| Need for Speed Unbound | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Criterion Games |
| Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
| Director(s) | Kieran Crimmins |
| Producer(s) | Danny Isaac |
| Designer(s) | Bill Lane |
| Programmer(s) |
|
| Artist(s) | Darren White |
| Writer(s) | Kristen McGorry |
| Composer(s) | Brodinski |
| Series | Need for Speed |
| Engine | Frostbite |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | December 2, 2022 |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Need for Speed Unbound (stylised as NFS Unbound) is a 2022 racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts. It was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on December 2, 2022.[2] Unbound is the twenty-fifth instalment in the Need for Speed series, and the successor to 2019's Heat. It is the first game in the series to be developed by Criterion since 2013's Rivals (a collaboration with then-lead studio Ghost Games), and the studio's first as the main developer of the series since 2012's Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
Unbound features an art style that merges artistic elements like cel-shading and graffiti art with the more realistic art style of other Need for Speed games.[3][4] The game takes place in the fictional "Lakeshore City", which is inspired by Chicago, Illinois.[5]
Upon release, the console versions received generally positive reviews from critics, while the PC version was criticised. Though Unbound's overall reception was an improvement over that of the recent Ghost Games-developed titles, retail sales were down 64% compared to its predecessor.[6]
- ^ Chow, Aaron (November 8, 2022). "Take a First Look at A$AP Rocky's Real-Life 'Need for Speed' Mercedes-Benz 190E". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
- ^ Good, Owen S.; McWhertor, Michael (October 6, 2022). "Need for Speed Unbound leaves last-gen consoles behind, emphasizes style and speed". Polygon. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
- ^ Good, Owen S. (October 5, 2022). "EA's new Need for Speed leaks, looks full-on anime". Polygon. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
- ^ Fingas, Jon. "'Need for Speed Unbound' revives the racing series on December 2nd". Engadget. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
- ^ Channell, Mike (October 7, 2022). "Gaming: Need for Speed Unbound arrives this December". Top Gear. BBC. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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