User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 278 Ratings

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  1. Aug 23, 2023
    9
    Game in "Vol4" really nice finally. Added races with cops in online-mode what can be hard at some times, but its a nice challenge. Best trackperformance is reachable with shifting. Multiple cars for best "Metabuilds". Finally good usable car like "Mercedes 2.5 l A$AP Rocky Hero Car" for B, A, A+. Good youtube content for best builds if you search. Highlightet events and Races forGame in "Vol4" really nice finally. Added races with cops in online-mode what can be hard at some times, but its a nice challenge. Best trackperformance is reachable with shifting. Multiple cars for best "Metabuilds". Finally good usable car like "Mercedes 2.5 l A$AP Rocky Hero Car" for B, A, A+. Good youtube content for best builds if you search. Highlightet events and Races for extra-money and XP. Porsche-Event for 75year annivisary are a bit boring. Sure the cartoon-like theme is nothing for everyone, but if you enjoy arcade racing games this is actually a nice game. There are a lot of optical and technical tuning options for your favourite playstyle. Expand
  2. Aug 15, 2023
    9
    This game is fun as hell, driving mechanic is insanly good when you give it a try and learn it. I just wish there was less police and endgame give us custom race mode.
  3. Jul 23, 2023
    8
    Чесно говоря уже надоело хейтить нфс.
    Если не смотреть через призму ностальгии по старым играм серии, то это вполне годный продукт. Убирем шильдик с надписью нфс и это как минимум 7/10
    Ненависть, которую испытывают к некоторым эффектам, на самом деле не сильно мешает во время гонок и не отвлекает от вождения. Относительно персонажей, они стали более мультяшными, что мне, кажется,
    Чесно говоря уже надоело хейтить нфс.
    Если не смотреть через призму ностальгии по старым играм серии, то это вполне годный продукт. Убирем шильдик с надписью нфс и это как минимум 7/10
    Ненависть, которую испытывают к некоторым эффектам, на самом деле не сильно мешает во время гонок и не отвлекает от вождения. Относительно персонажей, они стали более мультяшными, что мне, кажется, несущественно, так как они появляются только в катсценах, и не должны сильно влиять на впечатление игрока. Возможно, это не понравится ярым фанатам, но я не считаю это особо важным.. Ну а физика... да она отстойная, да к ней можно привикнуть но это не отменяет того что она ужасная, её нужно срочно менять, эта срань находится с 15 года у самой популярной гоночной франшизи. И графика очень достойная принципе в нфс не было проблем с ней. Сюжет принципе прикольный, не бесячий даже интригующий.
    Если оставить в названии игры только unbound то на неё небыло би столько хейта, нужно уже отпустить когда-то культовые игры серии и принять ту которая она есть сейчас.
    Expand
  4. Jul 4, 2023
    8
    This is arguably the best game of the series I've played since NFS Most Wanted. Music, clothes, car customizations, thoughtful references, a normal story and a perfect game with the logic of making money and protecting it, which keeps you awake in the game. If you are not familiar with hip-hop culture, it may be an extra, but for once in your life, there is music about the hip-hop spiritThis is arguably the best game of the series I've played since NFS Most Wanted. Music, clothes, car customizations, thoughtful references, a normal story and a perfect game with the logic of making money and protecting it, which keeps you awake in the game. If you are not familiar with hip-hop culture, it may be an extra, but for once in your life, there is music about the hip-hop spirit even if you consume dance, film, writing, it will surely find something to catch you. Expand
  5. Jun 20, 2023
    10
    Good Game! 10/10, better than the previous part. I like it. but got it at a discount.
  6. Jun 9, 2023
    8
    I like the Cartoon-style Graffiti overlay visuals. The controls are a bit stiff and feel awkward at the beginning but it's something I got used to. Other than that it's what I would expect from a Need for Speed game. Cops chasing you and racing. Solid game with nice graphics, sounds, and music (that one is a matter of taste though).
