Need for Speed Unbound
In short: Need for Speed Unbound is a sports game released in 2022 by Criterion Games, available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Our score: 7.8/10 (worth buying, especially on sale). Lowest price we found right now: $6.99.
Street racing with a bold anime-inspired art style.
Need for Speed Unbound revitalizes the racing franchise with a bold visual style mixing photorealistic cars with anime-inspired effects and graffiti-art boost trails. Set in the fictional Lakeshore City, players compete in a four-week qualifier structure to earn a spot in The Grand street racing event. The unique visual identity extends to character customization with curated streetwear fashion brands. Risk-and-reward gameplay lets players bet heat points on races — win big and earn multipliers, lose and forfeit everything to police chases. Car customization is deep with performance tuning, body kits, and visual modifications. The police AI creates intense chases with tactical units, roadblocks, and helicopter pursuit. Underground culture permeates everything from the hip-hop soundtrack to the authentic car culture representation.
Game details
- Developer: Criterion Games
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release year: 2022
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Category: sports
Our review
A fresh artistic direction with cel-shaded effects. The risk-reward heat system and great customization are held back by aggressive AI and short content.
Pros
- Fresh cel-shaded art style
- Great car customization
- Risk-reward heat system
- Satisfying drifting
Cons
- Aggressive rubber-band AI
- Short story
- Limited car roster at launch
FAQ
- Can I customize cars?
- Yes, extensive visual and performance customization is available.
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Last updated: 01/04/2026