Need for Speed Unbound - The DF Tech Review - PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S - Criterion is BACK!

It's been many years since the legendary Criterion delivered a new Need for Speed game, but the studio is back with NFS Unbound and... it's really impressive! In this video, Oliver Mackenzie discusses how the Frostbite engine is deployed on this title, how it ranks against Criterion's prior NFS classics - and yes, we get the full lowdown on how PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S compare.

[TheTechhX]

I completley disagree with you on the games progression. I feel like too many modern racing games just give you s tier lambos right from the jump now, which makes slow but fun cars feel like filler in those games. Being able to slowly go up the ranks and get progressivley faster and faster over time feels like such a great return to older ps2 era single player arcade racing games.

[eggy_bread]

Imagine having a developer like Criterion and then demoting them for years. They are legends with over 2 decades of making amazing games. Hell, they even made the game engine used for GTA3, Vice City and SanAndreas.

[TigerChamp]

In my opinion, Criterion games did not deserve to be demoted to a supporting studio during the 2010's.

[greggski]

I enjoy NFS Unbound more than I thought I would.
After few hours I would go even as far as saying I have more fun with it than with Forza Horizon 5.

[Acquire]

A full cell shading graphics option would be pretty cool. Auto Modelista back on the PS2 was visually stunning.

[Thebossstage]

It's sad that Criterion went from making six Burnout games in the 2000s to only making two NFS games in the past decade.

[mazda]

Criterion was one of the absolute most talented studios in gaming during the 2000s, so it was super heartbreaking to see them become a generic support studio when they were capable of so much more. While this game certainly is good, they were capable of so much greater 10+ years ago.

[meisterwu]

I can't even put into words how much I appreciate the developers and especially the game designers behind Criterion.
Their games have always been pure fun. It's so nice to see them back in action!

[captainthunderbolt]

This just made me realise that what I really want is Auto Modellista 2...

[horsemenoftheapocalypse]

If only we can get a next gen Midnight Club

[Theedgecrusher]

I miss the Burnout 3 style of arcade racer that Criterion was known for.

[rafaeldimarzio]

Fun thing. The progression, story mode and soundtrack is exactly what sold the game for me. It made the game so iconic and unique that almost remind me the good old days of need underground. I was testing the 10 hours trial but as soon as I got the game had such a vibe, I ran to buy it. So glad they did it

[xedarkrunner]

A really good game, which will be missed out by many who are torn on the cartoon effects. As for the handling, it does really remind me of the old underground games. Slow and steady returning to the roots? Perhaps. Looking forward to the NFS future.

[zanychelly]

Criterion is finally back. Really enjoyed their games back on the PS2

[rokkudayo]

The callback to SSX On Tour was perfect. I love 2000s aesthetics, and the animated effects in Unbound made me look back at that very fondly, especially in a time where so many games look samey. I just really don't understand why motion blur is disabled during boost.
However, I need to disagree strongly with you on progression. Working your way up is something that's been missing in racing games for really long time now and seeing Criterion double down on this has pleased many, including me.

[ThatGamingGuyfromthes]

Arcade racers are my favourite. I wish a dev like Criterion took on a Split Second style game with deforming tracks in real time, to me its never been bettered in the genre.

[gtabro]

Considering the low fanfare and ad campaign I expected the worst, just to be overshadowed by glowing praise for The Callisto Protocol...
...boy, was that the plot twist of 2022

[giuniral]

I miss the old days of "choose your car"; "choose track" and, "you set a new record for this track"... while an amazing soundtrack plays in the background.

[NoisR]

the tunnel scene u showed the fps drops even my buddy gets his frames cut in half with his 3080 so theres something weird in that place

[ZeAllMighty]

Couldn’t disagree more on the progression. I’ve heard both Rich and John make the same point on df direct and it baffled me to hear. Modern racing games like Forza Horizon 5 have bored me to tears due to the lack of progression, with the game handing out supercars from the get go. The fact that a few hours into Unbound I still only had my starter car, that I’d been slowly upgrading and improving is honestly the best part of the game for me.

Also disagree on the story. Most Wanted and Hot Pursuit felt aimless with the lack of story and progression. The driving was good but doing races just felt like checking off a list until the game told you “alright, that’s all the races. The end”.