Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit really did sneak up on me. I have so much crap on my plate right now that the last thing on my mind was an arcade racer. What I forgot was that this just wasn't another Split Second, Blur, or any other generic arcade racer (Split Second and Blur are both good titles, so chill). This was one of the most beloved franchises from EA that hasn't seen a release since 2002. This was Hot Pursuit.
There are 17 titles within the very prolific NFS franchise, but only one has truly stuck with me. 1998's Hot Pursuit holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the first racing games I ever played and I immediately associate it with my childhood. I remember going over to a friends house during the holiday and seeing it for the first time. I was mesmerized. All of this time I've been playing San Francisco Rush on the N64 and there are games like this? Fast-forward 13 years. I pick up on NFS: Hot Pursuit on impulse and here is why I think it is one best games of the year.