Need for Speed Unbound - PlayStation LifeStyle

Need for Speed Unbound Review (PS5)

Mack Ashworth — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 10:55:20 +0000

Need for Speed Unbound puts a new spin on the racing series with a graffiti-inspired aesthetic that helps enhance both story and gameplay in refreshing ways. It’s amazing what a new coat of paint can achieve, especially when it’s combined with 60 FPS support on consoles, the return of police chases, an interesting approach to difficulty options, and a well-curated soundtrack. However, there are some pain points that drag the experience down.

Story success

In Unbound, the player-created character suffers a betrayal in the game’s Prologue, losing their awesome car and forcing them to work their way back up. It’s the classic “power reset” cliche, where players are given a taste of what max-level gameplay feels like before it’s quickly taken away. It fits perfectly here and is a refreshing change of pace from games like Forza Horizon, which quickly give you the keys to the best cars. Working your way through the ranks to obtain better, faster vehicles is a staple of Need For Speed, and Unbound is built on this template.

When it comes to the story, there’s a strong Fast and Furious vibe, which works well enough to carry players from race to race, as they build up an arsenal of cars. Don’t expect a particularly deep narrative here — I can see some players just outright ignoring cutscenes and dialogue — but it gets the job done.

As with most open-world racing games, the true main character is the setting. Unbound’s Lakeshore City is loosely based on Chicago and it’s a fine place to drive. The opening area explores the tame streets and highways, though the world soon opens up to include mountain roads, muddy paths, and a test track.

Better late than never

It’s so great to see Need for Speed running at 60 FPS on consoles. I was beginning to lose faith as NFS seemed to be the only racing franchise that wasn’t putting frame rates first. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S support 60 FPS, which not only means smoother gameplay but also quicker inputs. This is a huge win for the series and I never want to go back to 30.

I’m a big fan of Unbound’s overall aesthetic and commend the team for taking a big risk. Going in the opposite direction from the competition, who have focused on photorealism powered by the new generation of consoles, the use of new cartoon-style graffiti effects is extremely refreshing and unique, and they especially pop out during nighttime street races. However, they can also be toned down, for those who aren’t so into it.

Risk it all

Need for Speed Unbound has an interesting gameplay loop. During each day/night cycle, players build up as much cash as they can, while also steadily raising the Heat. The more players race, the more attention they’ll attract from the cops. The higher the Heat level, the more stubborn the police become, sending in tougher and faster units. It’s an interesting risk and reward system that kept me on my toes throughout.

Players keep racing to build up a collection of cars that they can use to enter big races at the end of the week. The race types are your standard circuits, point-to-point sprints, drift challenges, and whatnot. There’s nothing ground-breaking here, aside from the difficulty.

You see, most players aren’t going to win every single race they enter. Hell, they might not even come in the top three racers. Instead, players select a competing racer to be their Rival, betting money on the win. I’ll admit that I was initially frustrated by the super-speedy first-place finishers, but I quickly learned that the focus is more on besting Rivals than coming top every single time.

The lonely road

Don’t buy Need for Speed Unbound for its multiplayer. It’s a lonely experience with long wait times where players trickle in. Players can at least drive around while they wait for the match to start, but it can take a long while, despite a 10-hour trial being available and theoretically boosting the player pool.

When a race does get going, it’s the same content that’s found in the single-player. Sure, this is fine, but I expected at least some extra modes or routes made especially for multiplayer. Hopefully, the multiplayer is expanded upon with future content updates but, after seeing many NFS multiplayer components left to die, I’m not optimistic. This is especially disappointing given Need For Speed Heat’s simple-but-effective multiplayer mode, with this feeling like a barebones step back for the series.

I spent 22 hours playing through Unbound’s story and completing several side missions. I dabbled with the multiplayer, too, but a lack of players meant that I couldn’t try many races. Happily, I had already gotten my fill from the story mode and I can see players squeezing out more play time by continuing to tune their vehicles and perfect their skills in each race type.

Need for Speed Unbound Review: The final verdict

Need for Speed Unbound marries classic NFS gameplay with a hot new graffiti-inspired aesthetic. Gameplay-wise, it’s a safe approach that sticks to what has always worked for NFS, with police playing a big part during races and open-world exploration. Thankfully, the visual shift does a lot to make this racer feel fresh, taking it in a different direction from the likes of Forza and Gran Turismo.

