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. JudasWick
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Game is great, Looks very good and the steering is also perfect. 10/10.
    Play the Game
  2. RavenFalith
    Dec 1, 2022
    9
    I'm loving it so far, handling and physics are a lot more polished than Heat, it allows much closer racing and it really shows in online. Customization better, sounds better, world better and more alive. I love the art-style of characters and I really don't mind the effects, it's just something new and sets the game further apart from other franchises.
    I have not finished the story yet    I'm loving it so far, handling and physics are a lot more polished than Heat, it allows much closer racing and it really shows in online. Customization better, sounds better, world better and more alive. I love the art-style of characters and I really don't mind the effects, it's just something new and sets the game further apart from other franchises.
    I have not finished the story yet but I am enjoying it a lot more than the story in heat. There are some cringe dialogue but it's not as bad as people make it out to be.
    I am also enjoying the progression more as it seems a lot slower paced.
    If you have enjoyed the recent NFS and don't mind criterion trying to set the franchise apart from other racing titles, then I really recommend this game.
    Good luck and have fun racing.    … Expand
  3. AlirezaHeydari
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Perfect graphics
    Perfect physics
    Nice car list
    Incredible customization and tuning
    This game is awesome!!!!
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. Amanu25
    Dec 3, 2022
    8
    This game is a a masterpiece it is unique from the past title like nfs heat
  7. a7ha
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    One of the best games in the series. Criterion did a really good job, the game has everything for both new players and old ones. good atmosphere, gameplay, variety of tuning, car physics, everything is at a good level.
  8. drkendog
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    Best need for speed game since Most Wanted era. If they release post launch content as promised this will be in my top 3. Online experience is seamless on PS5, we just need bigger servers and cops. Solid Game, very fun.
  9. Twelfh
    Dec 4, 2022
    8
    A really good arcade racing game !
    -The story was simple but good enough -cars have a really good feeling compared to heat ,payback ,etc...
    -races and pursuit are challeging I just hope that Criterion is gonna add content over time and it's perfect /
  10. TDash
    Dec 5, 2022
    9
    Love the game and really appreciate what Criterion has put together. I was skeptical coming from a great comeback game in NFS Heat, which was developed by Ghost Games, and seeing that Criterion would be developing Unbound. I have been happily surprised at how well the game has been put together and the improvements this game has made coming from Heat. Deep car customization which is key toLove the game and really appreciate what Criterion has put together. I was skeptical coming from a great comeback game in NFS Heat, which was developed by Ghost Games, and seeing that Criterion would be developing Unbound. I have been happily surprised at how well the game has been put together and the improvements this game has made coming from Heat. Deep car customization which is key to any successful NFS game is here as well as a challenging and fun learning curve and racing experience from the A.I. The split between single player story and your online career has been enjoyable so far as well although I wish police pursuits were a part of the online experience. A few patches, updates, & even DLC can make this a NFS classic for sure and I’m looking forward to see how the lifespan of this game pans out.… Expand
  11. m1dnightokyo
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    Need for Speed Unbound it has finally added the opportunity to use the grip driving that we requested so much more than 10 years ago (Via vehicle settings in game menu). This game aspires to be the best NFS of the decade.
  12. aurel92
    Dec 6, 2022
    10
    Le jeu est sublime sur PS5 (4K/60FPS stables). L’ambiance et la DA sont originales et colle parfaitement. La dynamique des voitures au poil et la customisation excellente.
  13. ShiroFXXK117
    Dec 6, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a G.O.A.T THE G.O.A.T The truth is a good game but by popular opinion many people are wary that it is Heat 2.0 Verá GOOD GAME I have seen it and the truth is a very good game, cartoon effects, good sound system, etc.… Expand
  14. Shad0W017
    Dec 8, 2022
    10
    First time in years, this NFS game is great! I am so glad that it came out better than it looked in trailers. Gameplay is fun, effects brings something new and as a rap fan, I also really like soundtrack. At least give it a chance.
  15. Lonejumper23
    Dec 7, 2022
    9
    This game is off the hook!!! I am shocked there was not more marketing for this game before it came out. This is racing on next gen at its best. I am not going to compare this to other NFS games and I am looking at it from a next gen perspective... this is just awesome!! The campaign is so fun and the missions just take you through this gorgeous city and country landscape that is eyeThis game is off the hook!!! I am shocked there was not more marketing for this game before it came out. This is racing on next gen at its best. I am not going to compare this to other NFS games and I am looking at it from a next gen perspective... this is just awesome!! The campaign is so fun and the missions just take you through this gorgeous city and country landscape that is eye candy. The art direction is original and drifting is so satisfying. The only reason for the 9 score is the police are not that hard to get away from when they chase you. I can't stop playing it and enjoying it for what it is..... an fantastic adventure racing game with style.… Expand
  16. AMIN_PASHA
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    بازی خیلی عالیه، با اینکه از ریشه ها دور شده ولی دقیقا همون حس و حال underground, most wanted, و carbon رو داره
  17. RelentlessBoi
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    Let me say that this game is honestly a 8 at best. It has some issues but the pros outweighs the cons here and some user reviews that ACTUALLY PLAY THE GAME give really good pros and cons. Only giving a 10 because of braindead 0s and 1 out of 10s here that say "tHis iS heat but wORsE" or "the effects are bad 0/10" and my favorite " this isn't a need for speed game remaster most wantedLet me say that this game is honestly a 8 at best. It has some issues but the pros outweighs the cons here and some user reviews that ACTUALLY PLAY THE GAME give really good pros and cons. Only giving a 10 because of braindead 0s and 1 out of 10s here that say "tHis iS heat but wORsE" or "the effects are bad 0/10" and my favorite " this isn't a need for speed game remaster most wanted underground or carbon". Smh the amount of "fans" here that don't know a thing about nfs.… Expand
  18. Jogavera
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    Otimo jogo arcade de corrida, muito melhor que um joguinho de corrida por ai que se preocupa mais com pronome neutro sim é ele forzi lixo
  19. 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.
  20. talha900
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Great visuals 4K 60fps
    Nice anime style with characters and cool car effects
    Difficulty of ai is abit too high Handling is abit weird when I break, the car goes out of control on high speeds Busy and alive looking city with plenty of pedestrians while racing Story better than heat Unexpected side missions inbetween races which are great Customisation is top tier I like the game so far    Great visuals 4K 60fps
    Nice anime style with characters and cool car effects
    Difficulty of ai is abit too high
    Handling is abit weird when I break, the car goes out of control on high speeds
    Busy and alive looking city with plenty of pedestrians while racing
    Story better than heat
    Unexpected side missions inbetween races which are great
    Customisation is top tier

