Who Made Need for Speed Most Wanted?
One of the most iconic racing games of the late 1990s and early 2000s is Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts (EA), this game was released on November 13, 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and Microsoft Windows.
Key Developers
The development of Need for Speed: Most Wanted involved several key individuals and teams. Here is a list of some of the most prominent developers:
- Burnie Adams: Burnie Adams served as the game’s executive producer. Prior to Most Wanted, he was the producer of Need for Speed Underground.
- Kris Thompson: Kris Thompson was the game’s designer and creative director. He brought his expertise in racing games from his work on Need for Speed High Stakes.
- Jim McNamara: Jim McNamara was the game’s production manager. He had previously worked on a range of EA titles, including The Simpsons Hit & Run and MVP Baseball 2005.
Studios Involved
Several Electronic Arts (EA) studios were involved in the development of Need for Speed: Most Wanted. These included:
- EA Canada: EA Canada was a core development studio for the game. Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, this studio was responsible for developing the game’s fundamental mechanics and features.
- EA Birmingham: EA Birmingham, or Criterion Games, was another prominent studio involved in the game’s development. While they did not develop the game themselves, they contributed to the game’s technology and tools.
- EA Utah: EA Utah, an EA studio based in Salt Lake City, Utah, also contributed to the game’s development.
Key Features and Gameplay
Need for Speed: Most Wanted was praised for its varied gameplay, engaging storyline, and memorable characters. Some of the key features include:
- Racing: Fast-paced racing was a core component of Most Wanted. Players could choose from a range of high-performance cars and hit the streets to race against cops and other opponents.
- Police Chase: The game’s police chase mechanism was a major draw. Players earned "Heat" by racing erratically, which attracted the attention of increasingly aggressive police officers.
- Heist: Players could participate in several heist missions, which required them to steal specific cars from high-security locations.
- Storyline: The game’s storyline featured a protagonist, Rachel Tiesha, who was framed for a crime and must clear her name by becoming the most wanted driver in the city.
- Customization: Players could personalize their cars with a range of visual customizations, including paint jobs, spoiler kits, and performance upgrades.
- Multiplayer: Most Wanted featured a multiplayer mode, allowing players to engage in online racing and police chases with friends.
Impact and Reception
Need for Speed: Most Wanted received widespread critical acclaim at the time of its release. It sold over 15 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling games of the Xbox and PlayStation 2 era. Its success can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Improved Graphical Quality: Most Wanted marked a significant improvement in graphical quality compared to earlier Need for Speed titles.
- Engaging Storyline: The game’s storyline added a new layer of depth to the series, giving players a reason to care about the protagonist beyond just racing.
- Improved Vehicle Handling: The game’s handling mechanics allowed for more realistic and responsive driving, setting a new standard for the series.
Troubleshooting and Bug Fixes
When Need for Speed: Most Wanted first released, several players reported bugs and other issues. EA and the developers worked to address these problems, releasing various patches and updates to fix the game’s most significant issues.
FAQs:
Q: Who developed Need for Speed: Most Wanted?
A: Need for Speed: Most Wanted was developed by EA Black Box in collaboration with several other EA studios.
Q: What platforms did Most Wanted release on?
A: Most Wanted released on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and Microsoft Windows.
Q: What was the protagonist’s name in Most Wanted?
A: The protagonist’s name is Maggie Q, not Rachel Tiesha (which is a city in the game).
Q: Are there any cheat codes for Most Wanted?
A: Yes, many cheat codes are available for Most Wanted. These can be found online or accessed through the game’s built-in debugging menu.
Q: Can players customize their cars in Most Wanted?
A: Yes, players can fully customize their cars with a wide range of visual and performance upgrades.
Q: Are there any multiplayer modes in Most Wanted?
A: Yes, the game features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete and cooperate with friends online.
Q: When did Most Wanted release?
A: Need for Speed: Most Wanted released on November 13, 2005.
Q: How many copies has Most Wanted sold?
A: Need for Speed: Most Wanted has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
Q: What is the franchise’s current status?
A: The Need for Speed franchise remains active, with new titles releasing under the EA Sports label. Most Wanted has become a classic entry in the series, still enjoyed by gamers today.