Need For Speed: High Stakes puts an interesting wrinkle in the game, as you have to buy cars before you can drive them in the Tournament mode. The game offers several tournaments, each with different car specification requirements and track variations. By winning a tournament, you can unlock the final track of that particular tournament for two-player and Hot Pursuit mode. There are also Special Events that cost money to enter, but the payoff is usually bigger than in the tournaments. The tracks vary in length and challenge, and each one can be raced backwards, in mirror mode, at night, in the rain, or any combination of these factors. In Hot Pursuit mode, you can try to outrun the cops or you can play as a cop, pulling over anyone you feel deserves it. Some events are available only for specific cars, while others put you on the open road, with typical traffic obstacles in the way to slow you down. Split-screen racing is also available for some intense two-player action.
