One of the most iconic racing video game series of all time, Need for Speed, boasts a true venerable legacy. For decades, it has provided heart-stopping races, epic police chases, car customization, and a constantly changing roster of vehicles and mechanics.
Having more than 25 games in its belt, the series features some ups and downs, but there are a few games that have lasted over time.
Below is the list of the five best Need for Speed games that held the spirit of high-speed racing.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
Iconic blacklist, epic cop chases, legendary cars
| Released | May 25, 2005 |
| Developer | EA |
| Publisher | EA |
The undisputed king. Most Wanted combined the racing at high speed with an engrossing story, police chases requiring you to keep your head cool, and a layer of deep progression.
The experience of Razor taking him down and climbing the blacklist is still one of the most fulfilling ones in the history of racing games. There have been no games that have balanced the same proportion of story, quickness, and content as it does.
Need for Speed (2015)
A reboot packed with nostalgic vibes
| Released | November 3, 2015 |
| Developer | Ghost Games |
| Publisher | EA |
Need for Speed (2015) game revived the same night-only look of Underground, amazing graphics, and deep car customization. Full motion video (FMV) cutscenes and always online play were controversial, but the overall mood and game mechanics were undeniably immersive.
Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)
First open-world NFS with deep customization
| Released | November 9, 2004 |
| Developer | EA |
| Publisher | EA |
Building on its predecessor, Underground 2 added an open world, a large volume of cars, drift events, and a larger tuning system. Support continues to plead for a remake of this title, and rightly so; this title painted a picture of how a racing game should be.
Need for Speed: Carbon (2006)
Canyon duels and crew-based racing
| Released | October 31, 2006 |
| Developer | EA |
| Publisher | EA |
A direct follow-up to Most Wanted (2005), Carbon added night-racing, a new, darker tone, and canyon-to-canyon fights dubbed as togue. The risk of losing control and flying over the cliffs added tension, and the possibility of hiring crew members with unique skills introduced strategy as well.
Need for Speed: Rivals (2013)
Play as cops or racers in a shared open world
| Released | November 15, 2013 |
| Developer | EA |
| Publisher | EA |
Competitors went back to Hot Pursuit basics and implemented cutting-edge graphics and online multiplayer. You would change between being a law enforcer and a racer with their respective campaign and upgrades. The risk-reward system maintained a lot of tension.
Final Thoughts
From the underground streets of Underground to the open highways of Hot Pursuit, Need for Speed has been attached to several shared memories. Although such releases as Unbound are continuing the series, these ten entries are the high point of the franchise. Whether you are chasing down racers, drifting around corners, or customizing your dream car, there’s a Need for Speed game for everyone.
Discover more from WikiTechLibrary
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
