15 Best Need For Speed Games

The Need For Speed games series has always been an iconic name in the video game market since its successful release on the mighty Playstation 1. The game captured both hardcore and casual players by combining the realism of fully licensed automobiles with the ideal combination of arcade and simulation. Not only that, but developers made certain to include several customization options in the game, such as the ability to change car parts, appearance, paintwork, and many more.

As one of the most successful gaming franchises on the market, Need for Speed kept pushing boundaries from one generation to the other all the way to this very day with remarkable titles that are still remembered by gamers of all generations. In today’s list, we are going to take the challenge of delivering the best Need For Speed games to date, taking a deep dive into the history of racing video games, so buckle up, relax, and join us on this exciting trip!

Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit 2 2002

About
	Release Date October 02, 2002
	Developer EA Black Box
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Available On

Out of all Need For Speed games Hot Pursuit 2 was the pinnacle of arcade racing, marking a golden age of racing games. This incredible game provided the ultimate arcade experience on both consoles and PCs, with over 25 wholly licensed cars ranging in speed, appearance, and models. The Game, as the name suggests, is a straight sequel to the first game, which was initially released for the PlayStation 1 and PC. Although the game follows the same premise as its predecessor, it was designed with sharper graphics, an intense feel, and ideal arcade handling in mind.

Hot Pursuit 2 has a good selection of game modes, with the goal varying from racing opponents to escaping police and eventually pursuing criminals as police themselves. World Racing Championship mode places you in the shoes of a novice racer, with the goal of defeating opponents from all around the world. Hot Pursuit Ultimate Racer mode adds to the mix by requiring you to avoid the cops while competing in many street races. Additionally, the game offered some of the best graphics at the time, with sharp car models, decent car customization, and an amazing circuit design that takes inspiration from places like North America, Polynesian Islands, and Mediterranean countries.

Need for Speed™ Carbon 2006

About
	Release Date October 30, 2006
	Developer EA Vancouver
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Concepts Modern, Realistic
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Remakes
Need for Speed™ Carbon (2006 Original Release)
Need for Speed™ Carbon Own the City (2006 Port)

A Need for Speed list without Carbon is always an incomplete list, I’m pretty sure that most of the fans will totally agree with me since this game was hitting all the right spots for both racers fans or even casual players who would like an easy pick and play racer. Carbon put a huge emphasis on street racing with fully customizable cars, an open world to explore, and a captivating graphic direction, especially for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

Retaining the same premise of the previous games, the game offers open-world-like gameplay where you roam huge territories controlled by rival gang racers. Your goal is to roam the city while defeating rival gangs, building your fortune with new cars, and claiming territories by eventually defeating gang leaders. As I said above the game was putting a huge premise on street racing, offering diverse customization where you can change your car’s looks and parts. The game also includes some exclusive gameplay content like the ability to a crew, each with their own unique skills on the road. This new element introduces an unusual approach to the series, requiring you to take a strategic approach before each race.

Need For Speed Most Wanted (2005) 2005

About
	Full Name Need for Speed™ Most Wanted
	Release Date November 11, 2005
	Developer EA Vancouver
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Available On

Need for Speed Most Wanted (2005) was yet another amazing masterpiece that was released during the golden age era of Need For Speed games. This amazing title was loved by many fans during that era for its beautiful graphics, its amazing sense of speed, and the excellent atmosphere that the games put you in. The story revolves around a nameless racer who arrives at the fictional city of Rockport, his goal is to roam the city looking for street races to engage in and eventually climb up the blacklist of the most wanted street racers in the city.

The gameplay is mostly open-world with a huge detailed map to explore, you can participate in different illegal street races, find car parts, or even challenge one of the 15 blacklisted racers in order to take down their position and beloved cars. Different racing events are scattered across the city including, sprint races, circuit races, drag races, and many more. Furthermore, the game adds to the racing delight with a Heat Level system in which police cars hunt you across the city or during races, and the higher the heat level, the greater the reward for escaping. Overall, Most Wanted 05 is one of the top games on this list as it provides a wonderful blend of street racing, open-world exploring, and customization.

Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit 2010

About
	Release Date November 16, 2010
	Developer Criterion Games
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Concept Modern
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Remakes
Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit (2010 Original Release)
Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit Remastered (2020 Remaster)

Ah the good old Need for Speed Hot Pursuit reboot, although it feels like it was just a couple of years ago, it has been over 13 years since this game was released. Developed by the mighty Criterion Games studio this game is by far the best modern/HD Need For Speed game to this very game. Taking into consideration the development team fans of the Burnout series will find themselves right at home with this title. The game put a huge emphasis on aggressive play where you can use various means to take down rival racers or even polices. As the title suggests, the game pays homage to the early Hot Pursuit titles, but with a modern style and HD graphics that nonetheless look fantastic.

The gameplay is divided into two main modes. The first mode places you in the shoes of an illegal street racer, and your goal is to race your way through various tracks, aiming to reach the finish line first. Although this may appear simple, the game adds more to the package by pursuing you and your rivals in order to take you down. As previously stated, the player can take down the police by ramming, unleashing an electrical pulse, or even deploying a spike strip.