Those looking for an arcade racer with some attitude should check out Unbound, as it wins far more than it loses, and looks great doing it.

Need for Speed Unbound was reviewed on PS5 with code provided by the publisher.

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Need for Speed Unbound First Update Expected at End of January 2023

Rebecca Smith — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:46:11 +0000

Need for Speed Unbound developer Criterion has revealed the game won’t be getting any major updates or content additions until the end of January 2023, when the first update is expected to arrive. Few details on the first update have been revealed but we do know it will expand social play features.

When will the first Need for Speed 2023 update be released?

Players “can expect more info and updates” from the development team towards the end of January 2023, according to EA’s Global Community Manager Jeff Braddock. The team had previously announced the first game update will “focus on expanding social play features”, but this is all we know about it so far.

Beyond the Need for Speed Unbound January 2023 update, content updates will include new modes, social features, new cars, more customization content, and progression for Lakeshore Online. There will also be premium experience packs. None of this content has a release date window at the moment.

NFS Unbound has rebooted the franchise with its brand of arcade racing wrapped up in cel-shaded cartoon graphics. The game managed to propel itself into contention for the PSLS Game of the Year award for Best Sports or Racing Game 2022, the results of which can be seen here.

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PSLS’s Game of the Year Awards: Best Sports or Racing Game 2022

Jason Faulkner — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:34:13 +0000

This year, sports fans had plenty of games to keep them busy. Whether you fancy racers, hitting the links, or pulling off some skateboard tricks, 2022 delivered a little of everything. In addition to the next entry in the beloved Gran Turismo series, fans also had a chance to experience something new and unique with games like Cursed to Golf. Whatever sport you gravitate to, it’s always fun to experience its gaming analog. So here are the Best Sports and Racing Games of 2022.

For more of PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2022 awards, click here.

5. GRID Legends

Grid Legends is a unique racer that packs over 130 tracks to compete on. That includes real-life locations like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Suzuka International Racing Course, with more than 100 vehicles to choose from.

Drift cars, electric vehicles, stadium trucks — you name it, it’s here. You can even create custom races with your own routes down to personalized rules. It has a little something for all racing fans, including a narrative-based career mode and support for 22-player multiplayer.

4. Cursed to Golf

It can be challenging to make golf appeal to all audiences, but the sports-centric roguelike Cursed to Golf manages to do just that.

Its wacky narrative forces a deceased golfer to complete an 18-hole course in Golf Purgatory if they want to come back to life. But the ghostly Scotsman warns them that if they use too many strokes on a single hole, they’ll need to return to the beginning of the course. With 70 different predesigned levels and truly out-there environments to golf in, this is one take on the classic sport that feels unique in just about every way.

3. Need for Speed: Unbound

The Need for Speed franchise has seen several style evolutions over the years, but none so much as Need for Speed Unbound.

With developer Criterion returning for its first title since 2012’s Most Wanted, it makes for arcade-style racing that feels great out of the gate. The heavily stylized art style combines cel shading and realism in ways that look and feel impossibly cool. Its story-based adventure raises the stakes, and street racing missions combined with the open world to explore make this Need for Speed one of our favorite racers of the year – oh, and the customizable anime wraps for the cars help, too.

2. Gran Turismo 7

When it comes to racing sims, no one does it quite like the Gran Turismo series, and Gran Turismo 7 was an especially excellent installment.

With the return of its single-player campaign, it provides more than just great racing. It also builds a fun narrative that helps players learn about the cars they’re driving and gives them a reason to keep pushing. With over 400 cars to collect and dozens of tracks to race on, this is the premier racing sim experience of the year and our runner-up for our favorite sports or racing game of 2022.

And the winner is…

1. OlliOlli World

OlliOlli World is an ambitious skateboarding simulator where the entire world of Radlandia is a skate park. Crafted by the in-game gods of skating themselves, there are rails to grind and kickflips to perform wherever you look. Roll7 has crafted an addictive 2D platformer that seamlessly incorporates skateboarding in just about every fiber of its being.

Pulling off tricks feels effortless, and you feel like a veritable pro skater with each completed challenge. There’s so much to explore and plenty to accomplish, and you’ll spend hours working to do it all. With its wacky environments, endearing pixel art, and accessibility for players of all ages, it’s easy to see why we’ve selected OlliOlli World as our favorite sports game of 2022.

