I have been an NFS fan for some time. NFS Hot Pursuit was great, then later NFS Most Wanted. I tried Underground and was dissapointed, then Carbon and it was not any better.
Shift is excellent. I am only into the first few races - and I don't have a streering wheel but it's still great fun.
Great cars, upgrades, races, special events, great sound and Graphics almost as good as GRID.
There should be a demo somewhere, but I think it's worth it
Cheers