After teasing the game’s reveal and following leaked screenshots of the game, EA and developer Criterion Games have officially announced and revealed the next title in the Need For Speed franchise. Need For Speed Unbound puts players worldwide in the driver’s seat of their own racing fantasy as they outsmart cops and prove they have what it takes to win the Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge. Unbound features an all-new, unique visual style that blends elements of street art with the most realistic cars in the franchise’s history. The game’s single-player campaign delivers thrills and consequences through an immersive narrative that engages players in the city of Lakeshore as they race, collect, upgrade, and customize the world’s hottest performance cars on their way to the top of the scene.
Need For Speed Unbound’s brand-new toolkit of high-energy visual and sound effects makes graffiti come to life in a new art style. Burst Nitrous rewards players with style-based boost, reflecting how they drive. The more players race, the more heat gets built up. Players can choose to outdrive or outsmart cops using new escape mechanics to take control of the chase to earn big rewards or even bigger consequences for getting busted. Players will have endless options to not only kit out their cars but to show off their own personal styles in game with hundreds of cosmetic items including exclusive licensed gear from some of the world’s pioneering fashion innovators and custom automotive gear companies.
“Need for Speed Unbound is all about self-expression, taking risks and disrupting the status quo by just being you – through your racing style, unique car builds, fashion, music and much more,” said Kieran Crimmins, Creative Director at Criterion Games. “We are inspired to create a truly authentic universe where players see themselves represented in the game. The visual experience of Unbound redefines expectation, with a new signature art style that brings graffiti to life, intensifies the competition, and creates adrenaline-inducing, high-speed action.”
A$AP Rocky headlines the genre-defying soundtrack of trailblazing artists from the world of hip-hop. Rocky’s creative agency AWGE and the world premiere of A$AP’s brand new track “Sh*ttin’ Me,” also appear in the game. A$ASP Rocky will also appear in-game as the leader of the Takeover Scene, a new replayable precision driving mode that brings together the community to take over parts of the city and celebrate driving with style over pure speed.
Players can pre-order Need For Speed Unbound through November 29, 2022, to receive an exclusive pack of Unbound content, including a driving effects pack, decals, license plate, banner artwork, stickers and $150,000 Bank in their wallet when they first join multiplayer and more.
The Need For Speed Unbound Palace Edition, a deluxe offering created in partnership with Palace Skateboards, will offer players exclusive content, including four stunning custom cars, a clothing pack, driving effect, decals and license plate, character pose and banner artwork for $79.99. More to be revealed at a later date.
Need For Speed Unbound launches in retail and digital storefronts on December 2, 2022, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for $69.99.