Need for Speed Unbound has been officially unveiled by EA. As rumored, the game appears to include anime elements, which set it apart from previous entries.
The trailer, which spotlights A$AP Rocky, gives a first look at the racing game and what it has to offer. The gameplay appears to be impressive and unique, with anime/cartoon elements joining the racing.
Need for Speed Unbound is being developed by EA’s Criterion studio, which is best known for its work on the Burnout series. The game will be available on December 2, 2022, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
EA confirmed more information about Need for Speed Unbound in a press release. In the game’s world of Lakeshore, players will compete for The Grand, which is described as the “ultimate street racing challenge.” As they progress through the campaign, players will collect and customize new cars.
More specifically, the plot begins with a robbery at a family-owned auto shop. This “tears two friends apart” and you, a new racer, will embark on a journey to reclaim their stolen car.
“Need for Speed Unbound is all about self-expression, taking risks, and disrupting the status quo by just being you–through your racing style, unique car builds, fashion, music and much more,” Criterion’s Kieran Crimmins said. “We are inspired to create a truly authentic universe where players see themselves represented in the game. The visual experience of Unbound redefines expectation, with a new signature art style that brings graffiti to life, intensifies the competition, and creates adrenaline-inducing, high-speed action.”
Pre-orders for Need for Speed Unbound before November 29 will receive in-game content such as decals, a license plate, banner artwork, and $150,000 in-game currency.
The Standard Edition of the game costs $69.99, while the Unbound Palace edition costs $79.99 and includes a number of digital extras—further details will be announced later.
- Need for Speed Unbound, Standard Edition for Xbox ($69.99) — Microsoft Store / Amazon.com / Best Buy / GameStop
- Need for Speed Unbound, Palace Edition for Xbox ($79.99) — Microsoft Store
- Need for Speed Unbound, Standard Edition for PS5 ($69.99) — Amazon.com / Best Buy / GameStop
Need for Speed Unbound will have a 10-hour trial available beginning November 29, and EA Play Pro members on PC will have access to the Palace Edition early part that day.
Finally, EA stated that Unbound will continue to grow after its initial release with “a series of free content updates” that will add more “features, experiences, content drops, and more.” Details on the post-launch strategy will also be revealed later.
In 2020, a remaster of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit was released for the Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One. EA also publishes the F1, Grid, Dirt, and Project Cars franchises through Codemasters in addition to the Need for Speed series.
