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BOARD NOW! In classic Criterion tradition, the Lakeshore City has billboards to seek out and destroy. Crimmins offers a quick hint: “I don't like spoiling things, but I will say that if you want to smash all the billboards you'll have to drive on much more than the roads – and you might want to watch out for oncoming trains.”

community delivered amazing wraps and designs,” muses Crimmins. “So, for Need for Speed Unbound , we wanted to go even further and give players the freedom to create modified cars that are distinct and unruly. The game includes hundreds of cosmetic items, including exclusive licensed gear from top fashion innovators like Palace Skateboards and Versace,

Rejoice, revheads, for NFS is back!We talk rides, street art and more with Kieran Crimmins, creative director on Need for Speed Unbound at racing legends Criterion Games. Words Amy Flower C riterion has a massive history in delivering top notch racing games, from

as well as custom automotive gear companies, to give players endless options to kit out their car. “ Need for Speed Unbound introduces Legendary Customs, which are silhouette-changing body kits that dramatically transform a car’s appearance. We really wanted to make sure players can add their own flair and style to every aspect of their rides.”

the legendary Burnout series to three previous Need for Speed outings. But they’re always on the lookout for ways to improve.

“The team at Criterion is always looking for inspiration and ways to disrupt the status quo,” Crimmins enthuses. “With Need for Speed Unbound specifically, we're taking the game back to its roots of the illicit street racer fantasy, where every race matters and you bet big on your own abilities to risk it all for the ultimate thrill and glory.” Since the days of Burnout 3: Takedown , Criterion’s racing games have included eclectic soundtracks. This time out, A$AP Rocky has collaborated, but this doesn’t mean that we’ll have a solely hip-hop flavoured experience. “While Need for Speed Unbound ’s soundtrack features a strong emphasis on electronic music and hip-hop, it also offers a diverse sampling of musical talent,” Crimmins tells us. “We’ve partnered with artists around the world who are trailblazing their music scenes so players can discover new, unique talent.”

One of Criterion’s top racing game competitors previously was Codemasters. Now that they’re both under the EA umbrella, we wondered how they were getting on. Famously, it turns out. “Talent that joined us from Codemasters has been a huge benefit to the team,” Crimmins beams. “New people bring new ideas and new ways of working. We love to have different views and ideas, so it's been fantastic to get connected with folks who bring that energy with them to each part of the game and every corner of the studio.” While excited all round about their new creation, Crimmins is especially keen for players to check out how the cars handle. “I can't wait for players to get their hands on our new handling system. With the boosted power of current gen hardware, the complexity and depth of a new physics simulation comes through to our handling in the most satisfying way, whether you like drifting or grip driving.” Crimmins leaves us with his personal tip on what he considers to be the best ride in Need for Speed Unbound . “I’m a big fan of a small three-door with great acceleration that you can really throw around the course. The Nissan Fairlady 240ZG 1971 is my favourite in the game. With just the right balance of grip and acceleration tuning, it will take you through most of the early to mid-game races and is an absolute joyride.”

Need for Speed Unbound introduces a wild collision of stylised street art and cartoon animation, combined with classic racing visuals. Crimmins tells us that Criterion reached out to artists to collaborate with for authenticity. “We were specifically inspired by street and hip-hop artists who creatively subvert the cityscapes they live in. We worked with people like JC Rivera to give it that authentic graffiti aesthetic that we bring to life around your car to celebrate player actions and heroic driving moments.”

Old school racers shouldn’t be concerned though, for these graphical mods can be tweaked. “Don't worry,” laughs Crimmins, “the stylised driving effects are customisable to your own driving style. Whether it's super extravagant or sleeper stylish, there's something in there to express your tastes.” Ride customisation is a huge tradition in NFS, so where have Criterion taken it in Unbound ? “In Need for Speed

• Need for Speed Unbound is out on Dec 2

Heat , we pushed the limits of customisation and the

10 DECEMBER 2022

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