As gamers have come to expect from the series, Need for Speed Unbound lets racers get behind dream cars and take them to their limits against other hopeful racers. There is more to Need for Speed Unbound than simply crossing the finish line first, however. The various event types give the game variety, and test players in a myriad of ways.
Whether players want to perfect their drifting, their speed, or how stylishly they drive, there are events to please all types of drivers. There is also an event that features rapper A$AP Rocky, who has some scathing insults for players who fail to impress him. By the end of the game, players will likely have their favorite events, although there is plenty of fun to be had with all the available options.
Corner King and Drift Events
When tight corners come up, don't go slow - go sideways. Drifting is once again a big part of the latest Need for Speed game. With eye-catching driving effects that are activated when players drift, it makes it more than enjoyable to slide around corners while dodging incoming traffic.
For players who are incredibly confident in their drifting abilities, Corner King and the Drift event are the ideal events to pick. With Corner King, players are placed on a track with many hard-to-navigate corners that test a player's handling and control more than their speed. With the Drift events, the aim is to string together the longest total drifting time.
Delivery Events
Occasionally, players will get a call inviting them to deliver a vehicle from point A to B. A few of the vehicles are some of the fastest cars in Unbound. Sounds simple enough at first, but there are usually a few hurdles thrown, and the objectives also differ at times. Some deliveries have players driving a vehicle with high heat, meaning that the cops also have to be evaded. Other times, the client doesn't want any attention from the law, so players have to carefully avoid all cops on their route.
Of course, certain deliveries are purely about speed. Some Delivery events take the form of pick-ups. Players are tasked with taxiing these racers in need, although they will have to lose the cops before they can be dropped off at the appropriate safe house.
Eliminator and Endurance
Eliminators are high-stakes events that are part of Unbound's time progression system. Every week, racers partake in Eliminators, and the worst performers are knocked out of the competition. Competition is tight, so players should bring their A-game if they wish to enter the next week's Eliminator event.
Endurance races are more about how long players can keep up their good driving. Players who can stay on track and finally cross the finish line will receive their hard-earned victory. These are definitely not events for players looking for a quick experience, but for gamers who wish to hone their skills, Endurance races in Unbound can be fun.
Takeover Event
The Takeover events are one of the main attractions of Unbound. Instead of focusing purely on speed, gamers are also judged on their style. To gain points, players are encouraged to smash into objects, skillfully drift around corners, and catch air time by flying off ramps. A$AP Rocky judges these events, and he isn't afraid to let players know if he thinks their driving is subpar.
Half Pack, Head to Head, Speed Race, Street Race Events
In addition to the creative challenges that Unbound throws in, there is also a good variety of events that stick to the more typical racing experience. For example, Half Pack races feature only four racers, which ups the pressure. Head to Head races make things even more personal by having players take on one racer.
The Speed Race events are also not to be missed. Players put the pedal to the metal on the straights of Lakeshore City with the aim of hitting the highest speed. Having a fast car with good acceleration is a must to win these events. Finally, there are Street Race events, which is likely what most gamers are around for. They feature races around Lakeshore against other racers. Knowing the right shortcuts and having sharp reflexes to dodge traffic are necessary for a victory.
Additional Activities in Need for Speed Unbound
When players aren't participating in events, there's plenty of fun to be had around Lakeshore. Littered around the city are numerous collectibles that come in different forms. This includes inflatables bears that must be driven over, billboards to smash, and snazzy street art to collect.
In addition to being fun side activities, finding all the collectibles will also reap players many rewards, including some of the best cars in Unbound. Finding all the bears nets players a fancy BMW M4 GTS, collecting all the street art unlocks the Ferrari 488 GTB, and breaking all the billboards unlocks the Ford Focus RS.
There are also speed traps peppered throughout the city, each with their own target speed. Players who manage to surpass the target speed are rewarded with cash. Lastly, of course, there are the police chases with Lakeshore's police department. These can be triggered by crashing into a police car, or just driving a vehicle that already has a high heat level attached to it.
The various long jump opportunities should also keep players occupied as they attempt to beat their previous records of time spent in the air. Players can also have fun with the various drift zones and try to beat the target score of each drift zone. Regardless of where players are in Lakeshore, there's always something to do.
Unbound differentiates itself sufficiently from previous Need for Speed games with its driving effects, and the Takeover events are a fun change of pace. For Need for Speed fans who love the street racing era of the series, this game will satisfy the itch quite well. The various modes will also ensure that racers are never bored as they roam Lakeshore.
Need for Speed Unbound is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.