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Need for Speed Unbound Size Is Only 29.4 GB on PS5 — Report

Mack Ashworth — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:51:08 +0000

Need for Speed Unbound‘s install size for PS5 has been revealed ahead of its launch. With new games sometimes taking up 100 GB of room and beyond, knowing the size of a new title ahead of its launch can help users make room. Thankfully, for those dreading a huge download size for NFS Unbound, it’s actually relatively small.

Need for Speed Unbound download size for PS5

The Need for Speed Unbound download size is 29.4 GB for PS5.

This is according to the usually reliable @PlayStationSize on Twitter:

? Need for Speed Unbound

? Download Size : 29.431 GB (Version: 1.000.002)

Pre-Load : November 30 (Palace Edition : Available Now)
Launch : December 2 (Palace Edition : November 29)

? #NeedForSpeedUnbound pic.twitter.com/Bu9ig45QhI

— PlayStation Game Size (@PlaystationSize) November 27, 2022

While some will suggest that the download size of a game directly reflects just how much content it offers, that isn’t always the case. Hopefully Need for Speed Unbound’s 29.4 GB size is more an indication of its efficient compression, rather than a lack of high-quality assets.

Though it’s smaller than most AA/AAA games, those who have pre-ordered NFS Unbound can start to pre-order it now (Palace Edition) or on December 2 (everybody else).

Once it’s finally downloaded and installed on your system, you’ll be able to dive into the new NFS world. Until then, this gameplay trailer will have to do.

Early access for Need for Speed Unbound starts tomorrow for owners of the Palace Edition, while everybody else has to wait until December 2. If you’re unhappy about that, you aren’t alone.

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Need for Speed Twitter Apologizes for Rude Tweets About Early Access

Mack Ashworth — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 14:21:40 +0000

The Need for Speed Twitter account has issued an apology for some “recent social media replies” that “crossed the line.” These responses, which included the insult “Milkshake brain,” were posted in response to another Twitter user who was criticizing the game’s paid-for early access. The questionable replies have since been deleted, but not before screenshots had been captured.

Need for Speed Twitter account’s rude tweets

We admit we got a bit caught up in the hype for launch and some of our recent social media replies crossed the line. To those fans we upset, we apologize. We will do better. See you here next week.

— Need for Speed (@NeedforSpeed) November 23, 2022

The above tweet was posted after a particularly nasty interaction between the game’s Twitter account manager and user @KyloZen0.

Responding to an NFS Tweet that included both a gameplay video and an advertisement for the game’s more expensive Palace Edition, @KyloZen0 criticized the latter for providing three days of early access at a price premium.

The Need for Speed Twitter account responded with tweets criticizing @KyloZen0’s reading comprehension, before labeling them a “Milkshake brain” and telling them to “Cry about it bro.”

Need for Speed had enough pic.twitter.com/QsEDuxLd26

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) November 23, 2022

While the offending tweets were eventually deleted, @Dexerto managed to grab the screenshots embedded above.

Something all fans will support is the release of a new gameplay trailer, which provides the most in-depth look at NFS Unbound so far. This trailer focuses on a Mercedes 190 E, though the entire roster of vehicles can be browsed here.

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Need for Speed Unbound Gameplay Trailer Provides a Deeper Look

Mack Ashworth — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:22:25 +0000

A new Need for Speed Unbound gameplay trailer has been released, giving players a much deeper look at the game. From exploring the hub area to starting a Speed Race event, the trailer is a montage of moments that provide the most in-depth look that we’ve seen so far. And yes, NFS Unbound’s new cartoon effects are on full display throughout the trailer.

Need for Speed Unbound gameplay trailer

Embedded above, the new Need for Speed Unbound gameplay trailer showcases how Speed Races generally place out. The featured car is a custom Mercedes 190 E with a two-tone black and white paint job.

Before starting the race, a rival can be selected. Players bet that they can beat the rival during the race. Successfully placing above them grants the bet reward.

The player makes use of plenty of jumps, which sees cartoon wings spring out of the sides of the car. Drifts see cartoon smoke erupt from the tires, while quick acceleration makes the lights streak out.

If those cartoon effects aren’t to your liking, they can be toned down or completely disabled.

Need for Speed Unbound launches on December 2 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The PS5 version features 60 FPS, 4K, and haptic feedback through the DualSense controller.

