Need for Speed Unbound

 PlayStation 5
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 587 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 318 out of 587
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 587
  3. Negative: 211 out of 587
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  1. Flyspeed
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Game is nice. I'm always glad that devs are trying to implement something new, and i hope that Criterion won't give up on the game like Ghost did on NFS Heat.
  2. lbruhManl
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    much better handling than a decade nfs games before, and people who complaining bout epileptic FX u can select default effect that has only cartoon smoke other thing r turned off
  3. therealhaden
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    More than just a mediocre NFS Heat upgrade. Drifting needs to be improved tho. Highly recommend.
  4. downtownriot
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    If you've loved arcade racers like Most Wanted 2005, Midnight Club LA, Burnout Paradise, Heat, then you'll likely love this game too. Frenetic 60fps racing fun in a beautiful big city that feels alive with plenty of traffic, pedestrians, and parked cars.
  5. leketin
    Jan 7, 2023
    9
    best nfs for me since Most Wanted

    Also the first one that was actually interesting enough to complete since 2010
  6. Mtvslime
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Crazy enough I have played every need for speed to date since the first and I have to say this is probably the best NFS since Underground 2. I mean visually, gameplay and all of course not every game is perfect it could always be better but it’s a hell of a start for us true need for speed fans. We are headed in the right direction after so many years of being let down!!!
  7. A3an_3
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    It is really nice to drive down a hill with 350 km / h in an online racer and the physics actually giving you a feeling of enough control to feel good and a loss at high speeds of feeling challenging.

    - The story is quite nice ( I really like the character development. Haven't expected that ) - The cars feel awesome and there are multiple tweaks you have to master - The character    It is really nice to drive down a hill with 350 km / h in an online racer and the physics actually giving you a feeling of enough control to feel good and a loss at high speeds of feeling challenging.

    - The story is quite nice ( I really like the character development. Haven't expected that )
    - The cars feel awesome and there are multiple tweaks you have to master
    - The character customization is a nice have
    - The effect bang! They give driving a whole other meaning

    Cons:

    - multiplayer NEEDS more stuff to do. But as it is labeled as Vol. 1 in the main menu, I have hopes they will add to it. Hopefully a season pass
    - The character customization is not satisfying because you can literally buy whatever you like from the beginning for $200. (They should have a different currency for outfits, I guess.

    In the end, I bought it digitally after the ea play test, and am very keen on playing this regularly.    … Expand
  8. Neo84x
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    For someone who has known and played this game series from the beginning, I can say that this part is by far the best NFS that has appeared in recent years. People always compare this part to the predecessor "Heat" which is also understandable, but "unbound" makes everything 2x better than in Heat. For me, this part of the NFS series is a reorientation and an absolute highlight. clearFor someone who has known and played this game series from the beginning, I can say that this part is by far the best NFS that has appeared in recent years. People always compare this part to the predecessor "Heat" which is also understandable, but "unbound" makes everything 2x better than in Heat. For me, this part of the NFS series is a reorientation and an absolute highlight. clear recommendation!!! I really hope that this time the game will get a nice long support from the developer PEACE… Expand
  9. Ixora
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    The grind for cash is fun and rewarding. Saving and planning sessions to tackle the most events and get the most cash and make it home without being overwhelmed by police is a lot of fun.

    This game is fun and all in all, it is quite enjoyable for me.
  10. GreenhouseSlk
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Far far better than forza lol even better than anything currently available on XBOTS
  11. YugoKaBoom
    Dec 4, 2022
    8
    Overall good game. I wish when your in the garage , when the game invite pops up for a race, I can't see the parts I'm buying and that gets annoying.
  12. Kingsixfive
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Really fun to play,i like the art syle and the gameplay is fun.I thought i won’t like the driving effects but i do love them when i started playing.
  13. Vic00q
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Very good game, i was just a bit disappointed with the photo mode being so simple but it's nothing major and could be fixed in the future
  14. kristian9993
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    I played it and it feels like a completely different game, it's not those dull NSF with terrible physics, it's something else. I like the effects here, but you usually don't notice them and get used to it in a couple of minutes of playing. As for me, this is the best nsf at the moment
  15. NikoRacing
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    This is by far the most fun I’ve had in a racing game in years. I found Heat to be very boring on gameplay making it not enjoyable. I like the extra neon, smoke effects reminds me of the days with Underground 1 & 2. Also this NFS sense of speed is exactly what I would like out of a racing game. Very much would recommend to anyone missing Underground series or tired of all the racing simsThis is by far the most fun I’ve had in a racing game in years. I found Heat to be very boring on gameplay making it not enjoyable. I like the extra neon, smoke effects reminds me of the days with Underground 1 & 2. Also this NFS sense of speed is exactly what I would like out of a racing game. Very much would recommend to anyone missing Underground series or tired of all the racing sims out right now. 10/10… Expand
  16. aaron_e_d
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    NFS Unbound perspective of an NFS fan:

