Need for Speed is a long-running racing game franchise published by Electronic Arts. The first game in the series was released in 1994, and the most recent release was in 2019. The games are typically focused on street racing, and the player takes on the role of a racer. There has been 24+ Need for Speed games released over the years, and they are some of the best racing games you can play.
Best Need For Speed Game
1. Need For Speed: Underground 2
There could have been more variety in the soundtrack. It wasn’t enjoyable to hear the same songs repeatedly. Need For Speed: Underground 2 offered enough customization and car options to make it stand out. While the career mode is the highlight of Need For Speed Underground 2, the online and offline multiplayer was good. It has the most excellent customization of any Need For Speed title, so it’s the best Need For Speed video game ever.
2. Need For Speed: Shift 2 – Unleashed
Its highlight is Need For Speed: Unleashed’s career mode: Shift 2. The races are a mix of top-tier drivers and offer a variety of tracks. Need For Speed: Unleashed is a significant improvement on its predecessor. The graphics aren’t too outdated for a game released in 2011. “SHIFT 2 Unleashed” redefines racing simulators by delivering dynamic, real-life crash physics and insanely detailed tracks, drivers, and cars.
3. Need For Speed: Most Wanted
Need For Speed: Most Wanted has a great driving game. It avoided the alarming reboot trend. Who would have thought that a game released on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS and Xbox 360, could be so enjoyable? It might have been the best mobile game.
4. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
Some of Need For Speed’s most well-known games are included in the Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit series. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 features improved gameplay, open-world environments and some of the most exotic cars. This game allows you to go off-road, which was something not often seen in video games back then. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 can be compared to games such as Forza Horizon. Unfortunately, the series has seen a decline since its release.
5. Need For Speed: Underground
Given the level of customization, it wouldn’t be surprising to rank Need For Speed: Underground higher than this. It was the basis for Need For Speed Underground and the subsequent Need For Speed games. NFSU demonstrated that even a Dodge Neon and Honda Civic could be transformed into a racecar. The game was released on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. Drag races and time challenges at NFSU were great fun. This game was released just as The Fast and Furious came out, so the underground car scene became popular.
6. Need For Speed: Shift
This entry was the first to explore the simulation side of the series entirely. Need for Speed: Shift is similar to Forza, and Gran Turismo in that driving is the core of the game and mastering it is key to success.
The game doesn’t have a story, which can turn off long-time fans. However, the shift to simulation allows for a greater degree of originality. Fans can race their dreams with the help of highly detailed cars and point-of-view.
7. Need For Speed (2015)
Need For Speed 2015 was the most anticipated Need For Speed game. It brought back the underground feel and added new graphics and an immersive open world. It failed to live up to many of Need For Speed’s best qualities, such as car customization and race variation. Drag races were not included in the game as they should have. Although the concept was good, the execution was terrible. Despite its many flaws, need For Speed (2015) is one of my favorite games from the Need For Speed franchise.
8. Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2012)
2012’s Need for Speed: Most Wanted was set in an open-world setting. It aimed to please long-time players by bringing back the best parts of the original and mixing them with elements from other games. Exploring the city is more important than any other aspect.
One problem is that the single-player mode is less appealing. There isn’t nearly as much quality in the races. The game pushes the boundaries of multiplayer racing with thrilling competitions that provide the thrill fans love.
9. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit
The game is an open-world racer that pits players against police officers and outlaw drivers. Hot Pursuit, the original Need for Speed game that allowed players behind the wheel of a police vehicle, was released in 2008. You can choose to be a policeman or a driver most wanted in this story mode.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit comes from the same people who created the Burnout series. It’s a lot of fun. When it was released in 2010, this 2010 game was a standout. Its exotic cars and driving mechanics are exceptional. Future Need For Speed games will be inspired by Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit.
10. Need For Speed: Carbon
Need For Speed: Carbon is similar to Need For Speed: Underground but has a shorter, still enjoyable, single-player campaign. It has minor car customization than Need For Speed Underground. It allows you to use Nitrous Oxide, making it worthy of inclusion in the top games for street racing. The game also has engaging gameplay that surprises every turn.
