History VideoGame / NeedForSpeedUnbound

JustForFun/TheOneWith a ''[[WesternAnimation/SpiderManIntoTheSpiderVerse Spider-Verse]]'' art style, and Music/AsapRocky... [[DrivesLikeCrazy doing something highly illegal.]]

** Downplayed for the Vol. 6 update as you can progress through the RewardsPass in single player, with some items requires a [[BribingYourWayToVictory Premium Speed Pass]] to obtain it.

* BigEater: [[spoiler:Yaz tried to invoke this in a story where she ordered a "Jumbo Chili Sub with all the trimmings" and kept eating it until she threw up on Rydell.]]

** Also subverted in the European Spanish dub in regards of Rydell's ArcWords[=/=]{{Catchphrase}} "Don't just say shit, win shit". When he first says so, it's translated as "''Menos hablar y mas ganar''" ("Less talking and more winning"), but when he repeats it again later to Yaz and the player during a call, they say a more exact translation of the original.

** The Y2 ROADMAP reveals future game modes fore every volume, such as Drift & Drag inspired by ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedUnderground Underground]]'', [[note]]Weirdly enough, the roadmap mentioned that drift events will be back even though the base game ''already'' had drift, though it's implied among the criticisms the game got was the drifting mechanics, so maybe they refer to an improvement on that.[[/note]] and a Cops vs. Racers mode inspired by ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHotPursuit Hot Pursuit]]''.

* CasualDangerDialogue: Everyone, including the PlayerCharacter, tends to talk about social media, self-expression and lots of pop-culture gossip while they are supposed to be focused on illegal street racing.

* CowboyCop: The LPD is this in spades, as the cops put in some colorful language, act unprofessionally and often use aggressive language when pursuing racers. While some cops often call suspects as "perp" (short for "perpetrator"), others will use rather insulting ones like "clown" or "moron".

* EldritchAbomination: Vol. 6 adds " Infinity Rims and Plates", which are items with a deep 3D effect with added gratuitous TronLines, and defy the laws of physics and geometry.

* {{Itasha}}: Anime decals are available to be applied in you car via Wrap editor. One noteable example is a promotional image that has a [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/news-page/2022/10/exc-rev-screenshot-03-streetrace-web-1920x1080-logo.png.adapt.1920w.png Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX wrapped in a kawaii anime design]], [[spoiler:which belongs to Boost, a racer who is in love with anime itself.]]

* ScunthorpeProblem: The license plate name generator when customizing cars censors usage of swear words and insults, which also includes hidden swear words inside of harmless ones. Try to input "PIZZA" on the license plate.

* YoungerAndHipper: The game mostly features Gen Z characters, with some of them being as young as 19. This was possibly an attempt to capture a young generation who are new to ''NFS'' games.

*** With the December 2023 update, you can choose the "Original" Driving Effect, which means realistic smoke without the {{Animesque}} street art coming out of your drift, which would [[SubvertedTrope subvert]] this trope. Realistic or stylistic? All up to you.

** Introduced in Vol. 6 has the "Michéle" - Custom RS 6 Avant, with its body kit and livery design truly inspired by the Group B Audi Quattro S1 that competed in the UsefulNotes/WorldRallyChampionship.

* RewardsPass: The Vol. 3 Update adds the so-called "Speed Pass" where you get free driving effects, underglows, [[AndYourRewardIsClothes clothes]], [[VictoryPose winning poses]], etc., etc. All you gotta do is complete [[PlayEveryDay daily and weekly challenges]] between the certain time period. New Speed Passes were added for the major "Vol. X" updates.

* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: No Audi and Toyota for you, as those two brands are completely absent from the car lineup. For the latter's case, this has been the case after ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed2015''. Averted for Audi's end when a [[https://www.ea.com/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-unbound/news/y2-roadmap Y2 ROADMAP]] reveals that Audi will return for Vol. 6 with its new generation RS 6 Avant being featured on the promotional image.

