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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Goodboygamer
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    Need for Speed Unbound is all about taking risks, not just because its one of the game's core elements, but the developers also took the risks in turning the wheel to another direction that no other racing game franchises would do. In my opinion, it all paid off.
  2. Spencerthegiant
    Dec 3, 2022
    1
    NFS heat in a new city with pretty art added on top. The game forced me through the first race 3 times... Gas and clutch are switched, steering on my wheel feels awful. Hands down the worst wheel "support" I've ever seen. Unintuitive and uncustomizable controls. A racing game that won't let you set up your racing steering wheel controller.... Wow. Classic EA.
  3. Amanu25
    Dec 3, 2022
    8
    This game is a a masterpiece it is unique from the past title like nfs heat
  4. Pigonestuck
    Dec 3, 2022
    1
    I dont really see this game being any different than nfs heat. i dont know why this game gets so much hype. also i hate the fact that this idio* named LPRIPPER just tries every single way to idolize this game so much. probably paid guy. his image of lashing on ppl doesnt help either
  5. gomemk
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    funny , catchy entertaining visually beautiful . one of the best NFS since underground for me at least .
  6. 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.
  7. DerbstinAction
    Dec 3, 2022
    1
    Luckily steam accepted my request to return my money. I played for eight hours and it was annoying. I drove the same track (different race) over and over again. The Voice lines have been always the same and the handling and Motorsounds were just not good.

