There are a few driving effects to choose from in Need for Speed Unbound, and while they do not affect the performance of vehicles, they do make them look cool as they speed around Lakeshore City. For players who don’t like the driving effects, there is the option to turn them off.
RELATED: Need for Speed Unbound’s Side Bets Could Influence Future Franchise Entries
Driving Effects in Need for Speed Unbound
In Need for Speed Unbound, players embrace street racing to make money and seek revenge on those who robbed them of everything. The races are intense, a failure is always an option, and the police are on the chase to end street racing in Lakeshore City. To win, players have to hone their driving skills and upgrade their vehicles to take on the other rubber-burning racers on the streets.
When it comes to customization, players are spoiled for choice. Criterion Games has teamed up with several luxury, urban, and skateboarding brands, with some of them also featuring car accessories, as seen with Eléonore who drives a Balmain-themed Lotus Emira. Additionally, players can add fancy graffiti-like driving effects that are activated during gameplay. For example, when cars drift, the wheels emit lurid, cartoonish smoke, and when players leap off ramps, their cars receive animated wings. Initially, the selection of driving effects is rather limited, but as players progress, they unlock more driving effects to impress fellow racers.
How to Use Driving Effects in Need for Speed Unbound
By default, the driving effects are turned on, although players can turn them off in the options menu. Players shouldn’t be afraid of the driving effects being distracting because although they are flashy, they have been implemented in a way that doesn’t distract players from their gameplay. The driving effects will activate automatically as players race and perform their risky maneuvers on the road. This includes driving fast, using NOS, flying off ramps, and drifting.
The effects are part of the overall theme of the game which places a significant focus on stylishness. In addition to the trendy soundtrack, players can also participate in a new mode called take Takeover where players are judged on their style in addition to their speed. The driving effects also match well with the cel-shaded animation style of the characters, as the game features a surprisingly engaging plot that contains a couple of unexpected twists.
The Purpose of the Driving Effects
These artistic choices give the game a unique identity, allowing it to stand out from the myriad of Need for Speed games that have come before. Furthermore, the choice to go for a striking aesthetic over realism may help the game to avoid looking aged too quickly. This is something that has helped many prior games in different genres, including Mirror’s Edge which was released in 2008 but still looks great thanks to its comic book-style cutscenes.
Need for Speed Unbound is a great moment in the franchise. It finds a great balance between urban street racing and telling a captivating story. The celebrity cameo from rapper A$AP Rocky is also a nice touch. The driving effects are a smart addition that makes races look even more action-packed, and developers could expand on the concept in future titles.
Need for Speed Unbound is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE: Need for Speed Unbound Takes a Shot at Fast and Furious’ Dom