* RewardsPass: The Vol. 3 Update adds the so-called "Speed Pass" where you get free driving effects, underglows, [[AndYourRewardIsClothes clothes]], [[VictoryPose winning poses]], etc., etc. All you gotta do is complete [[PlayEveryDay daily and weekly challenges]] between June 20 to August 16, 2023. New Speed Passes were added for the Vol. 4 and Vol. 5 update.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wapZRz-OPFI In the game's]] {{start screen}}, various Electronic Arts, Criterion Games, and [[UsefulNotes/GameEngine Frostbite]] logos glitch in and out with street art à la ''WesternAnimation/SpiderManIntoTheSpiderVerse'', with [[FreezeFrameBonus blink-and-you'll-miss-it]] appearances of past logos of all three. Plus, the ''Need for Speed'' speedometer 'N' logo used from ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedUndercover Undercover]]'' to ''No Limits'' appears at the beginning and end of the start screen's video of a bumper cam drive through downtown Lakeshore.

* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: No Audi and Toyota for you, as those two brands are completely absent from the car lineup. For the latter's case, this has been the case after ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed2015''.

''Need for Speed Unbound'' (stylised as ''NFS Unbound'') is a 2022 RacingGame developed by Creator/CriterionGames (with support from Creator/{{Codemasters}}) and published by Creator/ElectronicArts for [[UsefulNotes/MicrosoftWindows Windows]] PC, UsefulNotes/PlayStation5, and UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS. It is the twenty-fifth installment in the ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'' video game series, and the first installment since ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2012'' ten years earlier to have Criterion as the main developer.[[note]]They co-produced ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedRivals'' (2013) with Creator/GhostGames.[[/note]]

* MayorPain: [[spoiler:The game features radio ads showing how Mayor Morgan Stevenson is a disgraceful asshole to Lakeshore, ranging from {{Nepotism}} to showing callousness regarding the safety of the Lake's citizens, to even firing her own campaign team and hiring a new one that can only come up with asinine ads that don't work.]]
* MissionPackSequel: Not the game itself, but the car lineup. Basically, about ''all'' of the cars from ''Heat'', including almost all of the bonus cars (except Audi) are carried over in ''Unbound'' with just a few added cars, to the point many would claim ''Unbound'' as a ''Heat'' clone.
* TheMountainsOfIllinois: Lakeshore City is a very obvious {{Expy}} of UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}}, except that it happens to reside besides mountainous and hillside roads instead of the suburbs Chicago actually has.

*** With the December 2023 update, you can choose the "Original" Driving Effect which means, realistic smoke and without all that fancy-schmancy {{Animesque}} street art coming out of your drift, which would [[SubvertedTrope subvert]] this trope. Realistic or stylistic? All up to you.

** A December 2023 update adds car sorting, so if you have a shit-load of cars collected, you can sort by name, price, rarity, etc. so that you won't waste time scrolling through your collection.
* ArtShiftedSequel: While the characters of previous installments were depicted with either CGI or live-action, the characters of ''Unbound'' are rendered in a much more cartoony style.

''Need for Speed Unbound'' (stylised as ''NFS Unbound'') is a 2022 RacingGame developed by Creator/CriterionGames (with support from Creator/{{Codemasters}}) and published by Creator/ElectronicArts for [[UsefulNotes/MicrosoftWindows Windows]] PC, UsefulNotes/PlayStation5, and UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS. It is the twenty-fifth installment in the ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'' video game series, and marks Criterion's return as the main developer of the franchise since ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2012''.[[note]]They co-produced ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedRivals'' (2013) with Creator/GhostGames.[[/note]]

* {{Animesque}}: ''Unbound'''s setting features CelShading combined with Japanese-style aesthetics, making the characters look like they came fresh out of an anime, a similar style used in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild''.

