While the Need for Speed series may be on hold for now, I still believe there were some games that were very impactful. EA put a lot of effort into making these games, and I can easily say that the Need for Speed series played a vital role in shaping my childhood.
When the Need for Speed games were released on the PlayStation 4, EA always made sure to add an online feature to the games where you could play with people from all over the world. You can access these online modes even today in games like Need for Speed Unbound. For a seamless experience, you have to make sure that your PlayStation 5 is connected to a reliable and fast internet service.
Personally, I’ve been playing all my online games using a Verizon internet connection, and I’ve never experienced any connectivity issues while playing. In fact, I recommend that you do the same so that you can make the most of your online gaming experience.
Coming back to the Need for Speed series, here are some of the games that, I believe, are the best in the series. You shouldn’t miss out on them, as I assure you, you’ll have the time of your life as you play them.
Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed (2000)
This game was released on the PlayStation 1 (or PSOne), which is why I always consider it to be one of the OGs for the Need for Speed franchise. Although the graphics were significantly inferior to what is available today, at the time of its release, the game was something else.
What I loved most about the game was that it was dedicated to Porsche; there weren’t any other car manufacturers in the game.
Additionally, the game didn’t only cater to the new era of Porsche, but also featured a section dedicated to the old era and the history of Porsche, complete with all its iconic, vintage cars.
You might be able to play the game on a PC, but you’ll have to look hard for it.
Need for Speed: Carbon (2006)
Need for Speed: Carbon is definitely one of my all-time favorite games. Since it was released on the PlayStation 2, it had MUCH better graphics than the games released on the PSOne (which were very boxy). In the game, they focused on effects such as a slight motion blur while driving fast, and whenever you hit the NOS, your taillight stream would become longer.
Not only that, but the game also featured brilliant customization options (which is why this game will always be on par with Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix for me), and different paint types you could add to your car. However, what really kept me on the hook about this game was the territory concept, where you had to race bosses to take over their turf until you had the entire canyon under your control.
Need for Speed (2015)
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Title | Need for Speed (2015) |
| Platform | PlayStation 4 |
| Visual Setting | Entirely at nighttime, with enhanced beauty during light rain. |
| Notable Car Feature | The last Need for Speed game to feature the Toyota Supra. |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Praised for its great mechanics, particularly the satisfying and immersive drifting. |
| Player Experience | Offers a unique feeling of roaming and drifting through city streets at night that is hard to explain. |
| Trophy/Achievement | Considered very easy to earn the Platinum trophy, making it highly recommended for trophy hunters. |
Need for Speed: Payback (2017)
While I believe this game was severely underrated, I loved Need for Speed: Payback because it had an engaging storyline, centered on a tale of vengeance. Plus, you get to play as three characters: Tyler “Ty” Morgan, who is a racer; Jessica “Jess” Miller, who is a runner; and Sean “Mac” McAlister, who specializes in drift and off-road.
I recommend that you play this game after you play Need for Speed 2015, since EA picks up whether you’ve played the game or not and offers you Eddie’s Nissan Skyline from Need for Speed 2015, which is one of the best cars you can drive in Need for Speed: Payback.
Another unique aspect of this game in the series was the inclusion of derelict cars. You have to look for car parts spread all over the map, and once you find those parts, you can restore 5 cars according to your preferred build (race, off-road, drift, or runner).
This concludes my list of my favorite Need for Speed games. While the rest of the games in the franchise were great in their own ways, too, these four games will always be my favorites because of the role they played in my childhood. I highly recommend giving them a shot.