NFS Unbound: Has EA Given Up On Racing Games?
If you're a fan of the racing games scene, then it's probably safe to say that you're excited about the latest release from EA - Need for Speed™ Unbound. The game has been developing for years, and the wait is finally over. So what does NFS Unbound offer players? Unbound features many unique racing environments and makes use of cutting-edge technology. If you're an arcade racing enthusiast, this is one game you need to add to your list of upcoming purchases. However, despite the good news, some negatives must be mentioned. For example, the game has been criticized for its unresponsive controls and uninspired gameplay. While it's not a bad game, it's not up to par with the best racing games. Has EA given up on the Racing genre? Let's find out.
Need For Speed Unbound is good, but...
Need for Speed Unbound is a good game, but it doesn't live up to the hype built around it. The driving is simplified, but the graphics are fun, making it feel like racing comes in second behind the eye candy. There are also some inconsistencies with the overall storyline, which leaves fans feeling angry and betrayed. EA needs to address these issues if they want this franchise to continue for future entries. The best news is that Criterion Games took charge of the development, their first Need for Speed game since 2013. So, while the game isn't perfect, it's still a lot of fun and provides a new perspective for the racing genre.
NFS Unbound Gameplay
EA's latest racing game, NFS Unbound, is a departure from the traditional racing games for which the company is known. The gameplay has been modified and plays more like Fortnite -- if Fortnite had licensed cars. Players can compete against others online or offline in races or challenges, as you would expect from a racing game. While fans of the series may be disappointed with this new direction, there's no doubt that Need for Speed Unbound is innovative in some regards and still a game worth playing!
NEED FOR SPEED UNBOUND GAMEPLAY
Vibrant soundtrack
A$AP Rocky and AWGE lead a vibrant international soundtrack that pulses all over the globe. Whether you like blasting out the latest electronic beats in an underground club or cruising the open seas with a soundtrack that stirs your soul, this game has a soundtrack for everyone.
Lakeshore's ultimate street race
To reach The Grand, Lakeshore's ultimate street racing challenge, race against time, outsmart the cops, and take on weekly qualifiers. Pack your garage with precision-tuned customized cars and light up the streets with your style, unique fits, and a vibrant global soundtrack that pulsates in every corner of the globe.
Paint the streets with the world's most robust paintbrush
NFS Unbound provides a new and exciting art style for the street racing scene. Graffiti is delivered in an entirely new, one-of-a-kind visual manner that combines elements of the most recent street art with the most lifelike automobiles ever seen in Need for Speed history. Burst Nitrous, a new boost tactic that delivers a dizzying rush of speed, is one of many tools in your new high-energy visual and sound effects toolkit to show off your driving skills.
Is there character customization?
Regarding character customization, gamers often expect only the bare minimum. However, those familiar with the series will be pleasantly surprised that NFS Unbound offers much more than this. From branded clothes and shoes to custom hair colors and face paintings, players will have no trouble finding a unique combination of items to make their character their own.
Character Customization
Are the cars good enough?
There are currently 143 cars available in the cars list. I haven't tried out all the cars yet - the ones I have played with felt stiff and clunky. Maybe this was just because of my settings. The vehicle handling was poor, and the drift physics seemed off, but taking corners at 120MPH quickly was fun. The racing action was smooth, but the cars felt glued to the ground. The customization lets you turn cars into your dream machines. Four additional vehicles are available by purchasing Palace Edition: Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series 2020, Volkswagen Golf GTI 1976, BMW M3 Evolution II E30 1988, and Mercedes-AMG G 63 2017.
Will players be able to connect with others online?
Yes, players can play online in Need for Speed Unbound. In Lakeshore City, time is money, so try to practice for the Weekly Qualifiers and reach The Grand as quickly as possible. Placing side bets is a safe way to fill your pockets, and Rival Racers are always up for a challenge. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, multiplayer is the way to go!
Should you buy NFS Unbound?
Racing games are always a hot commodity, and EA's latest offering, NFS Unbound, has proven to be no exception. However, the game is geared more towards teens and arcade racers, who may not be the best suited for hardcore and sim racing fans. Furthermore, the cinematics and over-the-top effects can be frustrating for those looking for a realistic racing experience. The game is available on consoles (Xbox Series X|S, Playstation 5) and PC. There is a 10-hour trial available. If that's not enough, subscribers of EA Play Pro can enjoy the entire game at no extra cost.
Other Racing Games To Consider
Electronic Arts employs many developers to deliver its racing games. Not all Need for Speed games are made by the same developer, and EA offers different racing series besides Need for Speed. With various racing games in its catalog, finding the best ones is difficult. In the late 90s and early 2000s, Need for Speed was the go-to racing series. They made the best racing games with minimal completion, at least in the arcade racing space. Today, Need for Speed has seen many new competitors rise to the top, making many major NFS releases in the past 15 years feel dated and limited in features. NFS Unbound has earned a solid attempt at countering this trend, but it still feels like EA has given up on the racing genre.
Better options are available if you are looking for a racing game worth buying. The best racing games I have played this year are Forza Horizon 5 and The Crew 2. Both games are updated frequently, offer a non-linear progression system, and have hundreds of licensed cars to choose from. If you want the best bang for your buck, Need for Speed would need to go on sale to be worth it.
Conclusion
EA has released the much-anticipated racing game Need for Speed Unbound. While the game is good, some gamers are unhappy with the new direction EA has taken for the racing genre. If you're undecided about whether or not to buy the game, try subscribing to EA Play to test drive the game before making a final decision.