Basics
Basics
Action | Xbox | PlayStation 2 | GameCube |
Accelerate | R Trigger | R1 | R Trigger |
Reverse | L Trigger | L1 | L Trigger |
Handbrake | A button | X | A button |
Nitrous Oxide (NO2) | B button | Circle | B button |
Shift Up and Down | X and Y buttons | Square and Triangle | X and Y buttons |
Change Camera | White Button | R2 | C stick |
Look Back | Black Button | L2 | C stick |
World Map | D-Pad Left | D-Pad Left | D-Pad Left |
Display SMS | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right |
Challenge Opponent | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up |
Career Statistics | D-Pad Down | D-Pad Down | D-Pad Down |
Reputation Points
When in the heat of a race, you have two things to worry about. The first is obviously to win the race, but the second thing is to look good while doing it. Reputation is built on your ability to win races in style. Powersliding through turns or flying over traffic will make you an overnight sensation, allowing you to race in tougher competitions and mod your ride to your heart's content. The list of techniques that give you bonus points for style is extensive, but here it is.
Powersliding
This somewhat advanced technique is what separates the boys from the men in the Need for Speed series. Powersliding is accomplished by braking while entering a turn, and then accelerating once you are exiting the turn. Some turns require more braking than others though. A sharp turn will require that you brake hard when entering the turn, while a mild turn needs the exact opposite. This is an essential tactic to learn in the game, especially when competing in Outrun races. While you can get away with not using it during your Career Mode, to get the fastest times you'll need to do it.
Drafting
Slip into the backside of an opponent's car to lessen the wind resistance on your car, therefore allowing you to gain more speed. The longer you stay in the slipstream, the higher the bonus you can achieve.
Nitrous Oxide
If you let go of the acceleration and tap the Nitrous button, you'll get a cool little spray show, which actually earns you some reputation points for style. Be sure not to overdo it though, since Nitrous is a fairly important commodity.
Avoid Accident
By barely grazing past pedestrian cars, you can earn more reputation points. The criteria for this bonus is rather strict though. When you are passing by a vehicle, you must be parallel or perpendicular to them. Turning into an accident and then trying to avoid it won't do you any good. You can also rack up a modifer for this bonus if you can avoid more than two accidents in a row.
Clear Section
Make it through a section of the race cleanly, and you'll get this bonus. Simple as that!
Hydraulics
Once you get some 'bounce' to your car, you'll be able to use it in order to gain some bonus points. This works well when you're in the air from a jump, although it can be pretty distracting if you're in a heated race.
Reverse
Go through sections of a race completely in reverse (and not hitting anything to boot!) will earn you this bonus.
Lead Lap
If you are in first place during a U.R.L or Circuit race, you'll achieve this bonus after every lap.
360s
Do a complete spin in the same direction that you were headed for this bonus.
Headstart
At the start of a Sprint, Circuit or U.R.L race, clinch first place within the first 5 seconds to achieve this bonus.
Burnout
If your tires start smoking at the start of the race, you'll get this bonus for as long as your tires are spinning in place. Try overreving your engine before the race to increase your chances of getting this bonus. Be aware that doing this will probably negate your chances of getting a Headstart bonus.
Shortcut
There are several shortcuts in many of the Sprint or Circuit races that you will encounter. Some may be very apparent, but some aren't. You'll get a hefty bonus for using any shortcuts you can in a race.
Hangtime
Taking off from a jump will net you some sweet bonus points, depending on your hangtime. The longer you're in the air, the more points you'll get.
Cleared Accident
This one is pretty rare, but looks awesome when you pull it off! Catch some air during a race, and try to fly over incoming traffic. It's a rarity, and extremely hard to pull off, but it's damn satisfying when you do!