Need for Speed Unbound is a...almost great game;- but it really could've baked a longer time...

Let's get the worst points out of the way first.

Story:
It. Just. Sucks. I hate it. The story has no depth, antagonist being Yaz, Tess, or even Alec, is unknown to this day. The story just screams money, money, money; even the some of the soundtrack is about it. It doesn't make sense, there is no depth on characters, backstory, character origin, nada. It felt so shallow. Not just that, A$ap Rocky, the guest character, just acts as an activity host, rival and, that was it? He doesn't contribute much or even at all to the story, and is a waste of time and money. If he wasn't there, it wouldn't affect the story.

Art:
Straight up ripped off from "Into the Spider Verse", it almost felt like a carbon copy, but I love it personally. It is fresh, inspiring and just out of the world kind of level of special and iconic. If nowadays we're talking about racing games, the first thing that comes out would be this game. Though great, the visuals could be distracting for some, and I really wish there is an option to opt out the visuals; but it would also remove the main selling point of the game.

Gameplay:
The gameplay mechanic really revolutionizes the racing scene, and giving more depth and options for different types of racers. However, the balancing is kinda leaning towards grip, giving more rewards than drifting. Drifting is a downgrade from NFS Heat, and I would really do anything to bring that back. Other than that though, the diversity of driving really helps people to master different styles of racing, and Criterion really did it almost perfectly.

Quality of Life:
The garage itself is an upgrade from Heat, giving it a more realistic, typical garage look, BUT, really didn't give the option to expand the visuals more. The only option is to just direct you to the style and performance sections, or just to race. I would really love to explore to garage, or wanting the option to put more cars in it, which what Heat had in their previous garage.

The Online Multiplayer and Story progression separation really baffles me. It really felt like I have to play the game twice, and really demotivates me personally that I almost wanted to stop playing after finishing the story, which it was bad on its own. It is more acceptable when money was easier to earn in Online, as the story mode only rewards you more on S+ class races. For me, I would like the money system to be spread evenly towards all car classes, so you can race in any race class for equal rewards.

VERDICT:
Overall, it was almost a great racing game, with amazing depth and captivating visuals, but really ruined it with its lackluster story and separated progression. I would not recommend paying full price for the game and really go for the discount. Also, don't buy the Palace Edition. I don't think it's worth buying. Other than that, if you're interested with the visuals, I think it's worth giving it a try.

Need for Speed Unbound is a...almost great game;- but it really could've baked a longer time... Let's get the worst points out of the way first. Story: It. Just. Sucks. I hate it. The story has no depth, antagonist being Yaz, Tess, or even Alec, is unknown to this day. The story just screams money, money, money; even the some of the soundtrack is about it. It doesn't make sense, there is no depth on characters, backstory, character origin, nada. It felt so shallow. Not just that, A$ap Rocky, the guest character, just acts as an activity host, rival and, that was it? He doesn't contribute much or even at all to the story, and is a waste of time and money. If he wasn't there, it wouldn't affect the story. Art: Straight up ripped off from "Into the Spider Verse", it almost felt like a carbon copy, but I love it personally. It is fresh, inspiring and just out of the world kind of level of special and iconic. If nowadays we're talking about racing games, the first thing that comes out would be this game. Though great, the visuals could be distracting for some, and I really wish there is an option to opt out the visuals; but it would also remove the main selling point of the game. Gameplay: The gameplay mechanic really revolutionizes the racing scene, and giving more depth and options for different types of racers. However, the balancing is kinda leaning towards grip, giving more rewards than drifting. Drifting is a downgrade from NFS Heat, and I would really do anything to bring that back. Other than that though, the diversity of driving really helps people to master different styles of racing, and Criterion really did it almost perfectly. Quality of Life: The garage itself is an upgrade from Heat, giving it a more realistic, typical garage look, BUT, really didn't give the option to expand the visuals more. The only option is to just direct you to the style and performance sections, or just to race. I would really love to explore to garage, or wanting the option to put more cars in it, which what Heat had in their previous garage. The Online Multiplayer and Story progression separation really baffles me. It really felt like I have to play the game twice, and really demotivates me personally that I almost wanted to stop playing after finishing the story, which it was bad on its own. It is more acceptable when money was easier to earn in Online, as the story mode only rewards you more on S+ class races. For me, I would like the money system to be spread evenly towards all car classes, so you can race in any race class for equal rewards. VERDICT: Overall, it was almost a great racing game, with amazing depth and captivating visuals, but really ruined it with its lackluster story and separated progression. I would not recommend paying full price for the game and really go for the discount. Also, don't buy the Palace Edition. I don't think it's worth buying. Other than that, if you're interested with the visuals, I think it's worth giving it a try.