The tracks of High Stakes consist mostly of gentle curves spread throughout long distance road courses. Actually, the road courses are really just track loops with road like scenery and a few oncoming cars. There are also a few racetracks. Overall track design does the job but isn't interesting. The track design may be heavily influenced by the poor performance of what you have to drive on them.

The sound of High Stakes is mostly sub par. It is hard to tell by ear whether you or someone else nearby is peeling out or losing traction in a turn. Without these audible clues, high speed starts and turns are difficult. Engine noise is ever present and irritating. If it changes between vastly different models of cars, we didn't notice it and were equally annoyed by all vehicle engines. The only place where it's worthwhile to put on your headphones is when listening for police broadcasts on your scanner. You can listen and gain clues as to where police are setting up roadblocks and other traps. It is a nice touch to a street racing game, but is wasted on Need For Speed: High Stakes.

The music is equally mediocre. What goes along with a high speed racing game? High speed techno of course. And High Stakes shovels boring, high pitched, trash techno at you. The only game we've experienced good techno in is Psygnosis' Rollcage, which had a few Fat Boy Slim tracks . Electronic Arts just didn't put much effort into the soundtrack.