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. Neyro
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    Great!!! Easy and fun, like Underground plus Most Wanted 2005, nice music, good 3d sound on ps5, crazy animation! Wow!!! Now we have a simple story, just drive and earn money, buy a car, improve the car, I'm very happy
  2. Stas47
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    NFS Unbound ist überraschend erfrischend, endlich wieder mal ein gutes NFS!!! Von Tuning bis Rennen ist alles sehr schön gemacht, die Effekte und der Anime/Manga Stil harmonieren sehr gut im Gesamtbild. Bin sehr froh darüber dass sie es geschafft haben wieder ein geiles Game zu machen. Für mich jetzt der beste NFS Teil der jemals rauskam. (Sie hätten es auch Underground 3 nennen können ;)
  3. BananaInMyButt
    Nov 30, 2022
    5
    Unique gameplay and design compared to older NFS games. Cops are finally challenging and don't chill out, which is good, but they can be infuriating to deal with when they get spammed in every direction of your surrounding (Heat 5 in the highest difficulty; am there for nice challenges, not spam; quality > quantity)
    Also, I highly appreciate y'all adding new backgrounds for the plate and    Unique gameplay and design compared to older NFS games. Cops are finally challenging and don't chill out, which is good, but they can be infuriating to deal with when they get spammed in every direction of your surrounding (Heat 5 in the highest difficulty; am there for nice challenges, not spam; quality > quantity)
    Also, I highly appreciate y'all adding new backgrounds for the plate and for the "up" camera, in which you push up-button to have a better view on what is ahead of you. It's very helpful for me. There are new kits that got criticized recently, but I'm a fan of uniqueness and would never say no to more customizations. However, you guys removed certain customizations, like watanabe rims or sunline racing kits, even removed almost all brake brands. Additionally, you guys added a liberty walk hood and yet… there is no kit? Why? Also, what happened to ChargeSpeed for BRZ and Urban Outlaw for RSR? They are gone as well. That's not all though, KS kits… where are they? You guys had it in Heat, yet they're nowhere to be seen in Unbound. The missing parts play an important role in the (street) racing genre and I really hope they get added back in the future… considering that your UTC explains the game would focus on customization, which makes no sense for the several missing parts. No comment on multiplayer as I haven't tried that yet.    … Expand
  4. iAxX
    Nov 30, 2022
    0
    The handling is all over the place for grip cars, you're almost always at a disadvantage.
    The AI is ridiculously scripted. It either, it uses NOS when you use NOS, it gains 40mph on straights to pass you, it crashes right before finish lines.
    Your drivng has very little impact as to where you'll finish. I'm pretty sure a 3 year old could finish middle of the pack because the game is    The handling is all over the place for grip cars, you're almost always at a disadvantage.
    The AI is ridiculously scripted. It either, it uses NOS when you use NOS, it gains 40mph on straights to pass you, it crashes right before finish lines.

    Your drivng has very little impact as to where you'll finish. I'm pretty sure a 3 year old could finish middle of the pack because the game is designed in such a way.    … Expand
  5. BoostedKuma
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    NFS Unbound Est un excellent Jeu Graphismes Réalistiques Voitures Modifiables à souhait après 10H d'essai je peut dire que Criterion Games à encore Fait des merveilles hâte de voir les prochaines voitures dans les futures mise à jours de ce jeu qui sera culte et qui fait bien débuter l'ère Criterion de la licence GG EA & Criterion
  6. TheGhostad
    Nov 30, 2022
    5
    For me its nothing more tjan 5. Downgrade from heat in case of mods to the cars, annoying efects, which can’t be disabled even thou they said it can be!!
    Story is good, graphics are ok, cars roster is fine, and there is literally nothing more to say about this game.
  7. MatthewMuzik95
    Nov 30, 2022
    4
    I've been playing NFS Since underground 1 and hey!! this game is really good I hope they pay attention to the game.
  8. KabarXD
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    I got into this series with Need for Speed Carbon on the Wii. I took a break from the franchise until Most Wanted 2012 came out and, despite it's unfitting name, was the most racing game I had ever played, sinking nearly 200 hours into the multiplayer alone. And now, after 10 long years, Need for Speed Unbound has managed to capture that charm and fun factor that MW2012 brought to theI got into this series with Need for Speed Carbon on the Wii. I took a break from the franchise until Most Wanted 2012 came out and, despite it's unfitting name, was the most racing game I had ever played, sinking nearly 200 hours into the multiplayer alone. And now, after 10 long years, Need for Speed Unbound has managed to capture that charm and fun factor that MW2012 brought to the series, and vastly improves upon it in almost every aspect.

