So it isn’t Need for Speed Underground 3, but it’s in the same vein as the series classic. Electronic Arts has revealed what’s under the hood from Ghost games at E3. The developers are bringing a full reboot this year with the name, Need For Speed.
Not the most exciting name but it’s a fresh start for Ghost Games who have taken over the franchise since 2013 with Need For Speed Rivals.
Criterion Games had a short burst with the Need For Speed franchise over the last generation. They were previously responsible for the Burnout series.
This will mark the 22
entry in the franchise since their inception 1994. Using the same as the original might be confusing. People associate Need For Speed with the first title and now have to grasp two titles with the same name. It’s annoying that it has become a trend now to just restart franchise with the same name with a title people remember existing. A new subtitle to stray away from their previous franchises would’ve done wonders. I get why they did, but I wish they didn’t.
Incorporating most of the series highest requested features from the Underground and Most Wanted games is glorious in every way. It’s about time they are giving gamers back the features they’ve always wanted. Marcus Nilsson, Executive Producer at Ghost games stated the importance of the return to the series roots. Ever since 2002 we’ve gotten a new Need For Speed game annually but 2014 was different. We received no title but it was for a good reason.
“Need for Speed is one of the most iconic names in gaming, and we’re returning its to greatness in this reboot,” said Nilsson. “Pulling on our 20 years of history, and then taking a year out from releasing a game, we are making the game we’ve always wanted to. We’re listening to the fans and delivering an experience that will capture their imagination and unleash their passion for cars and speed.”
Community feedback will fuel the developers in this game to create the ultimate racing game experience. Today’s announcement also included Need For Speed will be partnering up with Speedhunters.
“Need for Speed will deliver an experience that’s grounded in authentic car culture by diving into the rich world of past, present and emergent trends of the urban car scene,” he said. “This collaboration with Speedhunters in the research and development of the game means the level of detail and real-world authenticity will envelop gamers in an exciting world to discover and enjoy in a way that only Need for Speed can deliver.”
With the announcement they have released a brief look into the style the new reboot will take. Reminiscent of Underground, you’ll notice the cinematics for the game. Gamers can expect to see a full gameplay reveal at their E3 briefing as well as a stage demo to give a further in depth analysis on June 15.
So far, it looks pretty solid. Cops will have a presence during high-octane races sure to get the blood flowing. The customizations are what sold me. I miss being able to create a car to call my own to shred rubber on the streets. Underground 2 nailed that for me and is still my favourite racing game of all-time. I’m glad its influence has reappeared in this new vision for the series under Ghost Games.
Need for Speed is set to release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC sometime this fall.
Are you excited for reboot to Need For Speed? Let me know in the comments below.