    When I saw the trailers I really didn't like the new graphic style with the anime elements, I then tested the game via ea play and the longer I play the game the more I like the mix of anime and photorealism. Also, the music in this game is really well chosen, the feeling and thrill of street racing or being chased by the cops is just incredible    NFS Unbound perspective of an NFS fan:

    When I saw the trailers I really didn't like the new graphic style with the anime elements, I then tested the game via ea play and the longer I play the game the more I like the mix of anime and photorealism.
    Also, the music in this game is really well chosen, the feeling and thrill of street racing or being chased by the cops is just incredible and can absolutely compete with the best games in the franchise.
    For me, nfs unbound is the best arcade racer on the market right now, I can only recommend trying it out.    … Expand
  17. Javielo46
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Best nfs game since probably the last hot pursuit, it’s basically need for speed heat 2.0 but 100 times better they improved on every aspect of the game ,my favorite nfs game is nfs most wanted 2005 and this game brings my hopes back on the franchise, I hope they can keep going up from now on and improving. Thank god criterion is back they don’t miss.
  18. Vegard2048
    Dec 1, 2022
    9
    Just really fun. Great graphics. Unique art style. Cars are awesome. Soundtrack slaps. A better game than Forza Horizon 5 imo. Big surprise for sure but a great surprise.
  19. Sarpr
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Best game I have played in my life so far i love it and I hope EA will keep following this right track so we can enjoy more need for speed games like this ;)
  20. Gurru4488
    Dec 1, 2022
    9
    I am so happy that fun NFS game is back. Love the new art style. Racing during the rainy night with cops behind you and cool pumping soundtrack, it really got me. Car tuning is really nice and map is very well designed.
    NFS is back!
  21. Sevypay100
    Dec 1, 2022
    9
    If you like racing games like midnight club LA and many other arcade racing games you’ll love this game I believe it’s one of the best nfs games since 2005 has a great soundtrack and the graphics are really good on ps5 the dual sense controller makes it even a better experience give it at shot you won’t regret it
  22. Street_kid
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    I’ve only played 2 hours of it and I’m already enjoying it like from the days when I played nfs underground 1 n 2 and I have play every nfs game and it feels like I’m playing back in the old days but yeah all negative reviews are just forza kids coming to crap on a great game
  23. MightyPancake
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    Fun gameplay, incredible graphics, and some of the characters grow on you but the story and dialog is mostly cringe. Payouts are a little on the low side so it can feel like a grind at first but still an absolute blast to play.
  24. Badgeah
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    Underground 2 vibes while driving around
    Tough races
    Prostreet menu vibes
    Carbon combined with heat cop chases(but they are too easy sometime)
    Story is fun
    The game is really cool
  25. Emsii
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    I cannot explain how much I am in love with this game. Meanwhile it might not reach the level of the series greats, like infamous Most Wanted, it does follow the Most Wanted formula, which is catering to the current popculture. And it works just so good. The vibe and energy of cartoonish effects somehow fits in the streets of Lakeshore, not to mention the soundtrack, where some songs justI cannot explain how much I am in love with this game. Meanwhile it might not reach the level of the series greats, like infamous Most Wanted, it does follow the Most Wanted formula, which is catering to the current popculture. And it works just so good. The vibe and energy of cartoonish effects somehow fits in the streets of Lakeshore, not to mention the soundtrack, where some songs just create an "experience" during night time. Finally a great highlight for this series in a long time, that was waiting to happen with their last 2 games showcasing potential. I wonder if they can outdo themselves with the next game or maybe if they have plans for DLCs. I grew up with NFS games and I cannot explain the euphoria I'm feeling right now.… Expand
  26. ThighEnthusiast
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    I grew up with this series and watching it grow as big as it is now has been crazy. This game series has always revolved itself around what is popular in car and music culture, and this game is no different. Forza and Gran Turismo hand cars to you until you have a million cars, but Need For Speed gives you a personal connection to your car as you build it to be exactly what you want it toI grew up with this series and watching it grow as big as it is now has been crazy. This game series has always revolved itself around what is popular in car and music culture, and this game is no different. Forza and Gran Turismo hand cars to you until you have a million cars, but Need For Speed gives you a personal connection to your car as you build it to be exactly what you want it to be. Asap Rocky is the perfect spokesperson/cover person for this game as he embodies exactly what we need in the car community: acceptance. The multiplayer speed lists are extremely fun, the car customization is on another level, the story is great and although it's definitely targeted to people my age of 21 and younger, it's something that even the older NFS fans can truly enjoy. This is probably the best game purchase i have ever made and i want more NFS games to stay true to this identity of staying up-to-date with the car community through social media… Expand
  27. Jimmyg333
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    Takes everything that worked about Heat and improves it with that slick Burnout/Criterion feel that we've been missing from arcade racers all these years.
  28. rubenx3me
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    el juego es muy bueno, me trae de vuelta a las raíces de los nfs anteriores, pero sin perder y añadir mas modernidad al juego
  29. Sezhy
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    It's much more fun, Unbound brought more ways to customize several things that lacked that extra touch that makes all the difference, handling improved with weight and grip, the new mechanics in the races were welcome for me too, the city is more alive , the whole game is more alive now
  30. alexisramzam
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El juego es una completa maravilla visual, y en lo jugable es aún mejor, aun más si lo comparamos con entregas anteriores, la historia es más que cumplidora y te Incita a explorar los distintos modos de manejo, el agregado de poder correr con grip hace aún mejor la experiencia el manejo es diferente y después de que te adaptas a un set up resulta bastante agradable, en lo personal compre la palace edition solo por los días de juego anticipado pero no me arrepiento en lo absoluto de la compra, como todo, tiene sus detalles como que se desvíe el coche cuando utilizas el nitro en las curvas, y el tener que definir 1 sola pose de victoria lo hace parecer repetitivo, si se pudieran seleccionar varias para rotarlas sin necesidad de estar cambiándolas estaría Perfecto, y también estaría bien que te dejasen ir al garaje sin tener que avanzar en el ciclo de día/noche si lo que buscas es solo hacer alguna corrección en el auto o tu personaje, pero en general me encanto… Expand
  31. Gevorrrrgggg20
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Finally good nfs, I really enjoyed racing, new animation. Gameplay is very interesting.Especialy the map… Expand
  32. mrdriftman
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Amazing game from my experience. Customization is stunning, car list is amazing, and the map and graphics are beautiful! i highly recommend this game.

