Need for Speed: Unbound (Xbox One/SX)

Need for Speed bleibt mit Unbound seinem Spielprinzip treu, geht aber grafisch neue Wege. Die Auto, das Herzstück von NFS bleibt gewohnt in einem hohen Grad der Detaillierung, jedoch sind die Effekte und Charaktere in einem gewöhnungsbedürftigen Stil der nicht jedermanns Sache ist.

Über die arg obercoole Präsentation muss man erst mal hinwegkommen. Hat man das aber geschafft, wartet eines der motivierendsten und hübschesten Arcade-Rennspiele der letzten Zeit.

Need for Speed Unbound is a highly enjoyable and splendidly polished arcade racer. Criterion has picked meticulously through almost 30 years of NFS legacy, stitching together its finest elements to create a brilliant, feature-packed amalgamation that offers compelling gameplay, deep design, and dazzling aesthetics.

Need for Speed Unbound feels like a foundational entry for where the series could go from here. Competing across the title’s many events is a blast, and I love the juxtaposed visual aesthetics. Though some elements left me wanting, Unbound is as much fun as I’ve had with a Need for Speed title in years.

Beyond its art style that stands tall on its own, Need for Speed Unbound feels less like an innovation and more like a new body kit installed on an old engine. When the competition is already miles ahead, what this series needed was a nitrous boost of epic proportions, but sadly, it doesn’t seem like it will ever catch up.

Need for Speed Unbound delights with a vibrant new art style and some exciting arcade racing, but familiar issues are as frustrating as an inopportune oil slick

Need for Speed Unbound is the best arcade racer of 2022, and a real statement from EA and Criterion. Why it’s snuck out with so little fanfare will be one of the mysteries of the year.