The second mode has you taking the role of the opposite side, driving several police patrol cars. The goal here is to take down racers in the appointed time, just like the previous mode you can use various means to stop racers with some additional features that are exclusive to Police patrol cars, such as the ability to set roadblocks or even call the assist of a helicopter. On the whole, the game lives up to its legacy offering a true modern classic with ageless graphics, perfected physics and handling, and a huge array of licensed cars. The game has been released on the seventh generation consoles, PCs, and even modern devices as a full remaster with updated graphics and higher resolution.

Need For Speed Shift / Shift 2 Unleashed 2009 / 2011

About
	Full Name Need for Speed™ Shift
	Release Date September 15, 2009
	Developer Slightly Mad Studios
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Simulation Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Available On

About
	Full Name Shift™ 2 Unleashed
	Release Date March 29, 2011
	Developer Slightly Mad Studios
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Simulation Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Available On

Need For Speed Shift was a departure from the arcade formula to a fully realistic simulation game that can be enjoyed by both casual and hardcore players. Rivaling titles like Forza Motorsports and Gran Turismo, Need for Speed Shift put a huge emphasis on realism with a huge array of licensed games and real-life racing tracks. The player can participate in many racing events across the globe where the goal is to reach the finish line first.

Extra care was put into the game physics to mimic real life with a g-force effect, a lifelike way of handling, and a realistic movement. Over 60 cars are available to drive in the first game, ranging in tiers, handling, speed, and manufacturer. The second game adds more content to the package with over 150 licensed cars, new tracks, and some minor tweaks.  The customization also takes a realistic approach, with the ability to modify the car’s weight, body, appearance, and many more. While Need For Speed fans are mostly arcade lovers, I still hugely recommend this game for a different feel, a wheel is also hugely recommended since the game was meant to be played with full simulation gear.

Need For Speed Underground / Need For Speed Underground 2 2003 / 2004

About
	Full Name Need for Speed™ Underground
	Release Date November 17, 2003
	Developer EA Black Box
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Available On

About
	Full Name Need for Speed™ Underground 2
	Release Date November 09, 2004
	Developer EA Black Box
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Remakes
Need for Speed™ Underground 2 (2004 Original Release)
Need for Speed™ Underground Rivals (2005 Port)

Need For Speed Underground was yet another title of the golden era of racing games. The two-game were the height of street racing, with a brilliant tuning system and a fascinating art style that captures the feel and atmosphere of street racing. During its release, both games were kind of a departure from the classic formula that the early Need for Speed games has to offer. The player descended into the deep underground levels of street racing, where he could personalize his cars with full body kits, neon lights, rims, spoilers, paint, decals, and other accessories.

The sequel built on the success of its predecessor by taking the same approach and adding more content to the bundle with an open-world approach. Graphic wise both games were groundbreaking for the time, with fantastic car models, gorgeous light effects, and one of the best nighttime race track designs. On the whole, both games had a lasting impact on the racing game genre and are still revered by fans as classics that introduced gamers worldwide to the thrill of illegal street racing and customization.

Need For Speed Most Wanted (2012) 2012

About
	Full Name Need for Speed™ Most Wanted
	Release Date October 30, 2012
	Developer Criterion Games
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Available On

Need for Speed Most Wanted was a reimagining of the original game offering a modern look while sticking to the old formula. The player takes control of a novice street racer as he climbs his way among the most wanted drivers in the city. The game provides a new perspective on how to obtain cars not seen in any of the prior titles. All you have to do to get a car is discover its position; once that is done, you can drive it whenever and wherever you like. This great mechanism motivates the player to explore the map more and look for the best cars.

The player can also engage in various events throughout the city to earn more points, which will allow him to modify his vehicle with special tires, nitrous, and engines. Challenging the most wanted racers is also tied to points, you need to acquire certain points as a requirement to challenge each one of the most wanted players. The challenge is often difficult but the reward is very rewarding since you can own your opponent’s car. Taking inspiration from the classic games, police patrol cars can chase you both inside and outside of events, adding extra difficulty and enjoyment to the game. Given its age, the game’s graphics are fantastic, with perfect car designs and a stunning open world.

Need for Speed™ 2016

About
	Release Date March 15, 2016
	Developer EA Gothenburg
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Available On

Need For Speed was ready to reinvent the series after three generations of success, giving a decent experience for newbies, particularly the young audience. Need for Speed (2016) features open-world gameplay that allows you to freely explore the fictional city of Ventura Bay. Residents of the states will feel right at home with a well-crafted map full of details inspired by Los Angeles and other locations in California.

Ideally, the game also includes a wide variety of cars such as exotics, muscle cars, tuners, and many others. While visual customization is fun in the game, these are more about configuring your automobile for specific events. You can, for example, tune the car for quick street racing, a drift competition, or police pursuits. The narrative brings back the style of Need For Speed Undercover, with full-motion video and somewhat cheesy acting. While this reboot is not the best Need For Speed game, it is an excellent starting place for novices to the franchise or interested gamers looking for a decent pick-up-and-play arcade racer.