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Need for Speed Unbound PS5 Features Include 60 FPS, 4K, and Haptic Feedback

Rebecca Smith — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 21:55:42 +0000

The Need for Speed Unbound PS5 features will include console specifics like haptic feedback on the DualSense controller and more generic new-gen console aspects like 60 FPS and 4K resolution. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t seem to be fully using all of the console’s characteristics, as DualSense Adaptive Triggers are just one of the features that don’t seem to be on the list.

What are the Need for Speed Unbound PS5 features?

Need for Speed Unbound has a unique graffiti-inspired art style that will be presented in 4K resolution, a 60 FPS framerate, and 60 Hz simulation rate. Thanks to the console’s CPU power, there will also be more cars on the road and more pedestrians to avoid. This allows for a more in-depth car handling model too, meant to give players “an intuitive driving experience”.

3D audio promises to bring the world to life where players can “hear the roar of the engine bounce back off the walls of the city’s tallest buildings”. The game’s soundtrack will feature artists like A$AP Rocky and AWGE, although the car noises promise to be heard over the music. Finally, Haptic Feedback from the DualSense controller will let players feel every road surface, collision, and spin out on their journey to reach The Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge.

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Need for Speed Unbound’s Cartoon Driving Effects Can Be Turned Off

Mack Ashworth — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:10:50 +0000

New Need for Speed Unbound gameplay has been shared, showcasing the game’s combination of realistic graphics with cel-shaded effects. This style is a first for the series and undoubtedly makes it stand out from the crowd. For those who want to be more subtle, however, the driving effects can be disabled.

Need for Speed Unbound driving effects customization

Yes, you can turn the effects off. In fact, you can choose to never put them on in the first place. Just like any other part of a car

— Need for Speed (@NeedforSpeed) October 11, 2022

The ability to disable driving effects was confirmed by the official Need for Speed Twitter account as a reply to the original tweet showcasing the new visual feature.

That 60 FPS gameplay isn’t exclusive to PC, either, with both the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S targeting that smooth frame rate. That jittery 30 FPS has been left in the dust, along with the last generation of consoles.

While the new NFS gameplay trailer includes many different cars, it only scratches the surface of the 140+ featured in the full game for release. What’s more, each of those cars will have its own customization options, including driving effects.

Though a gameplay trailer is nice, nothing beats getting the game in your own hands. Thankfully, players don’t have to wait long, as Need for Speed Unbound is set to launch on December 2 only for current-gen consoles and PC.

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Here’s the full Need for Speed Unbound Car List

Zarmena Khan — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:11:58 +0000

Electronic Arts has revealed the full list of over 140 Need for Speed Unbound cars that players can take for a spin. The publisher didn’t say if the entire list will be available at launch or there will be a staggered release, but some notable omissions from the list suggest that cars may be added/updated on an ongoing basis. There are no Toyotas or Audis in the list, for example. Nevertheless, it’s a pretty chunky lineup so players won’t be short of rides here.

