The Need for Speed franchise is one of the most iconic and lasting in the world of video games, offering players the opportunity to try the thrill of street racing and high -speed police chase. Since its inception in 1994, the series has undergone several iterations and changes, some better received than others, so we listed the 10 best games in the Need for Speed franchise, based on the evaluation of expert critics.
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It is worth remembering that the list was set up using aggregators who use reviews from experts in the area, which does not necessarily mean that one game is actually better than the other, and may also be something subjective from each player.
10. Need for Speed Rivals (2013) – Note: 80
Launched in 2013, Need for Speed Rivals marked its debut with a solid note of 80. Using the powerful Frostbite 3 engine, the game delivered realistic graphics, a lush open world and explosive collisions. One of the striking features was the open world connected to online servers, allowing players to find other competitors on the roads and challenge them to instant racing. In addition, the game maintained traditional elements of the series, such as car customization and police persecution, while introducing news like power-ups for vehicles.
9. Need for Speed Underground 2 (2004) – Note: 82
Following the success of his predecessor, Need for Speed Underground 2 arrived in 2004 to consolidate the series as a reference in urban races. Set in an open world full of tuned cars, the game offered a multitude of customization options, from body kits to engine parts. With an exciting soundtrack and a variety of game modes, Underground 2 captivated players with their urban atmosphere and thrilling street competitions. Despite his position on the list, he is considered by many to be the best game in the franchise.
8. Need for Speed Shift (2009) – Note: 83
Need for Speed Shift marked a change of direction in the franchise by adopting a more realistic approach in terms of running simulation. With an extensive selection of high performance cars and a variety of real tracks, the game offered an immersive experience to running fans. The physics -based steering model provided an authentic speed of speed, making each curve and collision a tangible experience for players.
7. Need for Speed Most Wanted (2005) – Note: 83
Launched in 2005, Need for Speed Most Wanted raised the series to new levels by offering a wide open world experience full of police running and chase. Players were free to explore an expansive city as they competed to become the most sought after runner. With a variety of car classes and customization options, Most Wanted captivated fans with their engaging gameplay and incessant action.
6. Need for Speed Underground (2003) – Note: 83
Need for Speed Underground marked a revolution in the series by plunging players into the exciting automotive tuning world. With a vibrant city to explore and a plethora of running events, the game captivated fans with their comprehensive customization options and fierce competitions. Nitro Boost’s introduction added a new layer of strategy to races, making every moment a pure adrenaline.
5. Need for Speed Most Wanted (2012) – Note: 84
In 2012, the franchise revisited Most Wanted with a reimagination of the original title. Although it kept the essence of gameplay, the game chose to simplify customization options compared to its predecessors. However, enhanced exceptional and physical charts have ensured an exciting experience for players, even with some limitations in the aspect of personalization.
4. Need for Speed High Stakes (1999) – Note: 86
Need for Speed: High Stakes, released in 1999, won fans with their focus on competition and risk. With realistic cars damage and the possibility of losing a vehicle in a race, the game offered an exciting and challenging experience. Although it was more arcade -style compared to other titles in the series, High Stakes managed to captivate players with their fast action and variety of game modes.
3. Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit (1998) – Note: 88
Launched in 1998, Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit introduced the exciting Hot Pursuit mode, allowing players to try the other side of the law by taking the role of police in high -speed persecution. With clear graphics and racing races, the game won fans with their surrounding gameplay and the addition of a divided multiplayer mode that provided exciting competitions among friends.
2. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit (2010) – Note: 89
In 2010, the franchise returned to its roots with a reinvention of Hot Pursuit. With cutting -edge charts and a variety of game modes, including the exciting police chase, the game captivated fans with their fast and exciting action. Autolog mode allowed players to compete online by adding an extra layer of challenge and immersion to running experience.
1. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit 2 (2002) – Note: 89
Considered by many to the apex of the franchise, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit 2 offered an exceptional race experience in all aspects. With a wide selection of licensed cars, exciting clues and intense police chase, the game captivated players with their boundary action and engaging gameplay. With impressive and refined running graphics, Hot Pursuit 2 remains one of the best titles in the series to date.
The Need For Speed franchise has won the hearts of the players over the years, delivering exciting street races and police chase. The 10 games listed above represent the best that the series has to offer, with each title receiving praise from critics specializing for its gameplay, graphics and innovation. If you are a fan of running games, you can’t make a mistake with any of these classics.