    But the biggest problem is the Multiplayer... I can't drive my Cars. That was the point I quit and got my money back.
  8. 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
  9. Sushiboats
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    Brought back my love for racing games. Performance on PS5 at 4k 60fps. Great character creator. Great vehicle customization. Beautiful city of Lakeshore (Chicago, Illinois). Excellent story and an aesthetic that stands out from any other racing game. All they need is to continue to provide updates to this game. They let go of NFS Heat too early but this could be the one. If I had anyBrought back my love for racing games. Performance on PS5 at 4k 60fps. Great character creator. Great vehicle customization. Beautiful city of Lakeshore (Chicago, Illinois). Excellent story and an aesthetic that stands out from any other racing game. All they need is to continue to provide updates to this game. They let go of NFS Heat too early but this could be the one. If I had any suggestions it would be to find a way to bring cops and nighttime to multiplayer, add more character creation options (faces, skin color, hair styles, hair color, clothing, clothing colors) and of course, more cars. Great job guys… Expand
  10. Tenbanz
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    This game feels like Midnight Club and Fast and Furious had a baby that was raised by Burnout. 10/10 visuals and gameplay feels like I’m actually a street racer and not just a glorified car collector. Don’t be surprised if boomers give low reviews because they like Forza or don’t want this game to be better than UG2 or MW
  11. Lrig0
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    Race is enjoyable, has adding so much stuff in story mode compared to nfs heat. Graphics feels more polished.
  12. lewcool
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    Very fun game! Graphics are great! I’ve been staying up all night playing NFS Unbound. Just wish they’ll add more things to do online and add Toyota and Audi cars as well.
  13. Tylerkin93
    Dec 3, 2022
    8
    This is the best Need For Speed has felt since they released the soft reboot in 2015. It’s the closest they’ve gotten to recapturing the absolute magic that was NFS: Underground. At first I wasn’t sure about the aesthetic, don’t get me wrong, I love anime style art, but it just didn’t feel right in this sort of game but it works. The moment your wheels start to spin and that plume ofThis is the best Need For Speed has felt since they released the soft reboot in 2015. It’s the closest they’ve gotten to recapturing the absolute magic that was NFS: Underground. At first I wasn’t sure about the aesthetic, don’t get me wrong, I love anime style art, but it just didn’t feel right in this sort of game but it works. The moment your wheels start to spin and that plume of colourful smoke bellows from your tyres, it just hits you. I’ve not completed the game at this point but the narrative is compelling. The driving feels smooth, the game looks beautiful and the open world has some fun little bits to see and do. If you like driving games, pick this up.… Expand
  14. Rallianto_Rex
    Dec 3, 2022
    4
    Copy-paste from Heat (and Heat wasn't good in the first place), but with cartoon effects and pedestrians, who feels so real, that they teleport away from you.
  15. Mozukux
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    Yes, this game is based on NFS Heat. but this game makes it better. For handling, it takes some tuning and getting used to, but once you get it, it is different. Both grip and drift styles have their merits now. Better graphics, Better Handling, Better customization and better world design
  16. 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.
  17. Source53
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    The best need for speed game I've played lately. It reminded me of the days when I played underground. I miss playing a good need for speed game.
  18. MustafaX89
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    Criterion Games did an amazing job with this one, but i hope a can disable the effects
  19. Leadfall
    Dec 3, 2022
    0
    It's terrible, wtf with you people, how this is better than for example Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit??
  20. therealhaden
    Dec 2, 2022
    9
    More than just a mediocre NFS Heat upgrade. Drifting needs to be improved tho. Highly recommend.
  21. 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
  22. SOC
    Dec 2, 2022
    8
    I thought it would be weird, but I changed my mind when I played it myself.
    Sophisticated graphics and nice exhaust.
    I liked the hip scene
  23. 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
  24. nareshjkin
    Dec 2, 2022
    7
    I remind us of the underground and most wanted era NFS but doesn't do it justice by using cheap graffiti and the music is **** It's good graphically but not upto to expectation in story and other areas
  25. Speed
    Dec 2, 2022
    3
    I feel the game lacks a lot of things, first the handling of cars is the worst I've seen in a NFS game, stupid animations that you cannot turn off, and multiplayer has only few races you can play, without any exciting events.
    The graphics are fine, but the handling kills it completely for me. Sometimes while accelerating, the car stops accelerating without doing anything, very very    I feel the game lacks a lot of things, first the handling of cars is the worst I've seen in a NFS game, stupid animations that you cannot turn off, and multiplayer has only few races you can play, without any exciting events.
    The graphics are fine, but the handling kills it completely for me. Sometimes while accelerating, the car stops accelerating without doing anything, very very annoying!!! Also is very expensive and does not worth the hype.    … Expand
  26. drcoates
    Dec 2, 2022
    0
    Trying to do races at night on Heat level 5 and all I'm doing is driving away from cops. I finally get away and have 2 helicopters hovering above me, one not moving, and 2 to 3 cop cars spawning close to me. All I do is run away from cops at night, when all the good stuff is happening.
  27. NFSLover
    Dec 2, 2022
    0
    Feels like Heat but worse, not sure what game all the positive reviewers are playing.
  28. Gromikon
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Очень приятно удивлен. Ожидал очередной проходняк, а получилась достойная игра. Эффекты зашли, геймплей пушка, выбор авто достаточный. Стабильный фпс. Единственное графон явно не некстген.
  29. KTOXrez
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Review based on story mode:

    After spending around 30+ hours in story mode, I have to say this is one of the best NFS I have played in the past decade. The graphics are amazing, the story, while being a bit cheesy at times, is still pretty good with decent dialogue. The handling physics have gotten an overhaul but they are not too far off what NFS Heat had, just with many required    Review based on story mode:

    After spending around 30+ hours in story mode, I have to say this is one of the best NFS I have played in the past decade. The graphics are amazing, the story, while being a bit cheesy at times, is still pretty good with decent dialogue. The handling physics have gotten an overhaul but they are not too far off what NFS Heat had, just with many required additions to make it fun.

    The addition of burst nitrous makes every single action feel rewarding, and the effects you can add to your car do not get in the way of gameplay, they just enhance it.

    Only gripes are lackluster multiplayer and photo mode, but there are content updates planned so I will update the review as they come.

    Overall, out of all the NFS from the past decade, this is the one I recommend the most.    … Expand
  30. 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.
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »