip curves”.
• NEW AI MODEL: more competitive, less aggressive, and make fewer mistakes.
• NEW CHASSIS MODEL: all data from the chassis of all the cars now are correct.
• NEW COCKPIT CAM: now it’s like a real “onboard camera”.
• NEW TRACK SURFACES: all the surfaces are now correct.(same as 1.0)

Once again, the mod is available in packed .bff files and in unpacked state for those using the “loose method”. To see the effects of this mod in action, check out the Aston Martin in the video below.

Download Need for Speed Shift Real Mod 2.0 Here

The modding community keeps on improving EA & Slightly Mad Studios’ recently released Need for Speed Shift title in a breathtaking pace. Following the first physics and damage mods as well as the fictional track object remover, Dario Morelli has pushed the envelope further by releasing his Real Mod.

The 900kb small mod combines many improvements made by other mods into one package, including damage improvements, alternative cameras and overhauled physics that get rid of the constant sliding of cars, making them feel more like in the GTR series of simulations.

Extensive work has been gone into the AI too as Diego has not just adjusted the AI aggressiveness but also changed many of the computer cars’ characteristics. Other changes include smoothed track surfaces and slight menu changes. If you´re unsure about which of the many Shift mods to get, this one shouldn’t be missed.

The mod is available both in packed BFF files as well as loose files for those preferring the unpacking method.

Download Need for Speed Shift Real Mod 1.0 Here

Tobias Kluge has released a new mod for Need for Speed Shift, getting rid of the fictional trackside objects that spoiled Shift’s tracks for many sim racers.

The mod removes fictional billboards, balloons, circus tents, graffitis and everything else that gave the tracks a rather arcadish look, check out the screens below to get an idea how the cleaned circuits will look.

Important: The mod requires the unpacking of the game’s files which will take around 30 minutes to complete. The mod comes with a batch-file that will take care of the unpacking, more info on this issue can be found at the download location.

 

Download Need for Speed Shift Track Objects Removal Mod Here

Following first available mod that adjust Need for Speed Shift’s AI agression and grip levels, YodaStar has released the first mod that tweaks Shift’s damage system.

The mod will enable gearbox, engine and tire damage for enhanched realism. Furthermore, sharp objects will now play a part on car impacts and tires can fall off.

The release includes both loose files and a repacked archive, make sure to check out the included readme before installing.

 

Download Need for Speed Shift Damage Mod Here

With the initial buzz about the release of Need for Speed Shift slowly easing off, clever PC modders have started looking for ways to further improve Slightly Mad Studio’s newest title.

Basis for all modding is a tool named QuickBMS that allows packing and unpacking of Shift’s files. More info on the tool and support can be found in the XeNTaX forums.

One of the first guys to take advantage of the new possibilities is Tobias Kluge who has released two Need for Speed Shift mods. The first one reduces or completely removes the depth of field blur at high speeds as you can see on the comparison shots below. The second reduces the AI aggression to 55%, resulting in much cleaner racing. Optionally, the mod also reduces the grip level for those who feel that the cars in Shift are too grippy.

Those of you who are still struggling with the right settings for their wheels might want to try Techade’s FFB profile. The guys knows what he’s doing, being the author of the RealFeel plugin for rFactor. And if you have other issues with Shift, EA has posted a Q&A that provides solutions to the most common problems.

 

Download Need for Speed Shift Depth of Field Blur Mod Here

Download Need for Speed Shift AI Agression & Grip Mod Here

When you think of street racing, stuff like Fast and the Furious comes to mind but some Czech guys took a different approach. Using a giant projector, two vehicles and lots of creativity, they played some rounds of Need for Speed Shift – Using some of the city’s biggest buildings as projection space.

Buildings used include the Prague Castle, the Czech Ministry of Interior Affairs, the National Opera and others. Check out the video below to see this open-air session of Shift in action.

EA & Slightly Mad Studios have released a first patch for the PC version of their recently-released Need for Speed Shift title.

The patch adds support for multiplayer via local LAN networks, adds mouse navigation to the menus and speeds up the game’s loading times – One of the main complaints of many Shift buyers.

Download Need for Speed Shift PC Patch Here

The recent release of Need for Speed Shift has stirred up quite a lot discussion in the sim community. Now’s your chance to get your Shift-related questions answered by none others than the developers themselves.

Slightly Mad Studio’s Ian Bell, Doug Arnao and Erro Pitulainen will be trying to answer all Shift and SMS-related questions VirtualR readers have – Just leave them in the comments.

The questions will be collected for a few days, the answers will be published in a new article in due time. To make it easier for the guys, please check the comments before posting your question to avoid duplicate questions. Furthermore, please keep the comments of this story clean of chatting and discussion, if you want to discuss Shift you can use this and this story.

In related news, Shift is also making quite a big appearance at Road Atlanta as EA’s newest title will be sponsoring the Rahal Letterman Racing BMW M3 GT2’s in next week’s Petit Le Mans race. SPEEDTV.com reporter John Dagys has forwarded these photos from today’s test session at Road Atlanta, showing the works-backed BMW in Shift colors.

 

Ever since the title has been announced back in January, Need for Speed Shift has split the sim community like few titles before.

While many people were quick to judge that Need for Speed titles will never be realistic, others hoped the involvement of the former Blimey! Games staff would lead to a new simulation title. Tons of preview videos, screenshots and lots of hype later, Shift is finally out. Is the newest Need for Speed a worthwhile experience for sim racers or another letdown like Race Driver GRID? Read the review to find out…

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In a somewhat surprising move, EA has released the PC demo version of their recently-released Need for Speed Shift title today.

The demo is 1.1GB in size and lets players drive on the fictional London track and Spa Francorchamps. Cars include the Nissan GT-R, the BMW M3, a Lotus, a Dodge Viper as well as an unlockable Pagani Zonda.

Console users have to wait a little longer as EA has announced to release the Xbox 360 demo on October 2nd while the Playstation 3 version will be released a day earlier on October 1st.

Download Need for Speed Shift PC Demo Here – Mirror 1

Download Need for Speed Shift PC Demo Here – Mirror 2

Download Need for Speed Shift PC Demo Here – Mirror 3