Need for Speed: Unbound - Is It Actually Good?

20 Apr 2024

The smell of burnt rubber, the roar of a tuned engine, and the flashing lights of the city at night - there's a certain allure to street racing games that's hard to deny. For years, the Need for Speed franchise has been synonymous with this experience, delivering high-octane thrills and customization options that let you build your dream car. But with a franchise as storied as NFS, not every release can be a winner. So, with the release of Need for Speed Unbound, the big question on everyone's mind is: is it actually any good?

Unbound throws you into the heart of Lakeshore City, a vibrant metropolis pulsing with illegal street racing. You're immediately thrown into the action, customizing your first ride and building up your reputation to take on bigger and better races. The game is dripping with style, from its cel-shaded characters to its emphasis on graffiti and street art, giving it a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from previous entries in the series.

But beyond the flashy visuals, the core of any racing game is the driving, and Unbound doesn't disappoint. The cars handle like a dream, offering a satisfying balance between arcade-style thrills and a touch of realism. You can really feel the difference between cars, and mastering the art of drifting around corners while dodging cops is exhilarating.

Of course, no Need for Speed game would be complete without customization, and Unbound takes it to a whole new level. From fine-tuning your engine to slapping on a custom wrap, the options are seemingly endless. This level of personalization extends to the characters themselves, with a huge range of clothing and accessories to create your ideal street racing avatar.

However, Unbound isn't without its flaws. The always-online requirement, even for single-player, has been a point of contention for some players. Additionally, the game's progression system, while rewarding, can feel a bit grindy at times, forcing you to repeat races to earn enough cash to upgrade your car or buy a new one.

Need for Speed Unbound: Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stunning Visuals and Unique Style	Always-Online Requirement
Exhilarating Arcade-Style Racing	Potentially Grindy Progression System
Deep Customization Options for Cars and Characters

So, is Need for Speed Unbound worth your time and money? If you're a fan of arcade racing games with a heavy emphasis on customization and style, then absolutely yes. Unbound delivers a thrilling racing experience with a unique aesthetic that sets it apart. While the always-online requirement and occasional grind might deter some players, the core gameplay loop of racing, customizing, and conquering Lakeshore City is undeniably addictive.

Whether you're a veteran of the Need for Speed franchise or a newcomer looking for a fun and stylish racing game, Unbound is definitely worth taking for a spin. Just be prepared to put in the time and effort to truly master its streets.