It is a well-reviewed game, despite being released over ten years ago. The driving mechanics are outstanding, and the game offers high replay value. For those who are nostalgic, you can always go back to Need For Speed: Carbon.
11. Need For Speed: Undercover
While police chases still play a large part in this Need For Speed Installation, players can also play the role of an undercover officers. Street races are a way for players to steal cars and infiltrate crime syndicates. This game is insanely fast. This thrilling adventure is great fun. Need For Speed: Undercover has been voted one of the most enjoyable Needs For Speed games. You can even play role-playing games that will allow you to upgrade your licensed real-world car.
12. Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed
It can be seen as a negative aspect of the game’s ability to bring Porsche cars to the forefront. Because Porsche is the only manufacturer featured, it brings a narrow perspective to the racing world. This is not to say that the game doesn’t have its moments, but it’s certainly enjoyable.
Porsche Unleashed was the first to offer a story. Players can participate in this plot alongside their racing exploits. Another aspect that has charm is the emphasis on completing stunts.
13. Need for Speed: Rivals
Comparing Need For Speed Rivals to Burnout Paradise would not be unusual. Both games feature cinematic crashes, and both are open-world. Need For Speed: Rivals are not without their faults. If the game had been more polished, it would have been a great launch game for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Although the concept is appealing on paper, it was poorly executed. Need For Speed: Rivals remains one of the most popular Needs For Speed games.
14. Need For Speed II
Need for Speed II was the best racing game of all time. Although the campaign mode and creative flair were not great, the game was flashy and stylish. There were many tracks and cars to race on.
Buggy gameplay was the biggest problem. Many glitches could be found and interacted with gameplay. The game’s smooth nature deserves praise. It was also praised for its ability to make the cars look more realistic.
15. Need For Speed: ProStreet
This series attempted to combine an arcade style with a simulation of ProStreet. Unfortunately, the result was a mess. The game is more focused on the legal aspects of racing than the fun side.
ProStreet is still a worthy addition to the Need for Speed series. It brings a level of reality missing in the Need for Speed series. Although it’s not the best, it’s still worth checking out.
16. Need For Speed: Heat
Need For Speed: Heat is the latest entry to the franchise. It brings the total number of games in the series to 24. Heat looks like an absolute winner. It has incredible visuals and tight driving mechanics. The iconic gameplay elements are what fans love about the series. You can explore an open world, customize your car, upgrade your sims, race in arcades, or chase the police.
Heat is a classic title with all the elements you would expect, but players have mixed reactions. They either love it or hate it. Although it isn’t the best NFS experience, it’s still an enjoyable game for those looking for modern racers.
17. Need For Speed: The Run
The Need for Speed franchise tried a new story-based adventure in 2011. Many traditional NFS titles had players start as novice racers. They competed to earn respect to move up the ranks and become the best. Need for Speed: The Run dispenses with this idea in favor of something much more compelling: a race across the country where the player character’s life is at stake.
The Run takes place in the countryside, where players must outrun police officers and the mob for a taste of freedom. This is a new experience for fans, and the story and gameplay mechanics are excellent. Although it is a beloved classic, the game is short and has very little replayability.
18. Need For Speed: V-Rally 2
V-Rally 2: Need for Speed may not be familiar to many players due to its unusual titling and emphasis on rally racing. It was released for PlayStation in 1999 and Dreamcast in 2000. It may not look familiar to Dreamcast users, as the title was changed to Test Drive V-Rally. This omits the Need for Speed moniker.
V-Rally doesn’t play like a traditional NFS game. It’s a sequel to the original V-Rally produced by Eden Studios. Despite its unusual name and Rally focus, v-Rally 2 is an imposing game. You can choose from a variety of vehicles and tracks, enjoy four-player support, and even have the ability to edit your tracks. Although it is a Need for Speed title, it is a fantastic addition to the franchise.