    my ratings:

    Graphics: 10/10
    Gameplay: 9.5/10
    Customization: 8/10
    Story: 8/10
    CarList 8.5/10
    Soundtrack: 8.5/10
    Artstyle 8.5/10
    Map: 10/10
    Police/Heat level system: 9.5/10
    Event Variety 9/10

    This game is a straight 10 for me.
  33. AgenteOrange
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Yeah, this is the best NFS since Hot Pursuit 2010, The Criterion Guys, has did a great job with this NFS
    The Campaign, yeah, its very simple, but its fine, 6,7/10
    The car customitation, have more options to custom your car, so yeah, its more complete than NFS Heat car customitation, The smoke effects, are very good (In my opinion LOL) This game its not perfect, yeah, but its MUCH    Yeah, this is the best NFS since Hot Pursuit 2010, The Criterion Guys, has did a great job with this NFS
    The Campaign, yeah, its very simple, but its fine, 6,7/10
    The car customitation, have more options to custom your car, so yeah, its more complete than NFS Heat car customitation,
    The smoke effects, are very good (In my opinion LOL)
    This game its not perfect, yeah, but its MUCH BETTER, than NFS Heat,
    10/10
    ,    … Expand
  34. Speed971
    Dec 2, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best After most wanted et underground. The best performance. The good racing games… Expand
  35. ada-
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    best need for speed in years since need for speed underground 1 and 2, finally a great need for speed game!
  36. Lrig0
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    Race is enjoyable, has adding so much stuff in story mode compared to nfs heat. Graphics feels more polished.
  37. outlawblue1
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Probably the most fun I’ve had playing a Need For Speed game in over a decade!
  38. l33tshinobi
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    This is the best Need For Speed has felt and played since the golden era of the series back in the early 00s.