* NoPartyGiven: Both the mayor and the replacement candidate of Lakeshore has mishmash of characteristics taken from the two American political parties, but it's never explicitly based of any political party.

* ArtShiftedSequel: While characters of previous installments use either CGI or live-action, the characters of ''Unbound'' on the other hand uses is much more cartoony.

* YoungerAndHipper: The game mostly features Gen Z characters, with even ones who are 19 years old and commit into illegal street racing. This was possibly an attempt to capture a young generation who are new to ''NFS'' games.

* {{Animesque}}: ''Unbound'''s setting features ''[[Creator/MiHoYo HoYoverse]]''-style CelShading combined with Japanese-style aesthetics, making the characters look like they came fresh out of an anime.

* HalloweenEpisode: Well, if a major update can get one, then it would play a downplayed example. For Vol. 5's Trick or Street pack, it comes added with a RewardsPass full of ghost and {{Calacas}} decals, a Halloween themed Mini Cooper Countryman and a Skeleton head mask.

* MissionPackSequel: Not the game itself, but the car lineup. Basically, about ''all'' of the cars from ''Heat'', including almost all of the bonus cars (except Audi) are carried over in ''Unbound'' with just a few added cars, that is to the point many would claim ''Unbound'' as a ''Heat'' clone.
* TheMountainsOfIllinois: Lakeshore City, is a very obvious {{Expy}} of UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}}, which also happens reside by mountainous and hillside roads instead of suburbs.

* AwesomeButImpractical: Vol. 5 added the drag-spec Buick GNX, complete with dragster body kit with drag tires (an available tire upgrade from ''Heat''). The sole problem with that is the game has ''no drag events'' and the car wouldn't turn into corners sharply, rendering the car useless on race events, even on Relaxed difficulty.

** Vol. 5 adds a Legendary Customs [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/vol-5/news-articles/uth-vol-5-blog/nfs-vol5-dlc-trick-or-street-16x9.jpg.adapt.1920w.jpg Mini Cooper Countryman JCW, with a body kit and spoiler reminiscent of a Pikes Peak Hillclimber]] and a [[PimpedOutCar pimped out]] [[WhatAPieceOfJunk Volkswagen Beetle]]. Other custom cars adds [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/vol-5/news-articles/uth-vol-5-blog/nfs-vol5-dlc-customs-16x9.jpg.adapt.1920w.jpg the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, the Mercedes-AMG [=C63=] Coupe and the BMW i8]], all in its custom body kits that were actually K.S. Edition kits from the ''Deluxe Edition'' from ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHeat Heat]]''. Last, EA Play players get a custom purple Mercury Cougar.

** The Vol. 2 update hyped up the addition of a so-called "Ultimate Luxury" car. And that turned out to be "the most luxurious car in the world", the Mercedes Maybach S 680.
** The Vol. 3 update adds a blast from the past; the [[Franchise/BackToTheFuture DMC DeLorean]], complete with BurningRubber driving effect. Great Scott indeed. As bonus points, you can fit it with a time machine {{Expy}} body kit![[note]]This is not the first time the franchise adds a [=DeLorean=], as this car also appeared in ''No Limits'' as part of the Future Past update in December 2020.[[/note]]
** To celebrate 75 years of Porsche, Vol. 4 adds the [[GreenAesop 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S]], the first electric car since the Tesla Roadster from ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2012''.[[note]]The in-game update description stated that the Taycan is "the first electric vehicle to join the ''Need for Speed'' roster. Looks like Creator/CriterionGames has forgotten their own game history.[[/note]] Since it is an electric car, the Taycan has a unique [[TechTree upgrade tree]], such as battery cooling, power system, motor components and overcharge which replaces induction, fuel system, exhaust and nitrous respectively.
** While the BMW M2 Competition from ''Heat'' is already in the game, Vol. 5 now adds the second-gen BMW M2 ([=G87=]), included with boxy body kit designs from Avante Design House.