Need for Speed™ Unbound 2022

About
	Release Date December 02, 2022
	Developer Criterion Games
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Available On

Need For Speed Unbound was EA’s response to displeased fans who wanted the franchise to return to its roots. EA listened to the fans and entrusted the game to the famed development team of Criterion Games. While opinions on this game were mixed, it remains one of the best last-gen arcade racing games in my opinion. While many last-gen Need for Speed games aimed to imitate prior releases, Unbound tried something new, particularly in terms of Design direction. Developers attempted to merge the realistic appearance of car models and maps with a cel-shaded comic style.

When you drift or brake, for example, the brake and drift effect is visible as a 2d cel-shaded effect; the characters are also drawn in the same aesthetic manner, giving the game a unique look when compared to other racing games. Gameplay wise the game offers a simple open-world racer, you roam the map taking various challenges while collecting money to buy new cars and upgrades. The customization is also fairly advanced with the ability to change your car parts, paintwork, looks, and many more.

Furthermore, a nitrous ability was included with a minor change from prior games; the nitrous meter may be filled by executing various jumps and acrobatics. The meter can be used normally or as burst nitrous, providing up to three consecutive bursts. The difficulty is also present for experienced players, as the game pushes you to your limits with a reasonably challenging AI that rarely allows you to finish first. While the game is unlikely to win any awards, I applaud EA for attempting to restore the series’ enjoyable and interesting gameplay. If you’re willing to be more forgiving this game might surprise you as it did for me.

Need for Speed™ Rivals 2013

About
	Release Date November 15, 2013
	Developer EA Gothenburg
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Available On

Need For Speed Rivals was following the huge success of Hot Pursuit reboot, developed by the same team the game offers a similar premise with updated content and a few tweaks. Instead of closed-circuit races, the game has you exploring a huge map with different landscapes and terrains to explore. The Hot Pursuit elements are still available where you can either be chased by the police or be the chaser.

Up to 70 cars can be obtained from different manufacturers that vary in speed handling and look. Graphically the game is a joy to lookout with an amazing photorealistic design that still holds up to this very day. While the game doesn’t add much to the previous formula, it’s still one of the best examples of an NFS game done right. The perfect balance of graphics, content, and physics makes Rivals one of the best introductions to the series if you’re a newcomer.

Need for Speed™ Porsche Unleashed 2000

About
	Release Date March 29, 2000
	Developer Eden Studios
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin France

Available On

During its first release Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed offered a new idea of blending the fun of arcade racers with authentical historical elements. The game revisits the history of Porsche cars starting from 1950 models all the way to 2000 models. The player will mostly find himself competing in various events such as races, time attacks, and even cop chase.

One of the game’s standouts is the realistic approach where each Porshe car was modeled after its real-life replica, the physics and feel are almost identical in every aspect offering a perfect balance of both arcade and simulation. Tracks were also replicated from real-life locations providing a delightful journey through Europe’s stunning scenery. While the game was not well reviewed upon its initial release, it has since gained a large fanbase, making it a worthy classic if you’re willing to revisit some of the older titles in this series.

Need for Speed™ Heat 2019

About
	Release Date November 08, 2019
	Developer EA Gothenburg
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Sweden

Available On

If the 2016 NFS reboot left a foul taste in your mouth, Need For Speed Heat may be able to wash it away. It’s not like the game has anything new to offer, but a decent NFS game requires the ideal balance, which this game delivers in bunches! Heat combines circuit racing and illegal street racing; the player can bounce between day and night, engaging in several race events over Palm City’s vast terrain. While racing during the day is totally legal with a predetermined track, the excitement begins at night with adrenaline-pumping illegal races.

Similarly to traditional NFS games, creators made sure to incorporate cops both inside and outside races; the police pursuits are extremely difficult, and cops are constantly aggressive and eager to bring you down before the race is over. As expected, the game places a high value on risk vs reward, making night street racing an ideal way to earn both money and reputation while climbing the ranks of the city’s best racers. Furthermore, the player can personalize their car with a variety of materials such as body kits, engines, paint jobs, and many more. While Heat does not offer anything new, it attempts to merge old concepts and formulas with new modern ones using modern technology.

Need for Speed™ Undercover 2008

About
	Release Date November 18, 2008
	Developer EA Black Box
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Franchise Need for Speed™
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Canada

Available On

I‘m not sure whether it’s just nostalgia, but I recall Underground as one of the best story-based Need for Speed games during the series’ golden era. The game places you in the shoes of an undercover cop as he works his way into an underground group of street racers to infiltrate a vicious criminal organization. The way the plot is presented in the game is unique; instead of 3D animated cutscenes, creators selected a fresh approach, delivering full motion video comparable to movies like Fast and Furious.

Set in the fictional city of Tri, the game is an open-world NFS game at its core, with you being able to choose from numerous events across the map while traveling through the enormous city, which features a day and night cycle, and, of course, cop chases. Customization is also accessible, allowing you to change the appearance, paint job, parts, and much more of your own car. While fans are divided on whether or not Undercover is a good game, I strongly advise trying it out before making any judgments.