  7. May 25, 2023
    10
    Need for speed unbound is a really great game for the PC. There was of course some optimization issues and bug issues but during the time when they released volume to those problems happen solved and it seems like they’re going to continue to make the game better, but as for the game itself, I think the story is pretty hilarious and the physics are definitely OK. I actually do like but INeed for speed unbound is a really great game for the PC. There was of course some optimization issues and bug issues but during the time when they released volume to those problems happen solved and it seems like they’re going to continue to make the game better, but as for the game itself, I think the story is pretty hilarious and the physics are definitely OK. I actually do like but I have to grip my car and follow the lines instead of the need for speed heat tradition break to drift that ghost games has been using sense need for speed hot pursuit 2010. There are definitely lots of improvements compared to heat but that’s for the game sense right now it’s definitely better than heat if you kind of put it as a overall so yeah it’s a good game. You should check it out. If you have EA play pro or use it with a discount key website. Expand
  8. May 11, 2023
    8
    Its my second entry to need for speed series since "Need for speed Most wanted".
    First this game has no crazy story or characters.
    The fact what makes this game good is: 1. The Visual Style 2. The Street Racing experience I Really enjoyed playing "Need for Speed Unbound".. But this game had major starting problems (At the start later on it was fine) i don't know why this happened but
    Its my second entry to need for speed series since "Need for speed Most wanted".
    First this game has no crazy story or characters.
    The fact what makes this game good is:
    1. The Visual Style
    2. The Street Racing experience
    I Really enjoyed playing "Need for Speed Unbound".. But this game had major starting problems (At the start later on it was fine) i don't know why this happened but after 1-2 hours playtime the starting problems weren't there.
    I would recommend this game to Old Need for Speed players (NFS Underground, NFS Most wanted ect.).
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  9. Feb 21, 2023
    9
    So, after some month there happend a Review Bombing to Unbound -> :-( That's SAD.
    That said, I 've to say YES, this is NO FORZA-Killer, but the first NFS with good graphics, fun driving-modell, nice tuning options and NO Rubber banding since a while. For me personally NFS, was more or less dead since some years. I hate this rubber banding effect. Even though this is an arcade-racer, this
    So, after some month there happend a Review Bombing to Unbound -> :-( That's SAD.
    That said, I 've to say YES, this is NO FORZA-Killer, but the first NFS with good graphics, fun driving-modell, nice tuning options and NO Rubber banding since a while. For me personally NFS, was more or less dead since some years. I hate this rubber banding effect. Even though this is an arcade-racer, this is for me a no-go. But Unbound -> I played the story through now. The price has already dropped, and the 20-30 bucks is worth it. The Multiplayer lacks a Lot of Options, but you always can make some quick races and that's also OK. Maybe, there comes an update, but who knows. Anyway, for me it's a 9/10, 'cause I played the last weeks every day -> and that what counts for me....to have fun !
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  10. Jan 29, 2023
    8
    Неплохая игра, заставляет тебя напрячься при прохождении. Вполне играбельно.
  11. Jan 25, 2023
    9
    TLDR review without spoilers: this game is a better need for speed heat pretty much like carbon is for mw05 and i know im gonna probably get hate on this review for that or a hot take but im not much of a fan of the old most wanted

