Originally released in 2022, and available on the subscription service throughout 2024, Need for Speed Unbound returns to PlayStation Plus until February 2nd 2026. So if you haven’t tried it, or want to revisit the game, make sure you add it to your library before then.
It saw Criterion return as the main developer for the series, and the 25th instalment in the Need for Speed franchise notably used cel-shading and grafitti art as you explored the open world of Lakeshore City. As always, your character is involved with street racing, with the police chasing you when your heat is high enough, and the risk of losing your earnings.
Need for Speed Unbound also includes takeovers, hosted by A$AP Rocky, which see you attempt to beat the scores of three over races by chaining together various actions. And there are hidden collectibles in the form of bears, along with speed traps, drift zones, long jumps and other challenges to discover and complete.
The game launched with 143 cars, which expanded to 157 following post-launch updates and nine volumes of DLC content. The final instalment included the BMW S1000RR as the first playable motorccyle to feature in the Need for Speed series.
Being a returning game, it’s not the most amazing addition. But it’s a fun open world racer to play for free if you haven’t already tried it. And it’s also the final racing game to be developed by Criterion before the team were moved by owners EA to work on Battlefield 6, with the studio previously developing the Burnout series, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, Most Wanted, Rivals, ‘additional work’ on the 2015 Need for Speed, and taking over post-launch development of Need for Speed Heat.
Meanwhile Xbox owners currently have access to the Need for Speed back catalogue through Game Pass.
You can check out our previous coverage of Need for Speed Unbound news, updates, DLC and more here, or browse out the full Need for Speed Unbound car list for every vehicle in the game.
Need for Speed Unbound is available for thePC via Steam or the Epic Games Store, the Xbox Series X/S via the Microsoft Store, and the PS 5 via the PlayStation Store. It’s also available for the PC via EA Play Pro on the Origin platform. Or as a physical release from retailers including Game and Amazon.
Leave a Reply