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While searching out the last twenty-some vehicles, I caught myself slowly patrolling dark alleys and abandoned factories like a two-bit drug dealer.
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The progression of car collecting is fast, at least at first. I couldn't re-enter a car I'd left without warping to where I originally found it, even if it were sitting inches away. With the tap of the button, you can hop behind the wheel and drive away, abandoning your old ride to wither under the sun like some crummy locust shell. Ranging from Ford trucks to McLaren sports cars, these are like Easter eggs - find them, and they're yours. To get players in fast cars quickly, Criterion hid nearly every unlockable vehicle throughout the open world of Fairhaven. In practice, I'd race against time to select a new vehicle mod from the Easy Drive menu before my Lamborghini careened into a parked car. I understand the practical appeal of accomplishing an inconsequential task while going somewhere faster than any land mammal ever has before, but it usually ends in a humiliating car wreck. Negotiating Easy Drive is like texting while driving. A drop-down, Easy Drive sits in the right-hand corner and can be navigated via the D-pad. Races, cars, upgrades, objectives and multiplayer options can be accessed from the Easy Drive menu. Criterion is determined to keep Need for Speed Most Wanted on the road.
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