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZXLgEErwiu-RsXIdjE-XE1GzB3eDNQBFCeIjiuNv2uA/edit?usp=sharing full review / (the review was too big for metacrtic and
    TLDR review without spoilers: this game is a better need for speed heat pretty much like carbon is for mw05 and i know im gonna probably get hate on this review for that or a hot take but im not much of a fan of the old most wanted

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZXLgEErwiu-RsXIdjE-XE1GzB3eDNQBFCeIjiuNv2uA/edit?usp=sharing
    full review /
    (the review was too big for metacrtic and I'm not shortening it sorry)
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  12. Jan 21, 2023
    9
    Top game, top game in 2022, top race game in the world, I love you, I’m asap rocky
  13. Jan 14, 2023
    10
    Незаслуженно мало ей ставят, друг дал погонять на акке, мне понравилось, те,кто порвались из-за мультиков прошу засунуть фотореалистичный хуй в глаза
  14. Jan 7, 2023
    10
    I hate how everyone review bombs, meaning this turns into rotten tomatoes but with the score pulled down by people who review legitimately (for good games at least).

    Game's a solid 8/10.
  15. Jan 3, 2023
    10
    Es ist ein sehr sehr guter Schritt in die richtige Richtung, die letzten Teile seit Most Wanted U waren grausam schlecht hier macht es endlich wieder Spaß zu driften, Geld zu sammeln und das Fahrgefühl ist sehr gut. Meiner Meinung nach sollte ein Nfs Teil jedoch neben den Rennen natürlich auch den Fokus auf epischen Polizeiverfolgungen legen das klappt hier nicht sehr gut man crasht vielEs ist ein sehr sehr guter Schritt in die richtige Richtung, die letzten Teile seit Most Wanted U waren grausam schlecht hier macht es endlich wieder Spaß zu driften, Geld zu sammeln und das Fahrgefühl ist sehr gut. Meiner Meinung nach sollte ein Nfs Teil jedoch neben den Rennen natürlich auch den Fokus auf epischen Polizeiverfolgungen legen das klappt hier nicht sehr gut man crasht viel zu schnell man nehme sich doch ein Beispiel an Most Wantet U das war ein Perfektes Spiel aber gute Arbeit!(Wäre cool diese Animeanimationen ausschalten zu können) Expand
  16. Dec 31, 2022
    8
    Nach langer Zeit mal wieder ein guter Arcade Racer im Need for Speed Dress.
    Insgesamt schwächen im Tuning, Fahrphysik und Events allerdings trotzdem Spaßig. Immer gerne bereit für ein bessere Version 2.0 davon :)
  17. Dec 29, 2022
    8
    Oh my god ! A last an old style NFS.
    I am a player of old NFS has Wost Wanted PS2, Underground and Hot Pursuit 2 both on Nintendo Gamecube. I played sometimes on Rival PC but it is very limited in comparison with Most Wanted PS2. The best in my gamer soul. And then we are here today with NFS Unbound. It's a banger !! I am returned in my infancy and it's very cool. The bad point is that.
    Oh my god ! A last an old style NFS.
    I am a player of old NFS has Wost Wanted PS2, Underground and Hot Pursuit 2 both on Nintendo Gamecube. I played sometimes on Rival PC but it is very limited in comparison with Most Wanted PS2. The best in my gamer soul. And then we are here today with NFS Unbound. It's a banger !! I am returned in my infancy and it's very cool. The bad point is that. The nostalgia is here and Vidéo games companies make money with this trick but very cool in it.It deserves a good mark because the games is fun and speed and of cause because Most Wanted PS2 was a very good games, it seems to me.

