In recent years, the opuses of Need for Speed have been linked, with more or less success, depending on the case. Also, in 2022, Criterion Games had the (noble) mission to win back the hearts of fans lost along the way. A goal far from being easy to achieve, the fact of satisfying everyone remains, technically, impossible. Nevertheless, with Need for Speed Unbound, we may finally have an NFS with intact DNA and offering a longer lifespan than the average for titles in the genre. We tell you more right now, with this little test of the Electronic Arts title, evaluated in its SONY Playstation 5 version.
Need for Speed Unbound: exclusive to the new-gen and it shows!
Released several days ago, Need for Speed Unbound has been running on LMSA’s PS5 for a long time, since its official release and even a little before. Exclusive to new generation machines, this new episode hits hard from the start, with beautiful graphics and a framerate ensuring an optimal feeling of speed. Clearly, NFS 2022 is a real success, technically. The humidity effects, the reflections on the tarmac, the environments and above all, the representation of the cars are very accomplished. Enough to honor the PS5 and Xbox Series, even if there is room to do even better.
On the soundtrack side, as you can imagine, we are in a very “hip-hop/rap” atmosphere. A culture to which not everyone is sensitive. Nevertheless, the whole thing turns out to be so coherent that, even without adhering to this musical current, we let ourselves be carried away by the plot, embellished with the cel-shaded visuals of the protagonists, the effects of tags generated by the car and a impressive selection of designer clothes, shoes and other accessories.
Because, long before thinking about participating in unbridled wild races, it is possible (but not mandatory) to create your avatar (with many possibilities in terms of haircuts and colors, gender, hairiness, celebrations, etc.) by dressing her as she pleases. Puma, Champion, Vans, Fila and many others are present in the software, offering a really extensive catalog with the possibility of buying new accessories as you progress. A great wealth, therefore, even if this facet may seem secondary in a racing game.
A very progressive career, requiring a lot of management
On the other hand, the theme to follow should be unanimous. Indeed, Need for Speed Unbound also and above all offers a well-stocked tuning workshop, which can be upgraded to obtain additional parts and improvements. Body kit (that of the Lamborghini Countach proposed “basic” is just sumptuous, see the image below), more powerful engines, exhausts, brakes, tires, the possibilities of improvements are numerous. The goal, of course, is to get cars that can win more races. But also, to move your machine to the next category, just to participate in more prestigious and more profitable events.
Moreover, you will quickly notice that the title of Criterion and EA encourages you to manage your budget (almost) like an accountant! So, know it from the start, each thoughtless expense will have consequences on your progress. Indeed, from the beginning of the adventure and throughout the progression, it will be necessary to invest equitably between the commitments for the races and the improvements of your vehicle. Before you even think about expanding your garage. Even if, in some cases, the acquisition of a new car will naturally be necessary.
Nevertheless, the mechanics of the game rather encourages you to develop your basic vehicle by carefully and intelligently choosing the events in which you participate. Because in the event of defeat, it is not uncommon to lose money, the bonuses not being gigantic, in comparison with the tariffs of the commitments. At the beginning, especially. A fine, subtle approach, to which we were no longer accustomed in an arcade-style racing game. And if that can clearly disturb at first glance, we quickly appreciate this facet which constitutes, in our opinion, the main asset of the game. Because, instead of “sending the sauce directly” by chaining the purchases of supercars, at the risk of Tired of the game too quickly, the nearly 150 models offered are discovered slowly, step by step and thus constitute real rewards. Knowing that, here again, a purchase will be carefully considered given the impact that this acquisition will have on your overall budget.
An attractive map, adrenaline galore!
Now let’s move on to the concrete, with the map and the races offered. In terms of events, nothing really original then we find classic racing formats, namely, facing rivals by joining the assembly points. However, here again, the developers have done something original by removing this usual feature of the NFS, aimed at artificially slowing down the cars in front of you, to allow you to pick up. Thus, your podiums and your victories will have to be deserved, on the track, in driving (everything being relative, on this type of racing game) and as mentioned above, by choosing the events, the cars and their improvements sparingly. But don’t expect to chain victories with your fingers in your nose, you’ll be disappointed…
Regarding the map / game area itself, it offers everything we could want in a Need for Speed. Namely, marshy areas, mountain roads (and a ski resort with its gigantic springboard!), countryside areas, highways, industrial areas or even the city. Of course, a number of actions allow you to unlock additional content, accessories and…mesh! Enough to put butter in the spinach and therefore, encourage you to drive for hours, trying the secondary objectives. Like “gunning down” a certain number of police vehicles, performing a given amount of “jump”, brushing against cars, smashing speed records, drifting or even losing the forces of the police. ‘order. Once again, this aspect of the gameplay contributes to extending the life of the game.
Knowing that beyond the game mechanics closely linked to your budget, the dose of pleasure delivered by the software, controller in hand, is clearly qualitative! In addition to the crazy speeds that can be reached, it is also the jumps – sometimes astronomical – that will make you “kiffer”. Jump over a river, smash billboards in the air, fly over houses (with a nice special effect along the way, which we let you discover), once you start, you never stop more ! Especially since the gamedesign offers a lot of freedom, with a maximum of destructible elements, allowing you to drive for long seconds at top speed, without being stopped by an undesirable pitfall. A real outlet, which offers an alternative to this more subtle aspect/management, linked to progression in the story.
Need for Speed Unbound: bet won, in our opinion!
In the end, Need for Speed Unbound fully satisfied us! While offering the usual recipes, appreciated by fans (high speeds, freedom, jumps, chases, etc.), the Criterion software has a much longer life than expected. This is due, in large part, to the financial aspect, since it is out of the question to squander your money. Indeed, dollars are won by the force of the wrist and are easily lost. We therefore progress quite slowly, gradually discovering new vehicles.
Nevertheless, the “open world” aspect of this exciting map to discover (secret passages, jump ramps, challenges, etc.), mixed with the quick and intuitive handling – in the spirit of the series and above all, with the excellent realization (graphics, in particular) offer a touch of madness and pure fun. To make this NFS Unbound “also” a stress reliever, if necessary.
So, unless you are a (car) collector first and foremost, we can only recommend this new opus, with its long lifespan, the online games only magnifying this aspect of the game. Need for Speed Unbound is indeed THE racing game of this end of the year.
The +:
– Graphics
– La Map
– The need to manage your budget well
– Possibilities of car upgrades
– Lifetime
The – :
– Scenario a little cliché, close to a Fast and Furious movie
– Some collision bugs
– The cel-shaded aspect of the characters, not necessarily inspired
Graphics: 18/20
Soundtrack: 15/20
Handling: 16/20
Pleasure of play: 18/20
Lifespan: 17/20
Global mark : 17/20
Article published on 08/12/2022 at 12:11 p.m.