Is Need for Speed Unbound Worth Playing? A Deep Dive
So, is Need for Speed Unbound worth your time and money? The answer is a qualified yes, but with some caveats. It’s a game with undeniable flaws, yet it offers a uniquely stylized and often thrilling street racing experience that sets it apart from its predecessors and competitors. If you’re a long-time NFS fan craving a return to the series’ roots with a fresh, visually striking twist, and are willing to overlook some frustrating design choices, then Unbound might just be your next obsession. However, if you’re easily put off by rubberbanding AI, repetitive gameplay loops, and a relatively short story, then it might be best to wait for a significant price drop or consider other racing titles.
What Makes NFS Unbound Stand Out (and What Holds It Back)
NFS Unbound’s most striking feature is its anime-inspired visual style, blending realistic car models with cartoonish character designs, vibrant graffiti effects, and energetic visual flourishes. This bold aesthetic choice, while divisive, gives the game a distinct identity and injects a dose of personality often lacking in modern racing games. The handling model is a welcome return to grip racing, offering a more grounded and responsive feel than the drift-heavy mechanics of previous installments.
The game’s story, set across four in-game weeks, is a classic tale of rising through the ranks of the street racing scene. While not groundbreaking, it provides a decent framework for the racing action and introduces a cast of memorable characters. The ability to customize cars extensively is another highlight, allowing players to create truly unique rides and express their personal style.
However, NFS Unbound is not without its problems. The rubberbanding AI can be incredibly frustrating, with opponents often appearing to magically catch up even when you’re driving flawlessly. The cop chases, while initially exciting, can become repetitive and overly aggressive, especially in the later stages of the game. The story mode, despite its interesting premise, is relatively short, clocking in at around 22-23 hours for main objectives, leaving some players wanting more. And while the visual style is appealing to some, others find it jarring and distracting. The game’s relentless soundtrack also comes with a hefty dose of profanity, which may be a turn-off for some players.
Considering the Value Proposition
Ultimately, whether NFS Unbound is “worth it” depends on your personal preferences and expectations. If you’re looking for a polished, bug-free racing experience with a long and engaging story, you might be disappointed. However, if you’re willing to embrace the game’s unique style, forgive its flaws, and enjoy the thrill of street racing with a responsive handling model, then NFS Unbound can be a genuinely enjoyable experience. Waiting for a sale, particularly on the PC version, is a wise decision given the game’s shorter length and somewhat uneven quality. Remember, a community of learners and educators like those involved with the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can offer diverse perspectives and insights into the game’s design and impact.
NFS Unbound: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 Is Need for Speed Unbound good in 2023?
While still affected by issues like rubberbanding and some unusual drifting physics, NFS Unbound offers a better handling system than previous entries, with a welcome return to grip racing. Whether it’s “good” depends on your tolerance for its flaws and appreciation for its unique style.
H3 How long is the gameplay for NFS Unbound?
Focusing on the main story objectives takes around 22½ hours. Achieving 100% completion will likely require around 50 hours of playtime.
H3 Should I play NFS Unbound story or online first?
It’s recommended to finish the single-player campaign first. This allows you to unlock special cars that can then be used in multiplayer. These cars become available separately in both modes.
H3 Is Need for Speed Unbound like Burnout?
No. While both are racing games, Burnout’s focus on action-consequence dynamics and realistic vehicle destruction sets it apart. NFS Unbound lacks this specific element.
H3 Do tires make a difference in NFS Unbound?
Yes! Different tires have different ratings and stats that significantly impact how the car handles and its level of traction. Choosing the right tires for your car and racing style is crucial for optimizing performance.
H3 Is there swearing in NFS Unbound?
Yes, unfortunately, there is a considerable amount of profanity in the music and voice acting. This may be a concern for some players, especially parents.
H3 Is NFS Unbound only 4 weeks?
The single-player story takes place across four in-game weeks. During this time, you must earn enough cash to enter weekly qualifiers and progress through the street racing scene.
H3 What difficulty should I play NFS Unbound?
For a more forgiving experience, start with Relaxed (Easy) difficulty. This setting makes your car more durable and reduces the aggressiveness of opponents and cops.
H3 Is there night in NFS Unbound?
Yes! The game’s story mode is structured around day and night sessions. Special events occur at specific points on the in-game calendar.
H3 What happens if you get caught in NFS Unbound?
Getting busted by the cops results in losing cash. Each cop vehicle has strengths and weaknesses, so understanding them is key to planning your escape.
H3 Is NFS Unbound an open-world game?
Yes, NFS Unbound features an open-world environment set in the fictional city of Lakeshore City, inspired by Chicago.
H3 What is the max speed in NFS Unbound?
While some cars display a higher top speed, the actual achievable top speed in the game can be lower. The Bugatti Chiron Sport, for example, may cap out around 245 mph despite displaying 263 mph.
H3 What is the best all-around car in Need for Speed Unbound?
There is not a single “best” car, as the optimal choice depends on your playstyle and the specific event. However, some top contenders include the Bugatti Chiron Sport, Koenigsegg Regera, McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SV, Ferrari F40, Mercedes AMG GT Black Series, and Ford GT.
H3 Can you tune cars in NFS Unbound?
Yes! Players can access the ‘Performance’ menu in the garage to purchase upgrades for their car’s engine and handling, which improves speed, traction, and maneuverability.
H3 Why is NFS Unbound so tough?
The game’s difficulty stems from the aggressive and frequent presence of cops, even during the daytime. The rubberbanding AI can also make races feel unfairly challenging.