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Need For Speed is a known term to all racing enthusiasts who enjoy shifting gears in video games. Since 1994, the NFS games have been released over various platforms, and currently, we’ve got more than 20 Need For Speed titles available. However, not all of these games are out of this world; others have created some of the best memories for players with their gameplay and stories. So let’s do a refresh over the whole Need For Speed franchise and list the top 10 best titles in this popular game series.
10. Need For Speed 2015
Need For Speed 2015 is by far one of the best games in the series in the graphics department. A rainy night with the reflection of light while you drift and NoS out of the corner is what that is, delivered with high-quality visuals. Gameplay-wise, this title brought forth one of the best tuning systems a Need For Speed game has ever had. The drift and grip turning system was also quite balanced, making NFS 2015 a good game for fans of both styles.
9. Need For Speed: Payback
If you’re looking for a thrilling story with a revenge theme in a racing game, NFS Payback is just what the doctor orders. Payback features three main characters battling their way for one ultimate race of the Outlaws Rush. But this is after they’re betrayed by a friend running the show. This game brought back the race varieties to let you do normal races, drags, and drifts to beat the DK. Cop chases with Jess? Also, check!
8. Need For Speed: Unbound
With anime-style and 9th-generation graphics, Need For Speed Unbound scored big time in the visuals department for the series. The game features one of the best balances between grip and drift-turning gameplay styles, keeping fans happy to choose how they want to control their car. Unbound is also one of the best NFS games for the online experience, allowing players to gather in 16-player lobbies, racing, and mess with the cops.
7. Need For Speed: Underground
Underground was the game that changed the NFS formula. This was one of the first Need For Speed games to feature car customization, allowing players to upgrade and change the look of their racing vehicle. And to hammer the point of being one of the best Need For Speed games ever, the Underground came with some of the best soundtracks for shifting gears in the hood.
6. Need For Speed: Underground 2
Anything that Underground did well, Underground 2 succeeded. Music that keeps the vibe of street racing going? Check. Improved car customization repleted with various selection of items and upgrades? Check. Keeping the smooth gameplay and improving it? Also, check. Underground 2 was nothing but an amazing sequel to a good game.
5. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit
Straight up Need For Speed Hot Pursuit was a love letter to all racing fans, keeping everything simple, stunning, and rewarding with a leveling progress system. The graphics were attractive during the time of release, and the gameplay feels so cinematic with all the 150 Mph drifts and cop chases. This was also the first NFS game to feature weapons, allowing players to fight off their rivals. The most fun about the game? A perfect turbo!
4. Need For Speed: Rivals
Rivals was the Underground 2 of Hot Pursuit. The game plays the same as the HP, but this time, you are allowed to wander around the open world map, where cops may chase you anytime if you’re out of the safe house. You still have your weapons and turbo system from Hot Pursuit while being able to customize your car, an option that was so limited in HP.
3. Need For Speed: Carbon
The best quality of Need For Speed Carbon‘s gameplay was the canyon races, which were unique among all the NFS games. Carbon was a sequel to MW 2005, following the same gameplay elements while adding the race wars and territory control system. The dynamic soundtracks, crews, and the boss races make Need For Speed Carbon a bold title among all.
2. Need For Speed: Heat
Cop chases and pursuits are some of the core elements of the best Need For Speed games, and cops in Heat mean real busyness. Even the whole narrative is about a corrupt Sargent police officer wrecking racers by all means necessary. Gameplaywise, Heat feels more like an upgraded version of NFS 2015, introducing the new gas pedal drifting mechanic. This game also featured a revamped car upgrade and customization system, which was later used in NFS Unbound as well.
1. Need For Speed: Most Wanted
A new racer comes to the town of Rockport, looking for a reputation with a top-notch BMW M3 GTR car. The cops follow your shadow on every street, and the races are filled with adrenaline-rushed moments. Different racing types, including drag races, time trials, knockouts, and speed traps, keep the scenario going. At the same time, you also have to earn a bounty by dealing with tons of cops chasing you around the city.
Multiply all the mentioned features of the game with second-to-none soundtracks, a solid upgrade system to turn a starter car into an ultra-speedy one, and tough Black List races that make you keep your full focus on taking a single round. Need For Speed Most Wanted is the best in the franchise to date, keeping the crown on its M3 GTR, which is still being featured on the new titles as MW‘s badge of honor.