All Need for Speed Unbound cars announced so far

Acura NSX 2017
Acura RSX-S 2004
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2016
Aston Martin DB5 1964
Aston Martin DB11 Volante 2018
Aston Martin DB11 2017
Aston Martin Vulcan 2016
BMW M3 2006
BMW M3 Evolution II 1988
BMW X6 M 2016
BMW M3 2010
BMW M5 2018
BMW Z4 M40i 2019
BMW M4 Coupe 2018
BMW M2 Competition 2019
BMW M1 1981
BMW i8 Coupe 2018
BMW M4 GTS 2016
BMW M3 Convertible 2010
BMW M4 Convertible 2017
BMW i8 Roadster 2018
Bugatti Chiron Sport 2017
Buick Grand National GNX 1987
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2020
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible 2020
Chevrolet C10 Stepside Pickup 1965
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport 2017
Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2014
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2013
Chevrolet Camaro SS 1967
Chevrolet Bel Air 1955
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 2019
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 2017
Dodge Challenger SRT8 2014
Dodge Charger R/T 1969
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 2019
Ferrari LaFerrari 2016
Ferrari Testarossa Coupé 1984
Ferrari 488 GTB 2016
Ferrari F40 1988
Ferrari 458 Italia 2009
Ferrari 488 Pista 2019
Ferrari FXX-K Evo 2018
Ferrari 458 Spider 2011
Ford F-150 Raptor 2017
Ford Mustang GT 2015
Ford GT 2017
Ford Mustang BOSS 302 1969
Ford Mustang 1965
Ford Mustang Foxbody 1990
Ford Crown Victoria 2008
Ford Focus RS 2016
Ford Mustang GT Convertible 2019
Honda Civic Type-R 2000
Honda Civic Type-R 2015
Honda NSX Type-R 1992
Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition 2009
Infiniti Q60S 2017
Jaguar F-Type R Coupe 2016
Jaguar F-Type R Convertible 2019
Koenigsegg Regera 2016
Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 2021
Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 2018
Lamborghini Aventador S 2018
Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary 1989
Lamborghini Murciélago SV 2010
Lamborghini Urus 2018
Lamborghini Huracán Performante 2018
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Coupe 2019
Lamborghini Diablo SV 1995
Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 Spyder 2018
Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster 2018
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster 2019
Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV Roadster 2018
Lamborghini Huracán Performante Spyder 2018
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR 2015
Land Rover Defender 110 Double Cab Pickup 2015
Lotus Exige S 2006
Lotus Emira 2021
Mazda RX-7 Spirit R 2002
Mazda MX5 1996
Mazda RX-8 Spirit R (R3) 2011
Mazda MX5 2015
McLaren P1 2014
McLaren F1 1993
McLaren 570S 2015
McLaren 570S Spider 2018
McLaren 600LT 2018
McLaren P1 GTR 2015
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 1988
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe 2018
Mercedes-AMG G 63 2017
Mercedes-AMG GT S 2019
Mercedes-AMG A 45 2016
Mercedes-AMG GT R 2017
Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster 2019
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet 2018
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series 2021
Mercury Cougar 1967
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman 2017
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX 2007
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X 2008
Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1999
NISSAN GT-R Premium 2017
NISSAN Skyline GT-R V·Spec 1999
NISSAN 370Z Heritage Edition 2019
NISSAN Silvia K’s 1998
NISSAN Z Prototype 2022
NISSAN Silvia Spec-R Aero 2002
NISSAN Skyline GT-R V·Spec 1993
NISSAN 350Z 2008
NISSAN Skyline 2000 GT-R 1971
NISSAN Fairlady 240ZG 1971
NISSAN 180SX Type X 1996
NISSAN 370Z Nismo 2015
NISSAN GT-R Nismo 2017
Pagani Huayra BC 2017
Plymouth Cuda 1970
Polestar Polestar 1 2020
Pontiac Firebird 1977
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2019
Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 1973
Porsche 918 Spyder 2015
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 2018
Porsche 911 Carrera S 1997
Porsche 911 GT2 RS 2018
Porsche Panamera Turbo 2017
Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series 2018
Porsche Boxster 718 Spyder 2020
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2018
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet Exclusive 2018
Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS 2018
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Convertible 2018
Porsche Cayman GT4 2015
SRT Viper GTS 2014
SUBARU Impreza WRX STI 2006
SUBARU BRZ Premium 2014
SUBARU Impreza WRX STI 2010
Volkswagen Beetle 1963
Volkswagen Golf GTI 1976
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2016
Volvo 242DL 1975
Volvo Amazon P130 1970

Which car are you hopping into first, complete in an anime art style?

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Need for Speed Unbound Targets 60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

Mack Ashworth — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:54:40 +0000

While the game’s 30 FPS reveal trailer may have left some fans worried, developer Criterion has confirmed that Need for Speed Unbound will run at 60 FPS on current-gen consoles. That means those playing on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S won’t have to deal with the subpar experience that comes with a not-so-smooth 30 FPS.

Need for Speed Unbound 60 FPS for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles

Having left the previous generation of consoles in the dust, Need for Speed Unbound is running at 60 FPS on consoles, meaning a super smooth presentation as well as faster response times. These are the advantages that keen racing game fans hope for, so it’s good news that NFS has broken free of 30 FPS with Unbound.

Speaking to IGN, the game’s creative director Kieran Crimmins confirmed that Unbound targets 60 FPS at a resolution of 4K (likely using dynamic resolution tech, but that isn’t yet confirmed). What’s more, the Frostbite Engine’s physics running at 60 FPS will offer “more control and nuance to…the physical movement of the cars.”

With past Need for Speed games opting for 30 FPS when the majority of its competitors were pushing 60 FPS, it’s fantastic to see Unbound adopting what has become the industry standard.

Need for Speed Unbound is set to launch on December 2.

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