    I like the game so far maybe I need to play more than 2 hours to get used to the Handling and racing dynamics, better than previous games put together. Criterion knows their racing games    … Expand
  21. glypheye
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Takes everything I loved about NFS Heat and improves on it. Runs smooth as silk, with minimal glitches, and the open world of Lakeshore looks absolutely gorgeous! The new character style and cartoon action accents actually add a feeling of intensity/exhilaration that works well with the tone of the game. The handling/car/race mechanics are much more stable and nuanced than Heat....muchTakes everything I loved about NFS Heat and improves on it. Runs smooth as silk, with minimal glitches, and the open world of Lakeshore looks absolutely gorgeous! The new character style and cartoon action accents actually add a feeling of intensity/exhilaration that works well with the tone of the game. The handling/car/race mechanics are much more stable and nuanced than Heat....much more enjoyable with high speed races. And, amazingly....the story and character interaction is really quite good this time. It's actually interesting! And funny amidst the in-car, over-the-phone chatter while roaming the world, looking for races and getting into/out of trouble with the cops.

    Just great NFS game.....maybe the best I've ever played!    … Expand
  22. gomemk
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    funny , catchy entertaining visually beautiful . one of the best NFS since underground for me at least .
  23. HJ2
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    Unbound is a step in the right direction for sure. It really seems to be what NFS Heat should've been if they had more time. Driving model is not ideal but the addition of grip handling was a great idea for which fans begged for years. Other than that, story has a good premise but could be a lot more fleshed out. Customization is back albeit some parts are unfortunately missing. SoundtrackUnbound is a step in the right direction for sure. It really seems to be what NFS Heat should've been if they had more time. Driving model is not ideal but the addition of grip handling was a great idea for which fans begged for years. Other than that, story has a good premise but could be a lot more fleshed out. Customization is back albeit some parts are unfortunately missing. Soundtrack is maybe not outstanding but you won't bleed from your ears after one hour like in the 2019 outing of the NFS. Overall it is a great game that hopefully will become foundation for the future titles (with or without that art style).… Expand
  24. Serba
    Dec 1, 2022
    9
    the game is good
    the atmosphere is very good
    graphically the game is clean
    lots of customization

    But the main flaw for me is that the AI is a little too OP almost impossible to finish in the first 2
  25. 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.
  26. ShadedBD
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    I was iffy on the street art cell shading effects but after playing for a couple hours it grew on me and like the extra customization it gives. The story in the game is good and the cops aren't too hard to get away from unlike heat during the early days after launch. The AI is a bit on the harder side but I liked the challenge. Story mode and online mode are separate, kinda like GTAV. II was iffy on the street art cell shading effects but after playing for a couple hours it grew on me and like the extra customization it gives. The story in the game is good and the cops aren't too hard to get away from unlike heat during the early days after launch. The AI is a bit on the harder side but I liked the challenge. Story mode and online mode are separate, kinda like GTAV. I hope to see a bunch more content come to online... other than that the hours fly by playing this game.… Expand
  27. ElyesBens
    Dec 19, 2022
    10
    I've been waiting for a good Need For Speed for 12 years ! Since NFS Hot Pursuit back in 2010, the series has gone downhill for quite a good time now ! Thankfully NFS Unbound brings so much style and personality coupled with great gameplay and sense of progression to win me over again ! The street vibe, the city, the graphics, the soundtrack, my god THE SOUNDTRACK IS EXCELLENT !! The wholeI've been waiting for a good Need For Speed for 12 years ! Since NFS Hot Pursuit back in 2010, the series has gone downhill for quite a good time now ! Thankfully NFS Unbound brings so much style and personality coupled with great gameplay and sense of progression to win me over again ! The street vibe, the city, the graphics, the soundtrack, my god THE SOUNDTRACK IS EXCELLENT !! The whole mix between Cell shaded and photorealistic is mesmerizing - Overall really good gameplay (which is essential) and excellent presentation !!… Expand
  28. Akma
    Jan 7, 2023
    8
    I hadn't played NFS for a long time and came back to this with PS5. I have played for an hour or so but I really loved it. I see there is RPG aspect in this game that play time will be a lot to build up cars but I feel this is a very well made game.
  29. mntaj
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    This game is really the best racing game, everything is great, I really enjoyed it
  30. Marlonbm
    Dec 4, 2022
    10
    O jogo é fantástico! Super divertido cheio de ação, efeitos legais e uma história linda. O estúdio Criterion realmente se destacou em oferecer uma experiência de perseguição policial de tirar o fôlego com uma boa variedade de corridas e multijogador.
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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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