    A brand new fan. :)
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  18. Dec 25, 2022
    10
    The only thing i don't like is drift physics. Grip physics isn't bad. Overall it's a good new NFS.
  19. Dec 23, 2022
    8
    Really can't complain. Runs reliably. The story is short but intense. Of course you need to be into the cars you can buy. If you want an R8, well tough luck :( I had fun, 8 points
  20. Dec 22, 2022
    10
    This nfs and heat is so far the best nfs series. You are on the right way, don't listen to the haters, they are casual players or people who don't have an open mind. The only thing I want to wish not to listen to these reviews, and make the game even harder in the future, so far this is the hardest NFS. I'm sure the reviews are written by people who have only played NFS Most Wanted. I hopeThis nfs and heat is so far the best nfs series. You are on the right way, don't listen to the haters, they are casual players or people who don't have an open mind. The only thing I want to wish not to listen to these reviews, and make the game even harder in the future, so far this is the hardest NFS. I'm sure the reviews are written by people who have only played NFS Most Wanted. I hope you will be more of a punk and do as it is deemed necessary and of course make the game even harder, it will be played for the sake of competition and the next 10 years or more. Expand
  21. Dec 17, 2022
    9
    Русский через VPN :3, Ладненько надо написать честный отзыв о игре, очень сильно хотелось.
    Я рад что Criterion games вернулись, они умеют делать настоящий NFS, Да Ghost Games сделали прекрасный NFS 2015, кроме физики... Краткий рассказ о игре, а затем подробно распишу о геймплее, это Heat от Criterion точка. Физика стала приятнее, но это всё же кривой с ошибками Frostbite, честно кататься
    Русский через VPN :3, Ладненько надо написать честный отзыв о игре, очень сильно хотелось.
    Я рад что Criterion games вернулись, они умеют делать настоящий NFS, Да Ghost Games сделали прекрасный NFS 2015, кроме физики... Краткий рассказ о игре, а затем подробно распишу о геймплее, это Heat от Criterion точка. Физика стала приятнее, но это всё же кривой с ошибками Frostbite, честно кататься и участвовать в гонках понравилось, всё же Criterion в этом очень сильны, но вот с шинами для дрифта очень сильно ошиблись, DRIFT в игре не приятный, даже в Heat DRIFT был приятнее, могли бы и подсмотреть у ребят из Project UNITE, как сделать так чтоб машины скользили и перекладывались с одного бока на другой приятно, чтоб дрифтинг был в удовольствие, а не в борьбу чтоб заставить 1000 сильную машину на скорости 140, хоть как то начать скользить... Ладно теперь по пунктам!
    1. Отремонтировать сглаживание FXAA, чтоб оно сглаживало только разметку и заморы, не более. игра прекрасно выглядит без сглаживания, а TAA всё в мыло превращает.
    2. Изменить DRIFT шины чтоб на них можно было бесконечно дрифтовать как в Formula DRIFT, подсмотрите как это сделали Project UNITE в Heat, Payback, 2015. Да с копами не погонять но зато в ONLINE будет приятно проводить время с друзьями.
    3. Добавить в ONLINE дрифт заезды. Динамическую смену дня и ночи на сервера. Режимы с полицией (чтоб было видно время погони и количество нанесённого ущерба полиции). Speedlist чтоб видеть своё лучшее время на трассе и рекорды друзей.
    4. Ползунки настройки тонкого управления, прижимная сила, грип, дрифт, чувствительность, по поводу прижимной силы, хотелось бы видеть хотя бы какие то цифры от изменения, пример: 1 щелчок вправо 10 на передние колёса 10 на задние, еще два щелчка 12 на 12, а то такое ощущение что в промежутке 10 на 12 и это не как не определить, кроме что на ощущение.
    5. Музыка хорошая для сюжета, но не для онлайна, решается путём включения своей музыки.
    6. Аниме персонажи интересные, люди в мире видны благодаря этому.
    7. Эффекты на машинах кто бы что не говорил, огонь, спасибо серому дыму который убирает крылья и смайлы.
    8. Хотелось бы видеть больше обвесов и передних и задних фонарей от Blackbox
    9. Подсветка почему не настраивается по RGB, один цвет есть, но нет его пульсации, хотелось бы менять цвет и пульсацию по своему желанию.
    10. Должно быть два разных NFS один про улицу на дешевых и старых тюнингованных машинах, другой как hot pursuit про экзотику.
    11. Больше маршрутов для гонок, например по краю вокруг всей карты, ну и.т.д
    12. Сюжет и соперники... в классе B, A, одинаковые соперники не приятно у персонажей хоть бы машины менялись, Noise bomb 350Z в классе B, A, A+, S, S+ .... это уже просто больно наблюдать. В гонках с низким заработком могли бы быть рандомные не сюжетные гонщики на рандомном тюнинге с обтяжками от сообщества.
    13. Ну и на последок красный шлейф от фар, просто любовь.
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  22. Dec 16, 2022
    9
    It should be clear that Need for Speed Unbound is a strong rebound for the Need for Speed series. Hopefully the series will build on Unbound.
  23. Dec 14, 2022
    9
    This is a very refreshing take on the Need For Speed formula per say, and is the first NFS game in a while that captures all the reasons I started playing these games in the first place. That being said, this game is definitely not for everyone. Though it feels like a NFS game under the hood, the changes it makes in it's style and progression can make it feel like a drastically differentThis is a very refreshing take on the Need For Speed formula per say, and is the first NFS game in a while that captures all the reasons I started playing these games in the first place. That being said, this game is definitely not for everyone. Though it feels like a NFS game under the hood, the changes it makes in it's style and progression can make it feel like a drastically different game, for better and for worse.