* MissionPackSequel: Not the game itself, but the car lineup. Basically, about ''all'' of the cars from ''Heat'' (except Audi) are carried over in ''Unbound'' with just a few added cars, that is to the point many would claim ''Unbound'' as a ''Heat'' clone.

** Vol. 5

** This trope would play straight with Vol. 3's and Vol. 4's RewardsPass (see below).

* RewardsPass: The Vol. 3 Update adds the so-called "Speed Pass" where you get free driving effects, underglows, [[AndYourRewardIsClothes clothes]], [[VictoryPose winning poses]], etc., etc. All you gotta do is complete [[PlayEveryDay daily and weekly challenges]] between June 20 to August 16, 2023. A new Speed Pass will be added for the Vol. 4 update.

* TheGhost: Alec, [[spoilers:the game's BigBad alongside Tess]] who is constantly mentioned and referred to by numerous characters, but he's never seen or heard.

[[JustForFun/TheOneWith The one]] where ''[[WesternAnimation/SpiderManIntoTheSpiderVerse Spider-Verse]]''–style characters in [[RogerRabbitEffect realistic-looking open world]] express themselves freely with living street art [[DrivesLikeCrazy ...and doing something highly illegal.]]

* TheGhost: Alec, who is constantly mentioned and referred to by numerous characters, but he's never seen or heard.

[[/folder]]
[[folder: Tropes N to Z]]

*** One of the [[VictoryPose victory poses]] in the Vol. 4 RewardsPass (upon reaching Level 28) has the PlayerCharacter [[https://youtu.be/_Zhl77Rr6GI?t=116 doing the "Night, Night" pose]], the signature celebration toast of UsefulNotes/StephenCurry.

* BenevolentArchitecture:
** While unlike previous settings in the series, Lakeshore City is full of citizens around its streets, it still features smashable billboards, always conveniently surrounded by ramped surfaces.
** Appropriately, the Vol. 4 update has the Kennedy Test Track getting a Porsche makeover with banners and art of the titular manufacturer scattered around the area, in time for the 75th anniversary.

!!SOMEBODY SAY, "HEY, WE WANT EXAMPLES" [[note]]HEY, WE WANT EXAMPLES[[/note]]

** The Vol 2 update allows you to pin a challenge directly from a locked car, allowing you to keep track of your unlock progress during gameplay before the said locked car becomes available for purchase.
** The Vol 3 update gives you the ability to [[ZipMode teleport to a Safehouse or a Meetup]], something handy if you don't want cops from your rear.

* BearsAreBadNews: Downplayed. Bear Champs, which are collectibles in a form of a bear with boxing gloves and wearing a crown. Just simply drive over them and it's added to your collectible progress. The Vol 2 update add Bear Champs as available items for your banner.

** Appropriately, the Vol 4 update has the Kennedy Test Track getting a Porsche makeover with banners and art of the titular manufacturer scattered around the area, in time for the 75th anniversary.

* BribingYourWayToVictory: Remember the "Keys to the Maps" DLC back in ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHeat Heat]]''? It's back. This DLC was released during March 2023's Vol 2 update, which uncovers the locations of all collectibles scattered around Lakeshore City.

** Confirmed with Vol 4 update, it adds the legacy custom cars over the franchise, such as Eddie's Nissan Skyline GT-R [=R34=] from ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedUnderground Underground]]'', Rachel Teller's Nissan [=350Z=] from ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedUnderground Underground 2]]'' and Joe's Polestar 1 from ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHeat Heat]]''. This time, these legendary cars are part of a Premium DownloadableContent and are [[BribingYourWayToVictory locked behind a paywall]].

** To celebrate 75 years of Porsche, Vol 4 adds the [[GreenAesop 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S]], the first electric car since the Tesla Roadster from ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2012''. Since it is an electric car, the Taycan has a unique [[TechTree upgrade tree]], such as battery cooling, power system, motor components and overcharge which replaces induction, fuel system, exhaust and nitrous respectively.

