Racing - Act 1 - Need For Speed

The Need for Speed series has long been a staple in the racing game genre since the 1990’s. The franchise was one of the pioneers to introduce 3-D style of racing game. Over the course of existence, the franchise has created more than 20 installments of the game year after year, while many of them have been a success, in recent years, it has failed to live up to its former glory. While the series once offered thrilling racing experiences and a sense of high-speed adrenaline, it has since become a shadow of its former self due to uninspired sequels and repetitive gameplay. One of the biggest issues with the Need for Speed series is the lack of innovation. The games have become predictable, with each new installment feeling like a remake of the old game. The formula of street racing, police chases, and car customization has grown stale, leaving players yearning for something fresh and exciting. Another major disappointment is the inconsistent quality of the gameplay and mechanics. While recently, some installments in the series have showcased solid controls, good storyline and exciting races like “Need for Speed Unbound”, others have been displaying unbalanced AI and broken game mechanics like “Need for Speed Payback”. The lack of attention to detail and refinement in the gameplay mechanics is frustrating, the storytelling is lackluster at best and there is no meaningful character development anymore.

However, it's important to acknowledge that the Need for Speed series still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans as there are still installments like “Unbound”, “Heat”, “Rivals” and “Most Wanted” that people still play to this day, despite many of them being reasonably old. The iconic soundtracks, stylish car designs, car customization options and the thrill of high-speed racing while being chased by the police are elements that have resonated with players for years. For those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the earlier titles in the series still hold up and deliver a more satisfying racing experience than the current ones however the studio is trying to innovate and redesign the whole experience to bring Need for Speed back to its glory days.

Need for Speed Review Rating (7.75/10)