Need For Speedproved how stunning a racing game can be once expanded into an open-world. It offers a beautiful landscape perfect for screen captures and full immersion into the world and story. But which NFS game did it the best?
6 Most Memorable Vehicles in Need For Speed
Few cars have stood the test of time as well as these 6 cars from Need for Speed games, that live forever in the hearts of fans.
Much of it is subjective to what you want from theracing game. Do you want more opportunities for different types of races? Some extra achievements to hunt down? Or are you simply interested in aesthetics? If you’re unsure where to start your NFS open-world journey, we have a few great picks that will keep you engaged.
8Need For Speed: Carbon
Location: Palmont City
Need For Speed: Carbon
Nothing sends your heart rate skyrocketing quite like racing in the mountains. Need For Speed: Carbon is loaded with mountains and canyons. Whether you’re in a race or just outrunning the police, those twisty roads can quickly send you over the edge, making every experience life or death.
The only unfortunate thing about the canyons is that you can’t free-roam in them unless you glitch into them. Even so, when you can do it, it’s a great way to develop your skills. You’re forced to think about how you’re driving, when to drift, etc. rather than simply race.
7Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
Location: Rockport
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Need For Speed: Most Wanted marked the return of cops in the franchise, and their implementation was a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t justraces you had to worry about. Cops could make your day so much worse, even if you’re just enjoying the open-world design, which is perfect for realism’s sake.
On the racing side, there’s a good variety of types of roads that you’ll have just as much riding around normally as you would in a race. Plus, there were plenty of shortcuts waiting for you to discover them.
6Need For Speed
Location: Ventura Bay
Need For Speed (2015)
Granted, there are conflicting views about Need For Speed, especially about the online-only setup. But since we’re talking about the open-world, itlooksincredible, especially at night. You’ll find more excitement by getting off the main roads and discovering the more narrow passageways.
Conquering drifting on those tighter roads will make you feel invincible. And if you have to ping-pong off the walls (or traffic) until you master them, it’s just all the more fun.
5Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit
Location: Seacrest County
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit already stood out thanks to the fact that you could take on the cop role, doing your best to keep up with racers. And theopen-world racingis more than exciting to witness thanks to its incredible diversity.
You can race up to the mountainside, appreciating the vibrant greenery that effortlessly transitions into a snowy landscape. Drive out even further, and you wind up in a desert or zooming across the beach.
4Need For Speed: Underground 2
Location: Bayview
Need for Speed: Underground 2
Let’s go further back in time with Need For Speed: Underground 2. It still holds to this day for die-hard fans. The open-world is rich and responsive. And you get a beautiful view of the city while you roam and race.
And if you love customization, Underground 2 is overflowing with it. By the time you’re done with your cars, you’ll come away with vehicles that are as unique as possible. It pairs well with the open-world as you feel that the game is fully personalized.
3Need For Speed: Heat
Location: Palm City
Need for Speed Heat
The day and night cycle is an immediate standout in the open-world layout ofNeed For Speed: Heat. It features a stunning design no matter which cycle you’re in. The world is vibrant enough that you’ll believe you’re really in sunny and colorful Miami, the city the area is inspired by.
Along with that, there’s so much to do during the daylight hours. All the activities and racing remains legal then. But when night comes, that’s when we start to dip into the more illicit activities, and the cops will respond accordingly.
2Need For Speed: Unbound
Location: Lakeshore
Need for Speed Unbound
Need For Speed: Unbound has one of the best open-world designs thanks to how deeply immersive it is. The pedestrians just feel real. It’s exciting to race around and feel as though you’re actually tearing through the streets.
There’s a great contrast between how the city looks and how the more rural areas appear. The city is bustling, full of life. Meanwhile, the countryside features gorgeous coloring, the next-gen style in full force in the scenery. You’ll love coasting through even without indulging in the exciting races.
1Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2012)
Location: Fairhaven
There’s no story in sight here, not like with the previous title, Most Wanted. Instead, this NFS game is all about the ride. The action can go non-stop if you’d like. Or you can take a breather from the races and go out and explore, and you’ll want to soak in everything this world has to offer.
Its open-world design is even more impressive than the first rendition of Most Wanted. Get your thrills in with the numerous jumps that send you soaring through the air or onto buildings for even more exploration.
10 Best Need For Speed Games
There are a lot of Need for Speed games and every game tries something new, but these ten titles are the ones that do it right.