19. Need For Speed: Nitro
Need for Speed: Nitro was an experiment for the franchise. This title was released exclusively for Nintendo consoles in 2009 (the Wii and DS) and aimed at making Need for Speed “even more exciting” by enhancing the racing experience and cutting down unnecessary fluff. The final product was to appeal to both new and old fans while making the game more accessible to younger players.
Developers did not realize the overall vision for Nitro. Although the gameplay was solid, many features that fans have come to love and trust felt forced or missing. It felt less “watered down” than the rest of the franchise, with fewer tracks and cars than its predecessors.
20. Need For Speed
It’s challenging to leave Need for Speed the first on a best-of-the-best list, as the 1994 franchise’s darling would not have set the scene for the future. It was a leap forward for its time. The original title offered arcade racing with great visuals and exciting tracks.
Need for Speed, by today’s standards, seems like a very lackluster release with a few cars and tracks. This is not a criticism of the title, but it’s simply a recognition that NFS has advanced by leaps and bounds in modern times. These titles deserve to be grateful for their roots, which have helped them rise to the top almost thirty years later.
21. Need for Speed Payback
Ghost Games presented Need for Speed Payback in 2017. It featured an exciting mix of ideas but was hampered by some tedious aspects. You had the option to use a large map and a variety of vehicles to explore the area and perform stunts or collect medals. The other side has cars tied to different race types. Drag to off-road is one example. Performance upgrades can be obtained with collectible cards and even a machine with RNG components. Payback is a great racing game, but it’s still very arcade-like, and you have to pay attention to your progress.
22. Need for Speed No Limits
You might be wondering if you can take Need for Speed on the move. The answer is no. You can still give No Limits a shot, regardless of whether your device is Android or iOS. It’s surprising how big the game is, considering its format. Many cars and events can be unlocked, which keeps it feeling new. However, it would help if you were prepared to deal with a pay-to-win nature regarding microtransactions, especially when playing against other players online. You can still get the most out of your lunch breaks and continue to progress regardless.
23. Need for Speed: World
This map was exclusive to PC only and combined classic NFS elements with MMO. The World had a large map that linked Palmont from Carbon to Rockport from Most Wanted. Although it wasn’t the most popular Need for Speed game, it was certainly well-received. You could drive more than 100 cars in Need for Speed: World. A new customization system was available that used skill points gained during races. EA has now shut down the game’s servers, making it impossible to play.
24. Need for Speed: High Stakes
High Stakes brought exciting modes such as Knockout or High Stakes. Knockout is a race where the last person to finish a lap is eliminated. Pink Slips racing was introduced in the game. This feature would be a massive hit with Need for Speed: Most Wanted. You can race against your friend on the PlayStation by inserting your memory card onto their console. After a race ends, the loser loses their car. This “high-stakes” game probably destroyed a lot of friendships.
FAQs
1. Which NFS game boasts the best graphics?
NFS enthusiasts agree that NFS Rival is the best-looking game in the series for daytime, and NFS 2015 for the nighttime.
2. Which NFS game has a better map?
NFS Most Wanted 2005 edition is the franchise’s most memorable map. NFS Hot Pursuit (2010) and NFS Heat are also available.
3. Which NFS game is most popular?
2005 Most Wanted is the most popular Need For Speed game. It has sold over 16,000,000 copies worldwide. NFS Underground (2003) is next with close to 15,000,000 sales.
4. Is Forza more powerful than Need for Speed?
Need For Speed and Forza are two of the most popular names in racing games. Each franchise offers a different product, but each excels at different aspects of the game.
The Forza games are known for their superior handling, graphics, list cars and camera angles/photography. However, the Need For Speed series is well-known for its extensive customization options, sound effects/music and maps. Some NFS titles have graphics comparable to Forza’s.
To answer your question, neither one has a clear advantage over the other, although the NFS has seen a decline in popularity due to mediocre games.
Conclusion
Carbon features all the police chase antics and car modifications seen in other games. It’s still great to form your team, race with seven friends, and face off against other gangs in career mode.
It doesn’t matter if it is more of the same. Carbon does it flawlessly and effortlessly.
This is an excellent example of a driving video game, and it’s also one of the most popular ps3 racing games.
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