    The gameplay loop is incredibly unique and pretty challenging at times. Cops are WAY more fair than they were in NFS Heat, although it is fairly easy to outrun them in lower heat levels. Vehicle damage has been completely overhauled allowing for more crashes before critical damage, and the limited gas station repairs from Heat are gone, making cop chases actually fun and worthwhile since they earn you money depending on your heat level when you escape.

    The game world feels like a mix between MW2012, NFS 2015, and Heat. The cel-shaded, graffiti riddled artstyle screams creativity and you can tell the art team put a lot of care into making each element fit perfectly with the rest of the game. My favorite aspect of the game, however, has to be the sound design.

    The sound design in this game can be described as beautifully chaotic. Each time you activate a fully charged burst nitrous, you're rewarded with a cacophony of sounds ranging from deep bass hums to high pitched whirs and whistles, all layered over the classic Need for Speed nitrous sound that perfectly compliment the fast paced and chaotic nature of Unbound. What's more is that there's 9 different sound palettes to choose from that have their own distinct sound profiles.

    The handling model is vastly improved over Heat. Cars now have proper weight to them that affects handling and other aspects of the driving experience. Granted, it's still super arcadey, but the added vehicle weight paired with the updated handling makes driving that much more fun and actually makes you think about how to enter a corner.

    Overall, while not perfect, Need for Speed Unbound is easily the strongest entry to the series in over a decade and is a true love letter to not only fans of the series, but to street racing as a whole.    … Expand
  9. UriHuffer
    Nov 30, 2022
    0
    As my first break into the NFS franchise on PC I have been ecstatic about this game since early launch. The graphics, the character diversification, and the unique take on my own home city have yet to fall beneath my expectations. I'm truly hoping for some quick patch updates for any existing issues and eventually some breathtaking additions to really grab hold of the growing player base.As my first break into the NFS franchise on PC I have been ecstatic about this game since early launch. The graphics, the character diversification, and the unique take on my own home city have yet to fall beneath my expectations. I'm truly hoping for some quick patch updates for any existing issues and eventually some breathtaking additions to really grab hold of the growing player base. Let our WILL be boundless!… Expand
  10. fknjsh
    Nov 30, 2022
    9
    Unbound it's refreshing and beautiful, challenging but incredibly fun to play. it is far from perfect but feels it is the right direction to the Need For Speed franchise.
  11. JaumPzZ
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    Criterion took everything that worked out in Heat and improved upon it. Customization is great, cops are good, story is actually interesting this time around and the world is the best that the franchise has ever seen. A unique approach on the visuals make the game stand out and gives more life to everything, and the handling is actually responsive this time around.
  12. imitenotbecrazy
    Nov 30, 2022
    0
    This game feels like a different genre with the effects you cannot turn off. The dialogue reads like a 40 year old voice actor trying for a part in a high school student role. First NFS game in 15 years I won't be buying (played the 10 hour trial)
  13. CM2K00
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    Best NFS game since Pro Street! its a great combo of all the great NFS games! Underground, Most Wanted Pro Street!
  14. HumanRacer
    Nov 30, 2022
    9
    As a Racing game fan, NFS Unbound is a pretty solid Racing game with a variety of Customization options with a distinct art style which is growing on me the more I play Handling feels solid with a good grip handling than previous NFS Games, the campaign is decent though characters are a bit cheesy but that's something that u should aspect from a NFS Games , The things i want improvementAs a Racing game fan, NFS Unbound is a pretty solid Racing game with a variety of Customization options with a distinct art style which is growing on me the more I play Handling feels solid with a good grip handling than previous NFS Games, the campaign is decent though characters are a bit cheesy but that's something that u should aspect from a NFS Games , The things i want improvement on is photo mode which lacks features from previous NFS Games and Multiplayer needs some more love also the wheel support is absolutely horrible at Launch more variety on event types like Drag and eliminations would be nice in short NFS Unbound is a pretty good NFS game but needs the above mention features to be the perfect NFS Game. This is criterions First NFS Games in years and it's a very good start from the studio.… Expand
  15. FatBoy41
    Nov 30, 2022
    9