    Pros: -Very adjustable and friendly handling model -Fantastic visuals -Solid customization -Great map -Feels like the developers are listening to the community, and have a roadmap for DLC Cons -Online is a bit bare at the moment -Cops feel a bit easy -Gameplay loop    This is the best Need For Speed has felt and played since the golden era of the series back in the early 00s.

    Pros:
    -Very adjustable and friendly handling model
    -Fantastic visuals
    -Solid customization
    -Great map
    -Feels like the developers are listening to the community, and have a roadmap for DLC

    Cons
    -Online is a bit bare at the moment
    -Cops feel a bit easy
    -Gameplay loop can be a bit confusing at first
    -Soundtrack may not be for everyone

    If you're a fan of the series, or ever had an interest, Unbound is a fantastic entry and is definitely worth playing.    … Expand
  39. Ventisca
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    Fun gameplay and a great improvement from heat not to mention the change in style have helped set this NFS apart from the others
  40. Pottis_
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    Might not be the perfect game, but easily the best NFS we've had in the last almost 10 years now. Very good visuals, very good handling (except for light rear engine cars, they have fishtailing problems that I hope get fixed later down the line), decent progression, excellent customization, but lackluster multiplayer. Looking forward to the live service they'll provide.
  41. Stripesbynw
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    initially I was turned off by the stylized aesthetic of this game but after playing, I quickly became fond of it. I don't think NFS Unbound is better than Forza or Gran Turismo but it's different and that's a good thing. It's just a really fun arcade style racer.
  42. Chody
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    While it may look a bit much from images, rest assured its a classic Need For Speed and the visuals enhance it to make it better. The sense of progression, the risk and reward play-style, the thrill of running and hiding from the cops, it's all Need For Speed at its best. Visually astounding, the customization of the cars are absolutely astounding. No bugs, glitches, or issues with thisWhile it may look a bit much from images, rest assured its a classic Need For Speed and the visuals enhance it to make it better. The sense of progression, the risk and reward play-style, the thrill of running and hiding from the cops, it's all Need For Speed at its best. Visually astounding, the customization of the cars are absolutely astounding. No bugs, glitches, or issues with this game at all. Also, multiplayer pretty fun. Not 10/10 only because the story dialogue is very cringy, and the multiplayer only has 4 for co-op. However, they might fix the latter issue later. Will edit if they do.… Expand
  43. ShimizuDr
    Dec 4, 2022
    8
    I m a big NFS FAN from childhood the Nfs unbound came with new things Anime amazing storyline and hands off to criterion awesome comeback for Nfs ... I hope they add more dlc here in NFS UNBOUND.....
  44. jeffersonsr77
    Dec 4, 2022
    10
    Gostei do mapa e dos carros, só não gostei desses efeitos de animes e principalmente essa jogabilidade que é a mesma desde o need for Speed 2015!! Se vcs pelo menos voltassem com a Jogabilidade parecida com a do NFS 2 Ou Most Wanted 2005 iria ser incrível
  45. Gantel
    Dec 4, 2022
    9
    Uno de los mejores need for speed sino el mejor en cuanto los últimos 10 años carros balanceados diferentes estructuras de manejo para tu coche como desafíos más desafiantes y difíciles que te pondrán a prueba
  46. Klazaep
    Dec 7, 2022
    10
    The games awesome totally the must buy from 2022, God of war and nfs has the games of the year
  47. Notactic0_0
    May 14, 2023
    10
    Best NFS until now. Not a big fan of too much cartooning, but it is acceptable
  48. Ruzaky
    Mar 19, 2023
    8
    Very good racing arcade racing game. Even better NFS game. Enjoyed getting platinum in it. Now waiting new NFS game since like 10 years feels wierd :)
  49. Andb
    Jun 14, 2023
    10
    NFS unbound é muito bom, traz tudo do universo e ainda mais. Com relação ao anterior Heat tem apenas uma leva aparência gráfica porém o Unbaund é muito superior e a jogabilidade melhorou muito. 10/10.
  50. Hardkov
    Feb 23, 2023
    8
    one of the best NFS I've ever played, I don't understand why there are so many toxic reviews, the game is not perfect, but anyone who loves racing should try it, when I read negative reviews, I get the impression that people played it on YouTube, well, you get the idea. ..

    tuning is just 10 points, it's gorgeous, the gameplay is arcade style, but what should it be? it's not a simulator,    one of the best NFS I've ever played, I don't understand why there are so many toxic reviews, the game is not perfect, but anyone who loves racing should try it, when I read negative reviews, I get the impression that people played it on YouTube, well, you get the idea. ..

