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Need for Speed

Yes, there are better, more realistic racing experiences on the market, but few titles can match the pure engagement that this year’s Need for Speed offers.
Need for Speed Game Cover
63%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
stability, grinding
65% User Score Based on 8,023 reviews
Critic Score 61%Based on 34 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5CloudPlaystation 4Xbox OneXboxNVIDIA GeForce NOWWindowsPlayStation
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Need for Speed Game Cover

About

Need for Speed is a single player and multiplayer open world racing game. It was developed by Ghost Games and was released on June 4, 2020. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

"Need for Speed offers thrilling street races in a fictional open world setting. Customize and race an impressive lineup of cars, competing in various events like time trials, drift challenges, and police pursuits. Build your reputation and dominate the leaderboards in this immersive and action-packed racer."

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
Need for Speed screenshot
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65%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,023 reviews
story279 positive mentions
stability141 negative mentions
  • Stunning graphics and atmosphere that still hold up well, even years after release.
  • Deep car customization options that allow for extensive tuning and personalization.
  • Captures the nostalgic feel of earlier NFS titles, particularly the Underground series.
  • Always-online requirement makes the game unplayable if servers go down, and it cannot be paused during gameplay.
  • Controller support is severely lacking, with many players experiencing issues that make the game unplayable with standard controllers.
  • The handling mechanics are inconsistent and frustrating, often leading to crashes and a lack of control during races.
  • story
    1,265 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in this installment of Need for Speed has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it to be cringeworthy and poorly executed, often likening it to a cheesy B-movie. While some appreciate the nostalgic elements and the inclusion of real-life racing icons, others criticize the lack of depth and coherence in the narrative, describing it as bland and repetitive. Overall, the story serves its purpose of connecting races but is generally viewed as a secondary aspect to the gameplay and car customization.

    • “The story pulls you in with its well-crafted characters and gripping plot, making every victory feel like part of a larger journey.”
    • “The game’s story is packed with personality, featuring a crew of eclectic characters and jaw-dropping cutscenes that make you feel like you’re part of an underground racing scene.”
    • “The story is cheesy but great to see racing icons like Ken Block (RIP) and the Risky Devil crew.”
    • “The story is cringe-worthy at times but 'okay-ish'; it mostly does its job.”
    • “The story is pure cringe, really bad acting, not much for development.”
    • “The story is incredibly bland but it's a NFS game, I don't expect much.”
  • graphics
    1,141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Need for Speed 2015" are widely praised for their stunning quality, even years after its release, with many players noting that they still hold up remarkably well against modern titles. The game's night-time aesthetic, dynamic weather effects, and detailed car models contribute to an immersive experience that captures the essence of street racing. However, some users have pointed out that the graphics can sometimes be marred by performance issues and visual glitches, particularly in high-speed scenarios. Overall, the visuals are considered one of the game's strongest aspects, often overshadowing its gameplay flaws.

    • “The graphics are stunning, with sleek visuals and smooth lighting effects.”
    • “The graphics still look insane, somehow better than most recent NFS games.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, and it felt like a return to the old Most Wanted/Carbon style games.”
    • “Besides its graphics, there is not a single thing in the game you would enjoy.”
    • “The graphics are great, but handling is the shittiest among all NFS games; even rushed NFS Most Wanted 2 is way better in handling cars.”
    • “The only upside is the graphics - it aged like fine wine.”
  • gameplay
    571 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the forced online mode, poor driving mechanics, and frequent server issues that disrupt the experience. While some appreciate the visuals and customization options, others find the gameplay repetitive and frustrating due to unresponsive controls and unrealistic handling. Overall, the game offers a blend of arcade-style racing that can be enjoyable, but significant flaws in mechanics and connectivity detract from the overall experience.

    • “The core gameplay blends several racing disciplines, split into five overlapping categories: speed, style, build, crew, and outlaw.”
    • “Driving mechanics in Need for Speed™ strike a balance between arcade and simulation, with a bias toward drift-heavy, high-speed action.”
    • “With its breathtaking visuals, satisfying gameplay, and a robust customization system, it offers a comprehensive racing experience that caters to both nostalgic fans and new players.”
    • “Forced online mode, terrible gameplay, ridiculous cops, no sense of speed in the game, crashing system, and every 2 hours the game servers have to undergo maintenance, with notifications popping up an hour before the downtime, and when the time's up, it kicks you out of the game.”
    • “The repetitive gameplay, unrealistic floaty handling, and overall shallow design get boring fast.”
    • “The gameplay is overall fine, but the car handling is hard to understand and master.”
  • music
    327 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the energetic soundtrack that complements the street racing atmosphere, while others find it forgettable or lacking compared to earlier titles in the series. Many recommend playing personal playlists instead, as the licensed tracks often fail to resonate. Overall, while the soundtrack has its moments and fits the game's vibe, it doesn't consistently meet the high expectations set by previous Need for Speed games.