    I was fully expecting a copy of heat with a map just as bad as heats was but instead we got something way better than heat. Yeah you can say it’s just a heat 2.0 but the map is 100% better the car customization is way better and the story is so much better
  16. zokusha
    Nov 30, 2022
    7
    The best Need for Speed in almost 8 years. While far from a flawless experience and lackluster in areas it shouldn't be anymore (namely handling and customization), the bad things aren't enough to detract from the overall quality of the game. A solid racer with good gameplay and interesting progression system that finally strikes a great balance between risk and reward.
  17. LEatHeRSNAKE
    Nov 30, 2022
    8
    The game is simply fantastic lots of fun with the story and the writing may be a little cringey but that’s what most nfs stories are the handling has improved and grip is as viable as drifting or b2d though I would have rated it higher if some of the multiplayer content wasn’t cut and if they added more customization options for older cars like the Honda Civic or more rims other then thatThe game is simply fantastic lots of fun with the story and the writing may be a little cringey but that’s what most nfs stories are the handling has improved and grip is as viable as drifting or b2d though I would have rated it higher if some of the multiplayer content wasn’t cut and if they added more customization options for older cars like the Honda Civic or more rims other then that this is a really good game and you should get it when it launches or on sale… Expand
  18. Jokermank
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    Best
    NEED FOR SPEED for 10 years ago. very beautiful game.
    The best graphics
  19. SpoiledPiglet
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    One of the best NFS, hands down. Recommend! People who say there’s not sense of speed.. are totally wrong. Sometimes I wish it would slow down because it’s so fast! But that’s a good thing! Also the track is good. I never liked heat, this is so much better.
  20. A_Scorpion
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its a great game overall, its like a NFS Heat 2.0 but in a positive way the customisation, handling, car selection and story everything is great.… Expand
  21. saewr323
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    cool game finally a worthy nfs after a while. personally did not enjoy heat but this one is fun
  22. Mighoet
    Nov 30, 2022
    9
    Long time NFS fan (and I really mean long time), and I must admit this game is great, beyond the zoomer dialog lines, and the weird character selection, the game is a fantastic achievement in artistic flair screened over realistic cars, is simply sensational, I love the handling, control of the car is clearly tied to your ability to let go off the throttle (that you can customize beyondLong time NFS fan (and I really mean long time), and I must admit this game is great, beyond the zoomer dialog lines, and the weird character selection, the game is a fantastic achievement in artistic flair screened over realistic cars, is simply sensational, I love the handling, control of the car is clearly tied to your ability to let go off the throttle (that you can customize beyond measure) the cars graphics, the faux-chicago Lakeshore ambiance and illumination, the pacing of the game, the story can came a bit cheesy, but is a single player story in an arcade racing game, so be it (like MW '05). Give it a shot, you may like it. Also load times are bloody short!… Expand
  23. zerxer
    Nov 30, 2022
    0
    This game is awesome loads of fun races, cars and the story line is incredibly fun. it has way more features than the last game and the graphics are insane so if you are looking for a good game with good graphics this one is for you
  24. JakeAlm
    Nov 30, 2022
    9
    NFS Unbound is one of the most fun and enjoyable racing games I’ve played in years, and the fact that most of the dialogue isn’t cringy is fantastic for todays standards.
  25. Bigman220
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A must have, so fun, graphically impressive, insane customization, awesome dialogue with lots of humor, lots of events to chose from, character customization, awesome car sounds, huge map, lots of updates on the way/post launch support. Need I go on? I can go on alot… Expand
  26. moogiie
    Nov 30, 2022
    4
    Largely the same car list from Heat
    Largely the same car customization options from Heat
    Largely the same unintuitive and sluggish driving physics from Heat.
    Largely the same unoriginal story about redemption and getting your hero car back.
    Cheesy dialogue
    Graphics are good looking
    New art style is original and fits the enviroment
  27. seky
    Nov 30, 2022
    9
    Very good in many points. We've got a real challenge to win on 1st, cops balanced and acting like "real world", upgrades necessary to keep playing, too many customizations, a good story and nice game modes. It's worth to buy, test by yourself and believe in NFS franchise again.

