EA might have secretly replaced your PSP with an iPhone, Folgers Crystals-style. The iPhone lacks a dedicated game system's buttons, but Need for Speed Shift plays almost as well as Sony and Nintendo racing games. We took the final version of the game out for a few laps, just ahead of its imminent release.

While Need for Speed Shift shares many similarities of the console versions, EA says that the iPhone game differs too much to be considered a direct port. Shift includes the same licensed songs, and the iPhone developers began with the core building blocks from the console editions, compressing them and reshaping them for the iPhone. But the iPhone development required other changes, too. For example, instead of actual city locations, the iPhone game includes 28 races through places inspired by real cities.

Even with the iPhone's limitations, those cities and overall graphics look great, especially on 3GS devices; EA improves the visuals if your phone can handle it. We were impressed with the sense of depth and building density in a Chicago-based race, and a Tokyo setting sparkled with neon at night.

We enjoyed the controls in our quick sample. Shift accelerates automatically; we just tilted to steer. A quick, snapping twist sent our real-world car--you'll pick one of 20--drifting around corners. On-screen taps activated the brake or nitro. The controls can be customized, too, letting you manually shift, vary the degree the game helps you steer, and automatically brake.

Up to four people can race together over a local Wi-Fi network, and two can compete on a direct Bluetooth connection. While you can always fight to finish first, several additional winning conditions rate other factors, such as the most aggressive racer or drifter.

But even if you play alone, Shift will include a lot of content, letting you upgrade cars along the way. EA hasn't yet announced a price, but look for Need for Speed Shift soon.