* ExperienceBooster: The Vol 4 update adds "Boosted Events" where cash and experience you accumulated from Linkups and Playlists will be "boosted" for a limited time. And no, [[JustForFun/IThoughtItMeant we're not talking about Boost the]] OccidentalOtaku.

** The car customization itself goes insanely further. If you thought vanity items like flashy car neons or rainbow tire smoke ain't enough, here, the game introduces "Driving Effects", a new customization feature that allows players to express or represent themselves with Tags floating above the car's roof, and street art-inspired effects such as cartoon tire smoke and artistic wings when you're airborne, in a similar vein as ''VideoGame/TheCrew2''. Prior to the Vol 2 update, effects were applied to all of your cars and applied by default until the said update gives you the ability to apply effects to each individual car, allowing you to pick a unique style for each of the cars you own.

** The [[https://www.ea.com/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-unbound/about/customization "Pull Up, Ride Out"]] deep dive on customization shows more of the available customization options, with one of the standouts being a UsefulNotes/{{Bosozoku}} style bodykit for the Nissan [=240ZG=]. [[spoiler:It is driven by Waru, an Australian-Japanese driver and one of the AI-controlled rivals.]] [[spoiler:The Vol 2 update makes this car PromotedToPlayable, however it's restricted to EA Play members.]]

** Vol 3 adds a [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/vol-3/speed-pass-page/nfs-vol3-sp-newcar-16x9.jpg.adapt.1456w.jpg glyph-patterned glow-in-the-dark Legendary Customs Dodge SRT Viper with a color-shifted turbofan front wheels and its turbocharge sticking out of the exhaust]]. Alongside the said Viper adds... a [[ExaggeratedTrope ridiculously modified Mazda RX-7]] with a ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}''-style body kit... and a Legendary Customs Ford Mustang with animated taillights and a body kit akin to the Aston Martin Victor. And a disco-style Volkswagen Golf GTI, too. Finally, for those with EA Play subscription... behold, the [[https://traxion.gg/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Need-for-Speed-Unbound-Vol-3-EA-Play-Nissan-Skyline-1024x576.jpg Custom Nissan [=R32=] Skyline with a GT-R LM style body kit]]. The Pimped out part? Half of the bonnet is cut off, revealing its exposed engine.
** The [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/vol-4/news-articles/vol-4-uth-article/exc-vol4-gif05-legendarycustompack-lotusexiges-2006-16x9-logo.gif Legendary Customs Lotus Exige]] in the Vol 4 update gets a monstrous treatment. ''Literally.'' Also the [[https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/ea/need-for-speed-unbound/common/vol-4/news-articles/vol-4-uth-article/exc-vol4-gif07-swagpack-mercedesg63amg-2016-16x9-logo.gif Hip Hop Origin Swag Pack Mercedes-AMG G 63]] gets not just a widebody, but also windshield stickers that ''completely obstruct'' the driver's vision. And it doesn't stop there. The Legendary Custom Porsche 993 Carrera in the Vol 4 update gets also the 935 treatment too, complete with graffiti text of the names of the cities of past ''NFS'' games.

** This trope would play straight with Vol 3's and Vol 4's RewardsPass (see below).

* RewardsPass: The Vol 3 Update adds the so-called "Speed Pass" where you get free driving effects, underglows, [[AndYourRewardIsClothes clothes]], [[VictoryPose winning poses]], etc., etc. All you gotta do is complete [[PlayEveryDay daily and weekly challenges]] between June 20 to August 16, 2023. A new Speed Pass will be added for the Vol 4 update.

* VictoryPose: ''Unbound'' exhibits this trope a lot, as the game lets you choose a victory emote for your PlayerCharacter when winning an event. Poses like a VSign, KnuckleCracking, TalkToTheHand, PecFlex, or a ZombieGait in the Vol 2 update.