    Pros:
    - The art style is truly unique, a nice blend of realism and graffiti/graphic novel's.

    - The racing feels nice and many of the low points in a race is made interesting through various graffiti style graphics (which can be toned down in settings in case your photosensitive) and nice use of camera shake and field of view.

    - You have a fairly large range of control over how the cars handle, similar to heat but integrated better. Some of this control is achieved through upgrades, some in a "live tuning" menu, while others are in the game's settings.

    - The cops offer a lot of pressure while your racing, trying to get to a safehouse to bank in your earnings, or even roaming the city. They can feel intense at first, but it's fairly easy to shake them at lower heat levels. Your heat only ever truly rises from completing races as well, and though it can go up one level during a chase, it goes back down after escaping them. Challenging but never feels unfair.

    Cons:
    - The story is a tad bit generic, or rather, it's very predictable. Outside of one not so surprising twist, it kinda just... exists, and dialogue isn't much worth listening to either (though definitely not as distracting as it is in heat). If you're looking for a deep and immersive story, this ain't the racing game for you.

    - Though I enjoyed them, I also recognize that the graphics can be a bit distracting for some players, between the different art styles and the frequent flashes and popups of different graphics.

    - At the beginning racing can feel slow and the pressure of the cops makes earning any significant amount of money a challenge. Though the pacing of the game definitely has this in mind, it can still feel frustrating during those first few days.
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  24. Dec 14, 2022
    10
    Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooopoooooooooooooooooood
  25. Dec 13, 2022
    10
    Best NFS game in a over a decade, hands down. As someone who lives in NYC, this game feels like it was heavily inspired by it. A$AP Rocky's inclusion, the soundtrack's mix of different languages, and the graffiti art style, feel like a love letter to the car scene that exists here.

    The world is well crafted with a sizable city, twisty mountain roads, and highways. It feels alive with
    Best NFS game in a over a decade, hands down. As someone who lives in NYC, this game feels like it was heavily inspired by it. A$AP Rocky's inclusion, the soundtrack's mix of different languages, and the graffiti art style, feel like a love letter to the car scene that exists here.

    The world is well crafted with a sizable city, twisty mountain roads, and highways. It feels alive with pedestrians on the sidewalks and good traffic density.

    Single player progression is the best of any modern racer, as it makes you race hard to earn money to buy new cars. You have to choose how to spend your money wisely, and the increasing presence of cops as you complete races adds to the tension. It doesn't hand out freebies and every car feels special. The AI is very competitive, it actually feels rewarding to race against them. The story writing is not Shakespearean, but it gets the job done, and is pretty funny if you don't take it seriously.

    The handling feels fun and fresh, a massive improvement over Heat. You can tune your car towards drift or grip and both styles are competitive. There is lots of depth to the handling, with things like drivetrain layout and weight distribution giving each car a different feel. The addition of a new nitrous type, and slipstreaming, both add extra layers of strategy to the race. Even as someone who usually races on simulators like Assetto Corsa and iRacing, I find Unbound extremely fun and enjoyable to play.

    The car list is mostly a carry over from Heat. I would've liked to see more new cars, but what we have is excellent and covers a wide base from American, JDM, and Euro. Of course, the amount of customization possible is simply unmatched, and it really feels like a quality over quantity approach.

    Multiplayer is fun but needs improvement. The lobby system is outdated, we need matchmaking and more variety in races. Still, once you find a lobby that's willing to race, it provides endless amounts of fun due to its class system which allows you to experiment with all different types of car builds. Seeing what cars work best in which classes, whether they respond better to grip or drift, choosing to sacrifice handling in exchange for power, etc. Challenges to unlock cars give it a nice sense of progression and it feels satisfying working towards them. It also allows you to create your own personal profile which is a nice touch that adds an extra bit of personality we just don't see in games anymore.

