Unbound further leans into stylization by adding street-art-inspired flourishes to the car as you drift, boost, and jump off ramps. These two contrasting styles sound like they should clash, but they work in tandem to create a refreshing amalgamation. Though the city and vehicles maintain their photorealistic looks from past games, the characters are cel-shaded cartoons.

Actions like drifting and drafting fill your boost gauge, creating a satisfying rhythm in the moment-to-moment racing as you flow from one move to the next.ĭistinct visual effects permeate nearly every moment of Need for Speed Unbound, making it one of the most stylish racing games I’ve played. Blasting down a straightaway in a McLaren delivers a remarkable sense of speed but nailing a corner drift in a Mitsubishi feels just as good. Sliding into the driver seat of the nearly 150 cars in Need for Speed Unbound feels terrific. Need for Speed Unbound feels like the ultimate realization of that philosophy, creating one of the franchise’s best in years. Since its inception nearly three decades ago, Need for Speed’s best entries have combined style and substance to produce thrilling homages to the street racing scene.

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