Need for Speed
NFS (2015)
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Racing, cars, Game Pass, EA Play, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
OpenCritic
Steam
The ninth major installment in one of the most popular car racing video game series continually developed for over two decades by the Electronic Arts company. This one was created by recurring Ghost Games Studio (former EA Gotheburg) mostly consisting of ex-Criterion employees.
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Videos and Screens
[1:25] Need for Speed gamescom 2017
[0:49] Need for Speed PC version launch trailer
Destructoid: 6 / 10 by Chris Carter
When you factor in Need for Speed's forgettable story, you're left with a slightly above average racing game that's not as enjoyable as past series entries. From a pure gameplay perspective, it works, but it never manages to elevate itself. If you're in the mood for a new cinematic racer though, you could do a whole lot worse.
Game Rant: 3 / 5 by Brad Jones
This year's Need for Speed reboot feels like a fresh start for the series — and one that will likely be improved upon when its inevitable 2016 sequel rolls around.
Digital Trends: 3 / 5 by Alexander Kalogianni
Without much new, Need for Speed is less of a "reboot" and more of a "rehash."
The main pros of the game
- Graphics and Atmosphere: Many users praised the game's visuals, describing them as stunning and ahead of their time. The night-time aesthetic and rainy weather effects created an immersive experience reminiscent of classic NFS titles.
- Car Customization: The game offers a wide variety of cars and extensive customization options, allowing players to build and personalize their dream cars.
- Nostalgic Elements: Some players appreciated the game's homage to earlier NFS titles, particularly the underground racing vibe, which resonated with fans of the franchise.
- Soundtrack: The music selection received some positive feedback, with users enjoying the variety of tracks available in the game.
The main cons of the game
- Controls and Handling Issues: A significant number of reviews highlighted problems with car handling, describing it as clunky or broken. Players reported difficulty with steering, braking, and the overall driving experience, particularly when using a keyboard or certain controllers.
- Technical Problems: Users frequently mentioned bugs and performance issues, including crashes, unresponsive controls, and problems with online connectivity. The game?s "always online" requirement was especially criticized, as it meant players could not access the game without an internet connection.
- AI Problems: Many reviews pointed out that the AI, both for competitors and police, was poorly designed. Players found it frustrating that AI drivers would often ram into them or behave erratically during races.
- Story and Cutscenes: The narrative and live-action cutscenes were often described as cringe-worthy and uninteresting, detracting from the overall experience.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Offline Mode: A recurring complaint was the lack of an offline mode, with players expressing concern that the game would become unplayable once EA shuts down the servers.
- Better Controller Support: Many users felt that the game did not provide adequate support for various controllers, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. There were issues with remapping controls and compatibility with devices like DualShock and Xbox controllers.
- Improved AI: Players desired a more challenging and realistic AI that would provide a better racing experience, particularly in terms of police chases and rival racers.
- More Diverse Events: Some users expressed a wish for a greater variety of race types beyond drift events, which were seen as overly prevalent in the game.
Summary
- In summary, while Need for Speed? (2015) offers a visually stunning experience with great customization options, it suffers from significant gameplay and technical issues that have led many players to recommend caution before purchasing, particularly for the PC version.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 2873 votes. 2471 players anticipated the game.
Need for Speed Description
Need for Speed for PC, PS4 and XONE is the 19th full-fledged installment in one of the most popular racing game series that has been developed continuously for over two decades by Electronic Arts company. This one was produced by Ghost Games (former EA Gothenburg), mostly made up of ex-Criterion employees, creators of Need for Speed Rivals from 2013. The development process was also assisted by Speedhunters community, a hub for photographers, journalists, and drivers gathered around broadly understood car culture. Wrapping up 20 years of the series’ history, the creators decided for a restart and entitled this new installment simply Need for Speed. In order to meet fans’ expectations the game came out as a result of close analysis of all previous editions, so to pick up the elements fans loved the franchise for, including rich car customization options, authentic city car culture, and compelling story set in an open night environment.
Story
Need for Speed takes you to the city of Ventura Bay, and lets you play as a young driver who dreams of becoming a driving legend. This, obviously, is not so easy, and first you have to do a string of missions split into several categories. These are represented by real stars of motor culture: Magnus Walker (speed icon), Ken Block (style icon), Nakai San (build icon), Morohoshi San (outlaw icon), and Risky Devil (crew icon).
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, Need for Speed resembles earlier installments in the series, such as Need for Speed: Carbon or Need for Speed: Underground. Therefore, this is an arcade-style game set in an open world. There awaits not only compelling story missions, but also various side activities.
Game modes
Need for Speed for PC, PS4 and XONE offers a variety of single and multiplayer game modes. Obviously the core gameplay focuses on fast, illegal races, but that is not all. There are also police pursuits, drifting, and more. The whole thing is bound by AllDrive system, already known to fans, which is responsible for online and social features. The system is back in an enhanced form, offering e.g. easier connection with friends.
Technology
Need for Speed is based on Frostbite engine, known from shooter games from DICE Studios like Battlefield 4 and Star Wars: Battlefront. Moreover, unlike 2013’s Rivals, this title was released only on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, so the developers could fully focus on using these devices to their full potential.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
29
GAMES
in Need for Speed Game Series
Game Series
Need for Speed Series
One of the oldest and most popular racing game series in the history of the industry. Need for Speed is one of the most valuable brands in Electronic Arts' portfolio, with the US company's in-house development studios, such as EA Black Box, EA Gothenburg, and Criterion Games, usually responsible for its subsequent installments. The series started in 1994 with The Need for Speed, designed for fifth-generation consoles (3DO, PlayStation, Sega Saturn) and PC. The production was prepared by the team from EA Canada studio, created as a result of the acquisition of Distinctive Software (devs of Test Drive and Test Drive II).
29 video games
Need for Speed Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows March 15, 2016
PlayStation 4 November 3, 2015
Xbox One November 3, 2015
Developer: EA Gothenburg / Ghost Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.
Need for Speed System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4 GHz, 6 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 750/Radeon HD 7850 or better, 30 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 970/Radeon R9 290 or better, 30 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit
Need for Speed PC releasing on March 15th
Need for Speed is coming to PC on March 15th. This version is going to offer some new features, such as manual transmission, steering wheel support, as well as visual improvements.
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November 17, 2015
Need for Speed on PC delayed to spring
PC players will lay their hands on the new Need for Speed later than planned – Spring 2016. Other versions come out as planned this fall.
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September 16, 2015
E3 2015: Need for Speed - Spectacular Gameplay Video
Electronic Arts has presented the latest installment in the Need for Speed series. The game looks really amazing, and the showcased gameplay is reminiscent of the golden period of the franchise.
video games
June 16, 2015
Need for Speed Will Require An Online Connection
The official Need for Speed Twitter account revealed that the new installment of the popular racing games series will require a permanent Internet connection. Supposedly, it will help provide the players with a better experience.
video games
May 29, 2015
Mirror's Edge Won't Launch Until 2016 And The New Need for Speed Will Arrive in October
Electronic Arts is planning to release another installment in the Need for Speed racing game series at the end of this year. As for the new Mirror's Edge, it is due to launch in the first quarter of 2016.
video games
May 6, 2015