    PC performance is excellent, 70-100 fps on 4k Ultra with DLSS Quality on a RTX 3080, very smooth frametimes. After a week 1 patch, no crashes at all.

    Overall, this game is the Underground 3 that I have been waiting for all this time. The core gameplay loop of racing and modifying combined with the excellent vibes, elevates this to a top-tier NFS title in my eyes. Thank you Criterion. I hope you can continue to support this game as a live service and I am looking forward to the next one.
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  26. Dec 11, 2022
    8
    good gameplay good story good customization of vehicles and customization of pardons something to improve is the brake to drift but besides that a 7.5
  27. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    I just registered here, to leave my opinion. I'm so called veteran of the NFS series, my first game was "Porche unleashed". My opinion that this is the best NFS game ever made. Great adrenaline gameplay, street racing atmosphere, good AI, this game has many interesting mechanics (race management, heat control, rivals u t.d) This game is challenging, some races ends with your scream inI just registered here, to leave my opinion. I'm so called veteran of the NFS series, my first game was "Porche unleashed". My opinion that this is the best NFS game ever made. Great adrenaline gameplay, street racing atmosphere, good AI, this game has many interesting mechanics (race management, heat control, rivals u t.d) This game is challenging, some races ends with your scream in finish line. Every racing events brings you emotions. Cool idea with cellshading in game. It's looks original and looks like street art. Good combination of street racing,street art and hip-hop . Game looks fresh and original, great idea. Cool looking city, city looks more alive and has more interesting logistics than in Heat. Awesome job Criterion. P.S. I think all the comments about NFS Heat supremacy is "Ghost studios" workers comments =D Unbound is better in every way than Heat. Expand
  28. Dec 10, 2022
    8
    This isn't perfect but this is the first need for speed since Carbon & most wanted that I've truly enjoyed. It's feels like most wanted 2. The heat system is a little jank. Like I don't see why we should get heat after ever race even if police didn't see anyone racing. It can sometimes feel grindy but it actually makes you think about your next race. But let's talk about the style, IThis isn't perfect but this is the first need for speed since Carbon & most wanted that I've truly enjoyed. It's feels like most wanted 2. The heat system is a little jank. Like I don't see why we should get heat after ever race even if police didn't see anyone racing. It can sometimes feel grindy but it actually makes you think about your next race. But let's talk about the style, I honestly thought it looked trash watching gameplay and fully intended to turn it all off but it just feels right when your playing it actually make the game look amazing at night I find myself actually trying to drift now because that smoke mixed with thr blue and red lights hitting that perfect drift feel epic. Obviously 5his isn't a sim racer if you are looking for that then go somewhere else need for speed has never cared about being realistic. Welcome back NFS you wasn't missed but dam it's nice to see you back again Expand
  29. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    played NFS series since NFS-3, back to the last century lol.
    This one, NFS Unbound, is the best in the last decade, personally.
    Intense gameplay experience, great graphics, +anime style.
    Great, it's just great.
  30. Dec 8, 2022
    10
    Great game and a must buy, rlly enjoying the game i rlly suggest you take a trial its awesome!
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 21
  2. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Jan 11, 2023
    60
    Need for Speed Unbound is a beautiful street racing game that features a cool soundtrack and welcome cross-platform play, but frustrating car physics and CPU drivers sully the experience.
  2. Jan 3, 2023
    80
    Need for Speed Unbound is a solid comeback for the series, provided you can deal with some potential annoyances. The risk/reward system functions well in creating tension during all parts of a race, but the grind is an annoyance until you get better cars or parts for your initial ride. The presence of elements borrowed from other racing titles is done well enough, but the story can be a chore to sit through if you aren't already using this slang every day. Overall, Unbound is a solid racing title that should hopefully start bringing the series back to prominence.
  3. Edge Magazine
    Dec 29, 2022
    70
    Unbound is ultimately and encouraging statement of intent, demonstrating that Criterion is not afraid to tinker with established formula. [Issue#380, p.114]