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Need for Speed, a cornerstone of arcade racing, enjoyed a period of dominance with yearly releases throughout the 2010s. However, following the success of Rivals (2013), the franchise faced turbulent times, with EA handing development duties to various studios and sales declining. After the lukewarm reception of 2019’s Need for Speed Heat, EA entrusted the franchise to Criterion Games, the studio behind the acclaimed Burnout series and the fan-favorite Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005). Three years later, Criterion has emerged with Need for Speed Unbound, boasting a bold new visual style. Does it have what it takes to revitalize this racing icon?

Need For Speed Unbound gameplay

A Unique Visual Identity

While many modern racing games strive for photorealism, Need for Speed Unbound embraces a distinct artistic direction. It blends cel-shaded 2D characters and vibrant comic-book effects with realistically rendered 3D cars. This stylistic fusion, initially appearing jarring in trailers, surprisingly creates a cohesive and engaging experience. Effects like tire smoke, tail lights, and expressive emojis add personality without feeling excessive.

The game’s setting, Lakeshore, a fictionalized Chicago, is meticulously crafted with modern rendering techniques like ray tracing and global illumination. The inclusion of pedestrian NPCs adds a vibrancy that was missing in Heat. Powered by the Frostbite engine, the game performs smoothly, even at 4K resolution on PS5 and Xbox Series X, a first for the Need for Speed franchise on consoles.

Lakeshore City at Night

Thrilling Arcade Racing at its Core

Need for Speed Unbound’s gameplay centers on driving a diverse roster of cars, from classic icons like the Mazda RX-7 to modern hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron. The driving experience is refined, with drifting made more accessible compared to Heat. A Burst Nitros system complements the standard Nitros, allowing for short bursts of speed earned through aggressive driving, such as drifting, near misses, and taking air off ramps, reminiscent of Criterion’s Burnout series. This adds another layer to the already intense races.

Collisions are impactful and visceral, and the game inherits several features from Heat, including the map design, UI, and garage customization options. Progression follows a familiar path: start with a basic car, upgrade it to compete in street races, build reputation, and participate in narrative-driven events. Earnings are used to purchase and upgrade cars to meet the increasing performance requirements of later races. Cars are categorized into tiers (B to S+) based on their performance, ensuring competitive races and preventing players from dominating lower-tier events with overpowered vehicles. Visual customization remains robust, allowing players to personalize their cars with decals, body kits, and other modifications without affecting performance. The soundtrack, focused on hip-hop, features a selection of energetic and modern tracks.

Customizing a car in Need For Speed Unbound

Shortcomings and Frustrations

Despite its strengths, Need for Speed Unbound suffers from some drawbacks and arguably regresses in certain areas compared to Heat. The AI can be erratic, exhibiting unrealistic behavior such as reckless driving and sudden bursts of speed. The story, while more creative than Payback or Heat, feels somewhat bland, with unrealistic dialogue and characters. The game lacks dynamic weather, with day-night transitions and weather changes only occurring when returning to the garage.

The Heat system, similar to the wanted level in Grand Theft Auto, now accumulates during the day and carries over to the night. This leads to frequent and often unavoidable police chases, interrupting the flow of gameplay. Escaping the police is not overly challenging with faster cars, but their constant presence can make the game feel more like a stealth title than a racer. Getting busted results in losing all accumulated earnings from previous races, a significant and frustrating penalty.

Police Chase in Need For Speed Unbound

Unlike Heat, progression is solely tied to money, making earning cash more crucial and potentially grindy. High-stakes races require a buy-in fee, further increasing the risk of financial loss. The betting system, while potentially lucrative, limits the number of restarts in any race to prevent exploitation. This can force players to complete races even after a bad start if they’ve exhausted their limited restarts. The absence of a cockpit view and a smaller car roster compared to simulation racers like Forza and Gran Turismo are also notable omissions.

Racing in Need For Speed Unbound

Conclusion

Need for Speed Unbound represents a bold step for the franchise with its unique visual style and engaging arcade racing. However, its shortcomings in AI, story, and some gameplay mechanics hold it back from being a truly great entry. While it successfully revitalizes the series’ arcade spirit, it also introduces some frustrating elements that need addressing. The aggressive police presence and the heavy emphasis on grinding for cash can detract from the overall experience. Despite its flaws, Unbound offers a thrilling and visually distinct racing experience that fans of the franchise will likely enjoy.