Need for Speed Unbound

"Need for Speed: Unbound represents the return of Criterion as a top tier developer. The result is one of the best arcade racing games of the last few years and also, a great Need for Speed experience."

"It is ironic how a product called "Unbound" is, on the contrary, still so harnessed by the canons of traditional open world racing games, resulting all too similar to its direct predecessor. Need For Speed Unbound is an overall valid …"

"Need for Speed Unbound is a fun racer with a comic look that challenges and motivates, but exaggerates a bit in terms of police and story."

"Need for Speed Unbound feels like a foundational entry for where the series could go from here. Competing across the title’s many events is a blast, and I love the juxtaposed visual aesthetics. Though some elements left me wanting, Unbound …"

"Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won&s;t astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash."

"Criterion has managed to create a vibrant, beautiful, high octane Need for Speed entry that dares to breathe new life into a franchise that desperately needed it."

"A pure Need for Speed experience for the Z generation, blessed with a fresh style and a great soundtrack. The races are fun, the sense of speed is great, and the progression is real. The only pity is that Lakeshore …"

"Need for Speed Unbound does not reinvent the wheel, but it does tune it. Criterion Games wanted to stand out with its new artistic style and a more than remarkable technical power and has succeeded. This is not the best …"

"Need for Speed Unbound is the best arcade racer of 2022, and a real statement from EA and Criterion. Why it&s;s snuck out with so little fanfare will be one of the mysteries of the year."

"Beyond its unique art style, Need for Speed Unbound doesn’t do anything to reinvent the steering wheel, but it doesn’t need to. This is Need for Speed, so you know what you’re here for - fast races, cop chases, and …"

"Put that unfairness together with the annoying tendencies of the cops in Need for Speed Unbound, and the entire experience is full of peaks and valleys that curtail the progress that this game is supposed to be making. Beyond its …"

"One of the best games I&s;ve played all year, and one of the best entries in the Need for Speed series. The driving is sublime, the cars are gorgeous, the art style is striking, and the soundtrack is exceptional. Despite …"

"Multiplayer is also a fun addition to Need for Speed Unbound that allows players to bet other players and unlock cars that become available in both the game&s;s story and multiplayer modes. Racing other players feels satisfying but would be …"

"Visually astounding with a weighty handling model and some super clever design, Need for Speed Unbound is easily the best Need for Speed in years. Though the single-player story campaign is a little less inspiring than it needs to be …"

"As a result, Need for Speed Unbound feels like it comes to a stop before it ever gets going. The polish in the moment-to-moment gameplay cannot be ignored, but as a whole, Need for Speed Unbound is just another forgettable …"

"At 4K/60, Need for Speed Unbound is a clear showcase for the new generation of consoles""

"Like a friend that refuses to grow up, Need for Speed: Unbound brings the franchise back with all of its inherent silliness and ill-advised driving. And, just like that friend, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Its story is …"

"Need for Speed Unbound comes to our consoles to bring us the adrenaline of street racing. Criterion has once again made a really interesting installment for fans of the franchise. NFS is back."

"Need for Speed Unbound hasn’t strayed very far from the fundamentals of 2019’s Heat, but its bold new animated style impresses."

"Those looking for an arcade racer with some attitude should check out Unbound, as it wins far more than it loses, and looks great doing it."

"Criterion takes the reins once more for an arcade racer that&s;s capable of going toe-to-toe with the all-conquering Forza Horizon."

"Need for Speed unbound offers some genuinely cathartic, high-speed thrills, but it does little to turn heads besides wearing its flashiest colours."

"If you’re looking for a game to kick back and play race after race with a sizable campaign and other options including an online mode, Need for Speed Unbound has plenty to keep you busy and entertained."

"Need for Speed Unbound is the franchise’s best entry in a decade, although the competition for that title wasn&s;t particularly stiff. The game offers polished tech, good (if slightly dated) open-world design, and a varied array of events and challenges, …"

"Some well-judged bold calls in both mechanics and visual direction elevate a familiar arcade racer above NFS&s;s previous monotony."

"I can live with many of Need For Speed Unbound’s faults. Admittedly, there were fleeting moments when I enjoyed the routine of earning cash, upgrading, outrunning police, and climbing Lakeshore’s underground racing ranks. But, when a Need For Speed game …"

"Need for Speed Unbound delights with a vibrant new art style and some exciting arcade racing, but familiar issues are as frustrating as an inopportune oil slick"

"Need for Speed Unbound brings plenty of style and builds upon the high stakes dynamic established in 2019&s;s Heat to create an engaging and enjoyable open world racing game."

"Bringing a fresh new art style to the franchise that we hope sticks around for years to come, this ain&s;t your daddy&s;s Need for Speed. And maybe, that&s;s a good thing. With Heat pushing the franchise in a bold new …"

"Need for Speed: Unbound is a particular work, capable of forcefully bringing back street culture, the contemporary one of generation Z, but unable to create new spaces of playful expression. Everything that revolves around the characters of the story and …"

"Despite one or two small complaints, Need for Speed Unbound is a great arcade racer, finally getting the series back on track. The versatile handling feels fantastic, and the single-player offers a highly engaging campaign, pitting you against the cops …"

"Need for Speed Unbound proves that having a distinct style and cool premise does a lot to elevate a game."

"&s;Need for Speed Unbound&s; is a refreshing entry in the franchise, with new visual effects that enhance its sense of style. But for all the good that it does, it commits the cardinal racing game sin by periodically forcing the …"

"Despite its flaws, I found myself always craving one more race; I could drive faster, customize my car better, and drift in even cooler ways than before. While not perfect, Need for Speed Unbound is the best the franchise has …"

"Need for Speed Unbound is a beautiful street racing game that features a cool soundtrack and welcome cross-platform play, but frustrating car physics and CPU drivers sully the experience."