    Negative is they promised possibility to deactivate some animations like smoke on drifts or wings on jumps,    Very good in many points. We've got a real challenge to win on 1st, cops balanced and acting like "real world", upgrades necessary to keep playing, too many customizations, a good story and nice game modes. It's worth to buy, test by yourself and believe in NFS franchise again.

    Negative is they promised possibility to deactivate some animations like smoke on drifts or wings on jumps, and isn't possible... That's a pain for players looking for nostalgic. Personally, I like these effects and I recommend to give a chance to use them and you'll like it. Besides these animations, graphics are awesome for next gen.    … Expand
  28. Max_Lazy_10
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    While by no means perfect, Criterion's put the franchise back on the road with NFS Unbound. Oozing with originality, and giving players their fix however they want to play (whether in story mode, online, customizing cars, or outrunning the cops), Need for Speed Unbound is the strongest outing the series has had to date since Criterion's Hot Pursuit entry in 2010.
  29. Em3ds
    Nov 30, 2022
    8
    Okay, so this is what we needed.
    Finally Need For Speed has gone with something different, and i like it.
    I was one of the few people who were sceptical about the anime style effects, but after playing with them on, i just don't see how could someone possibly want to remove them. They are awesome, and add to the whole experience. Criterion, EA and others who are reading this from the team,    Okay, so this is what we needed.
    Finally Need For Speed has gone with something different, and i like it.
    I was one of the few people who were sceptical about the anime style effects, but after playing with them on, i just don't see how could someone possibly want to remove them. They are awesome, and add to the whole experience.
    Criterion, EA and others who are reading this from the team, well done. We are heading into the right direction!     … Expand
  30. LINO01
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    The game is fantastic! Super fun filled with action, cool effects and a lovely story. The studio Criterion really excelled at delivering a heart pounding police chase experience with a good variety of races and multiplayer. Cars are fun to buy and customize and the graphics compliment them. The world of Chicago inspired Lake Shore City is a must on a 4k screen as it’s a true next GenThe game is fantastic! Super fun filled with action, cool effects and a lovely story. The studio Criterion really excelled at delivering a heart pounding police chase experience with a good variety of races and multiplayer. Cars are fun to buy and customize and the graphics compliment them. The world of Chicago inspired Lake Shore City is a must on a 4k screen as it’s a true next Gen experience. Fantastic work and I have already sunk 7 hours in. I would recommend. Lovely music with character and a mix that revolves around mechanical noises that make me smile. Thank you Need for Speed Unbound! I love this game!!!

    Some patches will probably come to iron a few things but the presentation and gameplay are on point. A must play specially for the fans!!    … Expand
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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

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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.
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  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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