Need for Speed Unbound Xbox Series X Review
| Game: | Need for Speed Unbound |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | EA |
| Developer: |
After a substantial hiatus, Criterion Games triumphantly returns to the helm of the Need for Speed series, ready to once again showcase their mastery in crafting top-notch racing experiences. Fondly remembered for their remarkable work on 2010’s Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, a game hailed as one of the finest in the franchise’s history, the UK-based developer is back with Need for Speed Unbound. The burning question on everyone’s mind is whether this newest instalment can replicate the same level of success that they achieved with the brilliantly fun Hot Pursuit.
Unlike Hot Pursuit, Need for Speed Unbound takes place in an open-world city: Lakeshore City, a metropolis deeply inspired by Chicago. Setting itself apart from conventional racing games, this instalment embraces a bold and vivid visual style that has had a split reaction from players. Characters in the game boast a distinct cartoon-like appearance, while the driving sequences take inspiration from the worlds of anime and graffiti culture. It’s an artistic approach that may divide opinion, with some falling in love with its unique charm, while others might be skeptical. Personally, I find the game visually appealing, and the overall look is stunning, with the buttery-smooth 60fps experience also giving Unbound a wonderful feel. Criterion Games, renowned for their visual prowess, have once again delivered with their latest game.
As an arcade racer, the game’s handling is truly a joy. While there might be a slight learning curve to master the art of drifting around corners, once you’ve got the hang of it, the sheer exhilaration of swinging around corners is genuinely gratifying. You are also able to takedown rivals and pursuing police vehicles inside and outside of events. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that crashes lack the spectacular impact found in Criterion’s own Burnout series.
The races in the game encompass a variety of formats, including standard point-to-point challenges, drift events that test your finesse, and engaging takedown events. In these takedown events, you’re tasked with smashing objects, executing skillful drifts, taking daring jumps, and more – all in the pursuit of accumulating points. A multiplier system further enhances your points tally by rewarding you for skillfully chaining together various automotive maneuvers. Beyond these events, you’ll find yourself engaged in tasks like delivering cars and providing transportation for fellow racers to a designated safehouse, both of which offer additional opportunities to boost your earnings while also unlocking vehicles to purchase and safehouses respectively.
Need for Speed Unbound introduces a somewhat unconventional progression system that can be seen as both a good and bad thing. Divided into four-week segments, each phase of the game revolves around participating in race events, culminating in a qualifier and eventually the grand final. Throughout these weeks, you participate in events that span both day and night, allowing you to gradually enhance your cars upon returning to a safehouse. The open-world city of Lakeshore becomes a playground for exploration, where you can come across challenges and smaller tasks to earn additional cash. Overall, Need for Speed Unbound presents an intriguing and unique approach to progression.
In Need for Speed Unbound, the thrill of illegal street racing inevitably attracts the watchful eyes of law enforcement. As you engage in unlawful races and daringly elude the authorities, your heat level rises (with level five being the most difficult to shake off), prompting increasingly robust police units to join the pursuit. However, there’s a unique twist to the high-stakes gameplay, much like its predecessor, Need for Speed Heat. Your earnings are only secure if you manage to “bank” them by safely returning to a designated safehouse. If you happen to be apprehended by the police, any cash you’re carrying is promptly seized. With law enforcement keeping a watchful eye on you whenever your heat level is elevated, vigilantly tracking them on your mini-map becomes essential to steer clear of their pursuit and prevent the unfortunate loss of your hard earned funds. This risk-versus-reward mechanic adds a layer of excitement and uncertainty, as you grapple with the decision of pushing your luck and potentially reaping greater rewards or banking your earnings to protect them from being taken off you if you are arrested. It presents a tantalizing dilemma that keeps the adrenaline pumping and heightens the thrill of living on a knife edge.
Where the progression might pose an issue for some is that it can feel like a bit of a grind at times, particularly in aspects like earning currency and obtaining new vehicles. Yet, there are those who might find satisfaction in this approach, as it imparts a genuine sense of achievement, avoiding the pattern of constant bestowals found in, let’s say, the Forza Horizon series. Another thing that can be seen as a flaw is that you take part in the same race events over and over again, which makes things feel a bit repetitive at times.
Another aspect that could be seen as slightly unfavorable is the omission of a fast travel feature. Yet, I believe I can grasp the rationale behind this choice. By foregoing a fast travel option, the game keeps the element of police engagement consistent throughout your city travels. Regardless of your destination, whether it’s an event or a safehouse, the presence of law enforcement adds a layer of challenge, demanding your attention as well as your dodging ability as you navigate the city streets.
Need for Speed Unbound has emerged as a sleek, high-speed racing game that boasts stylish design and impressive speed. While its strengths are evident, a few obstacles hinder its full potential. The progression system is a mixed bag, offering both a positive aspect by preventing an inundation of new cars and a potential drawback due to the possibility of monotony creeping in with its race events. The return of Criterion to the franchise’s helm is very welcome, however, and the game’s distinctive presentation further adds to its appeal. In the grand scheme of things, Need for Speed Unbound stands out as a worthwhile experience that warrants attention from fans of the series as well as arcade-style racing games in general.
