Need for Speedis a franchise mostly known for its addictive arcade racing and its knack for remaining alive even when interest in the genre has waned. WithNeed for Speed Unbound, the series attempts to try a lot of new things, as seen with the driving effects. However, some things remain the same, including the fact that gamers find themselves up against rivals.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with rivals, the series has used this formula a few too many times. It would be a good idea forNeed for Speed Unboundto be the last game to make use of rivals. Future games should find other ways to motivate players to want to be the greatest racer around.
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The Rivals of Need for Speed
TheNeed for Speedfranchise has been around for decades, and during that time, it has taken on a few identities. In some of the most popular titles in the series, gamers go against rivals. To prove themselves as the meanest racer on the streets, players need to take these rivals down. Perhaps the most memorable example of this occurs inNeed for Speed: Most Wanted. Released in 2005, players complete racers and other game modes to finally earn the chance to take on one of the racers.
The idea is used well, as players are introduced to various characters, each with their signature car and striking personalities. Fans won’t easily forget figures like Sonny, who is the first Blacklist racer players deal with, nor will Jade and her love for drag racing fade from memory any time soon. The idea of rivals is used once again inNeed for Speed: Carbon, this time with fewer rivals, but not much change in the formula.
Having rivals inNeed for Speedgamesis usually a good idea, as it gives players extra motivation to complete races. This goes double if they’re facing particularly annoying rivals who love taunting, or if players have a score to settle with someone who has betrayed them. Furthermore, it allows for storylines to be woven into games that exist in a genre that typically avoids plots altogether.
Need for Speed’s Rivals Have Gotten Old
Unboundgives clues that the series might have overused the rival formula. It is yet another game that begins with players falling from grace, and going on a hunt to seek revenge on those who wronged them. WhileUnbound’s story does stick its landing, it cannot avoid accusations of being quite derivative and not much different from many of the priorNeed for Speedgames. This is true concerning the inclusion of rivals and story beats that are easily predictable for anyone who has played previous games.
The rival trope is tired, not just forNeed for Speed, but for gaming as a whole. Additionally, the series has shown that it can thrive without a heavy focus on rivals. This was seen with2012’sMost Wantedby Criterion Games. Although it does contain a “Most Wanted List” that players strive to work up, the members of the list aren’t presented as enemies to be loathed, nor is there a revenge or betrayal plot to make players have a personal vendetta against their rivals.
WithUnbound,Need for Speedhas found a good formulathat allows it to cater to its modern goals - tell a story while providing fun arcade racing. However, remaining too formulaic at this point through the constant inclusion of rivals could leave players feeling deja vu. An exploration of various other ways to motivate players, especially ones which don’t involve betrayal or revenge, could be what the series requires to ensure its longevity continues.
Need for Speed Unboundis available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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