** Whenever a [[TheJuggernaut Heavy unit]] arrives, they'll be "[[VideoGame/DukeNukem here to kick ass and chew bubble gum. And we're all outta bubble gum.]]"

** The Vol 3 adding the DMC [=DeLorean=] is a clear reference to ''Franchise/BackToTheFuture''. Bonus points if you drive exactly 88 mph for 3 seconds and the [=DeLorean=] will leave a trail of BurningRubber.
** Vol 4's custom Porsche cars have it references. The colorfully graffitied Taycan is based on the [[https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/G3BBrb/s1/porsche-taycan-turbo-s-art-car-2023-photofairs-shanghai.jpg Porsche Taycan's "Dream in Colour" livery]], while the Legendary Custom Porsche 911 Carrera S (993) is based on the [[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5caed8960cf57d49530e8c60/645f38f6-48dc-4d4e-98d8-96d445994090/art-mg-porsche917-20+02.jpg iconic pig pink livery of the Porsche 917/20]] (which was already referenced in ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedTheRun The Run]]'' [[https://i.ibb.co/QrSXVC0/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-2-11-46-PM.png as a livery]]).
*** Also in Vol 4, the title of the ''Porsche Unleashed'' race playlist itself is [[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedPorscheUnleashed an obvious one to an older series entry]].
*** One of the [[VictoryPose victory poses]] in the Vol 4 RewardsPass (upon reaching Level 28) has the PlayerCharacter [[https://youtu.be/_Zhl77Rr6GI?t=116 doing the "Night, Night" pose]], the signature celebration toast of UsefulNotes/StephenCurry.

* The

*** One of the [[VictoryPose victory poses]] in the Vol 4 RewardsPass (upon reaching Level 28) has the PlayerCharacter doing the "Night, Night" pose, the signature celebration toast of UsefulNotes/StephenCurry.

* BenevolentArchitecture: While unlike previous settings in the series, Lakeshore City is full of citizens around its streets, it still features smashable billboards, always conveniently surrounded by ramped surfaces.

** To celebrate 75 years of Porsche, Vol 4 adds the [[GreenAesop 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S]], the first electric car since the Tesla Roadster from ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2012''.

** Vol 4's custom Porsche cars have it references. The colorfully graffitied Taycan is based on the [[https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/G3BBrb/s1/porsche-taycan-turbo-s-art-car-2023-photofairs-shanghai.jpg Porsche Taycan Art Car]], while the Legendary Custom Porsche 911 Carrera S (993) is based on the [[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5caed8960cf57d49530e8c60/645f38f6-48dc-4d4e-98d8-96d445994090/art-mg-porsche917-20+02.jpg iconic pig pink livery of the Porsche 917/20]] (which was already referenced in ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedTheRun The Run]]'' as a livery).

* CowboyCop: The LPD is this in spades as the cops put in some colorful language, acting more unprofessionally and often use aggressive language when pursuing racers. The cops often call suspects as "perp" (short for "perpetrator") or rather insulting ones like "clown" or "moron".

* CrapsaccharineWorld: Downplayed. Lakeshore City appears to be far grittier and more corrupt than Palm City, due to the surge of street racing and with a corrupt mayor who is failing in her job. The Lake is no doubt full of [[CowboyCop Cowboy Cops]] who use lots of aggressive tactics and a very colorful mouth to boot.

* UnwittingPawn: [[spoiler:The PlayerCharacter who entrusts Tess to help bankroll Rydell's Rydes, was surprisingly victimized by her, as they are bound to her gambling ring by betting betting for and against the player for money]].

* VisibilityMeter: The police now has a spotting meter that fills up when exposed to the cops' visual range. If the meter is full, then you're engaged in a pursuit. An auxiliary item makes cops spotting you even harder, which logically make the LPD more moronic in searching for you.
* WackyRacing: When Lakeshore's straight-up wacky races meets wacky art styles and driving effects. All for the sake of RuleOfCool.