    • “The combination of the dark city, electronic music, and focus on car culture creates a great street-racing atmosphere.”
    • “The visuals, soundtrack, and car customization all meld into a moody, gritty atmosphere that sucks you into the street racing scene.”
    • “Filled with a diverse mix of electronic, hip-hop, and rock tracks, the music perfectly complements the energy and intensity of the racing.”
    • “I would recommend you play your own music as I didn't really connect with the licensed music of the game when driving around. A good alt+tab to Apple Music or Spotify is a must.”
    • “While Need for Speed features a diverse soundtrack, it never quite reaches the heights of past installments like Underground 2 or Most Wanted (2005).”
    • “The music is some of the blandest garbage I've ever heard; I'd rather listen to communist propaganda.”
  • atmosphere
    197 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive night-time setting, stunning graphics, and a strong connection to car culture, reminiscent of the classic "Need for Speed: Underground" series. Players appreciate the moody, rainy aesthetic, vibrant neon lights, and a fitting electronic soundtrack that enhances the street racing experience. However, some critiques mention that the constant night and rain can become tedious, and the game may feel empty outside of event locations. Overall, the atmosphere is considered one of the game's standout features, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.

    • “The combination of the dark city, electronic music, and focus on car culture creates a great street-racing atmosphere.”
    • “Driving through the rain-soaked streets under the neon glow of city lights creates an immersive atmosphere that pulls players into the underground racing scene.”
    • “The atmosphere is just eye candy and incredibly chill, the story is just you hanging around with your racing buddies being chill and it was pretty fun.”
    • “The atmosphere is immense, and the graphics still look pretty incredible considering this game is a decade old.”
    • “The atmosphere of street racing in this game hits different.”
    • “The dark, night-time atmosphere and rainy weather create a fitting atmosphere for street racing, and the reflections and raindrops on cars and roads look nice.”
  • optimization
    161 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting poor server performance and significant issues with controller support, making it frustrating for some. While some users experienced excellent frame rates and smooth performance on high-end hardware, others noted frequent stuttering, lag, and overall unoptimized gameplay, particularly on PC. Customization options for vehicles are praised, but the game's optimization, especially regarding online features and controller functionality, remains a significant concern for many players.

    • “Great graphics, great performance (over 140-160 fps steady on an RTX 4070), awesome HUD.”
    • “Amazing atmosphere, graphics look better than 90% of games today and performance is excellent.”
    • “First of all, the graphics of Need for Speed 2015 are the best of the NFS franchise, even better than Need for Speed Heat, and it has better optimization (you have more fps while playing the game).”
    • “Terrible PC port riddled with bugs and bad optimization overall (thanks Denuvo for that).”
    • “First of all, why can't I change control settings? Second, why is this game so laggy and poorly optimized?”
    • “Hands down the most poorly optimized game I've ever laid my hands on.”
  • stability
    150 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous players reporting significant bugs and glitches that severely impact gameplay, particularly with controller support. Many users have experienced frustrating issues such as unresponsive controls, game freezes, and graphical errors, leading to a consensus that the game remains a "buggy mess" even years after its release. While some players find enjoyment in the game when it functions correctly, the overwhelming sentiment is that the technical problems detract from the overall experience, making it difficult to recommend without significant caveats.

    • “I just wanted to let y'all know that I have way more playtime on the EA app and simply repurchased the game on Steam for the deluxe edition content, ease of use on the Steam Deck (the game runs great on it, by the way), and because it cost pennies on sale.”
    • “A lot of care has been put into the visuals - it looks fantastic and runs great (60+) on Steam Deck.”
    • “Interestingly enough, this runs great on the Steam Deck and doesn't suffer from those controller input issues on it.”
    • “This game is a complete buggy mess when trying to play with an Xbox controller.”
    • “The controls of this game when playing on a controller are so buggy and unplayable.”
    • “It's ridiculous how buggy the game still is....”
  • humor
    59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding the cringy cutscenes and quirky AI interactions to be amusing, often leading to hilariously chaotic racing moments. While some aspects, like the acting and glitches, are described as "funny bad," others appreciate the nostalgic charm and goofy character dynamics. Overall, the humor is seen as a highlight for those who enjoy a lighthearted, albeit flawed, gaming experience.