    tuning is just 10 points, it's gorgeous, the gameplay is arcade style, but what should it be? it's not a simulator, I liked it, the effects are cool, the story is nice, the previous ones were just terrible, the cons are that it's a little short, unbalanced in terms of money, I want to try more cars but I'm not ready for the grind... well, idk why, but online is dead, this game deserved 7-8 points    … Expand
  51. dams_hyuga
    Sep 11, 2023
    8
    C'est un très bon jeu need for speed si il est si mal noté c'est car les gens veule toujours plus toujours plus vite le jeu est bien les graphisme et le mélange réaliste et animé et parfait certe il a des défauts mais on peu quand même très bien apprécié le jeu
  52. NickMG
    May 28, 2023
    8
    The game is like "NFS Heat" but just better in every aspect!

    •Let's start with the graphics: They are just amazing and the whole graffiti effects aren't bad at all, I really enjoy them and I find them to be quite the charm. Love how Criterion wants to experiment and not be the same game with same graphics but just different map that is even inferior to the last one. *Cough cough* Forza    The game is like "NFS Heat" but just better in every aspect!

    •Let's start with the graphics: They are just amazing and the whole graffiti effects aren't bad at all, I really enjoy them and I find them to be quite the charm. Love how Criterion wants to experiment and not be the same game with same graphics but just different map that is even inferior to the last one. *Cough cough* Forza Horizon 5 *cough cough*
    •Map: the map which is based on Chicago is very lively. It really feels like the RL city.
    •Races: While they aren't the best in the series I gotta say, they are very fun and not *that* repetitive.
    •Car selection: Maybe not the best and recycled from "NFS HEAT", it's let to be desired.
    •Car Customisation and Upgrading: The car customisation is probably one of the best in the franchise and maybe in racing games in general, it's really full with variety of car parts that can make the car you want to build. The upgrading is really grindy, but honestly I really don't mind it, I was quite sick of racing games where I can have Porsche 911 Turbo S in just 1 day of good playing. I wanted that raw and slow and "realistic" tune sistem that shows you just how far you went with your whip.
    •Cops: *phew* here we go, are the cops in NFS Unbound good are they just plain Need for Speed 2015 horrible, well they are in between. Because they are better than 2015 and Need for Speed Payback, they aren't quite fun as NFS HEAT's cop difficulty or just Need for Speed: Most wanted. They tend to be sometimes annoying, when you get to heat 5, because they are easy to get away, they are everywhere. And can't just drive around normally without 5 cops being behind you just because they SPAWNED NEXT TO YOU.
    •Last but not least story: The story while not as good as NFS Heat's it's better than 2015 and Payback's whatever those were trying to be. Atleast Unbound KNOWS what story it should have and doesn't copy other franchises and be confused. The voice acting and characters are OK, they are cringe but hey! When didn't NFS have cringe dialogues and character, atleast now it is selve awared about it and I love it!
    •So NFS Unbound is a big Hit or Miss for some people but if we look at the positives and not negatives we might see a nice crafted game with some respect and maybe care.    … Expand
  53. Serega_1415
    Jun 12, 2023
    8
    Игра хорошая! Нормальная физика вождения, тюнинг и стайлинг на высшем уровне. Стиль персонажей интересный , но сделан не очень. История интересует в начале потом провисает. Считаю ее лучшей NFS за последние 8 лет .
  54. llllllllllllllk
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood
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Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2022
13
#13 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 53
  3. Negative: 0 out of 53
  1. PLAY
    Feb 11, 2023
    80
    Terrifically fast, well-balanced street racing that really makes the most of PS5. Not quite as cool as the new art stylings would suggest, but still a fine game. [Issue#23, p.68]
  2. Games.cz
    Jan 19, 2023
    90
    Need for Speed was seriously starting to look dead and buried – and here comes the rescue party! The combination of beautiful, realistic-looking graphics and effects borrowed straight from an anime works surprisingly well, the story doesn’t get in your way and the driving model hits exactly the right spot. Even the open world is fun! This is how you make an arcade racing game.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Jan 6, 2023
    80
    Need for Speed Unbound is the best modern NFS to date. It is still riddled with issues like rubberbanding and weird drifting physics, but it still provides its players with the best handling system in years, with grip racing finally back. With the best visual design NFS has ever had and some interesting campaign decisions, it gives hope that the series is back on track to becoming something great.
    Read full review
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