    • “Funny racing game.”
    • “Its sooo much fun, the cutscenes are amazing and funny at the same time!”
    • “I would even count the cringey cutscenes as a pro because they're so bad it's hilarious.”
  • grinding
    57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often requiring excessive time to progress, especially in prestige events. While some appreciate the absence of microtransactions and the steady earning of in-game currency, many express frustration with the game's mechanics, such as unresponsive controls and punishing score reductions for minor mistakes, which exacerbate the grinding experience. Despite some enjoyable elements, the consensus is that the grinding can detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Progress is regularly lost, forcing you to repeat tedious races.”
    • “Very scripted, very grindy, and an awful mess of loading screens.”
    • “The game can get repetitive once you start grinding.”
  • emotional
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Need for Speed (2015)" is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate its themes of redemption, identity, and camaraderie, others find the story shallow and the character interactions cringeworthy. The game is praised for its emotional depth through its soundtrack and the nostalgic presence of figures like Ken Block, yet many reviewers feel that the overall narrative lacks substance and fails to deliver a compelling emotional experience. Ultimately, it offers a blend of exhilarating racing and a heartfelt, albeit flawed, exploration of car culture and personal growth.

    • “Need for Speed (2015) doesn’t just offer a high-octane racing experience — it’s a love letter to car culture, an emotional dive into the pursuit of redemption, and a story about finding your true identity amidst the roar of engines and the blinding city lights.”
    • “In the end, Need for Speed (2015) is an emotional rollercoaster that blends the thrill of racing with a powerful narrative about identity, friendship, and redemption.”
    • “I shed a tear when I heard 'Rom Di Prisco - Romulus 3', instantly my heart started pumping faster and memories of one of the best NFS games came to my mind: NFS III: Hot Pursuit.”
    • “Cringy cutscenes and a boring story.”
    • “Boring story line.”
    • “Pretty boring story line too.”
  • replayability
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is considered solid, with features like career resets, engaging races, and social elements that enhance the experience. However, some players note a decline in replay value after completing the main story and acquiring all upgrades, suggesting that additional content or modes could improve longevity. Daily challenges and multiplayer options also contribute positively to replayability, especially when played with friends.

    • “The replayability factor is solid as you can reset your career progress and start over again, unlike NFS Payback. The driving experience is a lot of fun, even though the game does have a few frustrating issues.”
    • “This social aspect adds significant replay value and keeps the racing community engaged.”
    • “That with daily challenges and other online modes/races make the replayability higher than I expected.”
    • “I feel as if it has no replay value either, and that's sad to say as I love Need for Speed.”
    • “There is no progression or replay value once you have all the parts and all the cars.”
    • “Limited content: once you finish the main story and build your garage, the replay value drops.”
  • monetization
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback. While many players appreciate the absence of microtransactions and the fair earning of in-game currency through gameplay, some express frustration over intrusive ads in the paid version and criticize the game's reliance on community fixes. The general sentiment leans towards a positive view of the lack of microtransactions, contrasting it with past titles that heavily featured them.

    • “The in-game currency is earned fairly through events and races, ensuring steady progression without the pressure of grinding or microtransactions, which were notably absent at launch.”
    • “I've seen no hint of microtransactions, that's good.”
    • “By far the only NFS that combines Carbon and UG2 in a seamless way without introducing microtransactions or the ridiculous cards NFS: Payback has.”
    • “Non playable because of ads on paid game.”
    • “Deleted right away after seeing ads during gameplay.”
    • “It's like any other EA cash grab tactics.”
  • character development
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews indicate a notable lack of meaningful character development, with some players feeling that the character arcs are unbalanced and may not significantly impact their overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “Lack of meaningful character development.”
    • “Character development isn't balanced, although you might not care about that part.”
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61%Critics’ scoreBased on 34 critic reviews
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Buy Need for Speed

18h Median play time
25h Average play time
16h Main story
31h Completionist
9-35h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 32 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Need for Speed is a open world racing game.

Need for Speed is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and others.

The main story can be completed in around 16 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 31 hours to finish. On average players spend around 25 hours playing Need for Speed.

Need for Speed was released on June 4, 2020.

Need for Speed was developed by Ghost Games.

Need for Speed has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Need for Speed is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Need for Speed Unbound, Need for Speed Rivals, Need for Speed Payback, Need For Speed Hot Pursuit, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered and others.