Classic Era: The Need for Speed | Porsche Unleashed
Black Box Era: Underground (1 and 2) | Most Wanted (2005) | Carbon (Main Version | Own the City) | ProStreet | Undercover
Autolog Era: Shift (Shift PSP version and Shift 2: Unleashed) | Nitro | The Run | Rivals
2014 film adaptation
Ghost Games Era: (2015) | Payback | Heat
New Criterion Era: Unbound
The characters of the Need for Speed game Need for Speed: Carbon – Own the City.
Differentiating from its main version, Own the City comes with a different set of characters in a different setting.
Just like the main version, it introduces crew members. Each of them, whether ally or enemy to the player, possess unique traits and abilities, appearance included. But as the story unfolds, one character or another must be holding the truth behind the most tragic story of its time.
This page covers mostly the PlayStation Portable version.
Car: Toyota MR2 (PSP version, originally by Sara), Ford Mustang GT (Gen. 5, 2005) (GBA version, originally by Sara), Mazda RX-7 (FD, Series 8) (DS version, originally by Sara), player's choice.
Affiliation: Lucky 7's (formerly), Player's crew (current)
The main protagonist of the game.
Originally a member of the Lucky 7's, they compete alongside their brother, Mick in a high-stakes race with a couple of other racers in a decisive battle on who rules Coast City. However, the race ended with a massive car crash that killed Mick, whereas the player collided head-on with a truck that left them hospitalized with amnesia.
Six months later, they woke up from a coma and was greeted by Mick's girlfriend, Sara; and Mick's most loyal wingman, Carter. Both of them help the player regain their memories from that past fateful race when they visited their brother's grave.
Seeking to find the mastermind responsible for the accident, the player forms a crew and re-enters the street racing scene.
- Ambiguous Gender: Averted. Just like the previous game, their gender is revealed to be a male (the game's opening words, and in fact Mick's final words, are "You're going down, bro!"), which is justified by the target market for Need for Speed games.
- Amnesiac Hero: The player suffered amnesia from the aftermath of a head-on collision with a truck.
- Badass Crew: The player has a crew with the best drivers around the city who seek to help them find the mastermind of the accident. And they even represent as the crew's leader!
- Cain and Abel: It turns out that the player had a toxic relationship with their older brother Mick, which eventually led to them arranging Mick's death by car crash in a race.
- Experienced Protagonist: The player is already a highly skilled racer at the beginning. The main reason they had to start over is that they suffered from amnesia and tried to recover from the aftermath.
- The Killer in Me: At the very end of the game, the player learns they caused the crash, as Mick was an abusive Jerkass towards the player and Sara, and hired EX to kill him.
- No Name Given: Like most entries in the series, the storyline doesn't refer to the player by any particular name, and the gameplay simply refers to them as the "player". That being said, Mick's grave reveals that his actual, full name is Michael Rogers, implying that, unless some half-sibling shenanigans are at play, the player's last name might actually also be Rogers.
- Survived the Beginning: Sara states that the player is lucky that they survived the accident, while Mick was unfortunate and succumbed to his death.
- Taking Over the Town: The player must form a crew and work all their way through to take control of all the territories to own the city, whilst discovering the mastermind behind Mick's death.
- A Taste of Power: The prologue starts with Sara letting you borrow her car so you can get back in racing again, before taking the car back when the player decides to investigate Mick's death, as Sara claims it's too dangerous for the player to do so, at which point you'll have to buy your actual first car. Depending on which version of the game, Sara's car differs from another.
- Trauma Button: Whenever Mick is brought up to topic, the player ends up traumatized from the catastrophic race.
- Villain Protagonist: Obviously, like in Most Wanted and its main version, the player is a street racer, and street racing is illegal. On top of that, they're the only protagonist in the series to have actually killed someone, albeit indirectly.
Lucky 7's
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition
Sara's wingman and one of the player's most faithful companions.
Carter has been a longtime member of the Lucky 7's since its formation. Lacking confidence at first, he was sought by Mick under his guidance where he has evolved to become both a Badass Driver and a brawler.
Carter tags alongside the player throughout their journey to find the mastermind behind Mick's death, who frequently provides handful information via Crew Info System (C.I.S).
His role as a crew member is a Brawler. In its Nintendo counterparts, he is instead assigned as an Attacker.
- Adapted Out: Downplayed, as Carter, despite being a key main character, is not a recruitable crew member in the Nintendo versions.
- Car Fu: As a brawler, Carter can temporarily take an opponent out by ramming their vehicle and forcing them to a stop.
- Exposition Fairy: Alongside Sara, he acts as your guide throughout the story and also provides you tips and information about the game's features and race modes.
- Nice Guy: He's a very amiable guy for a street racer.
- Starter Mon: Carter is one of the starter members to join your crew. However he is only exclusive the PSP version.
- Undying Loyalty: With Mick prior to his death.
- Warm-Up Boss: Carter hypes you up and helps you recover your memories by challenging you to a friendly race. Don't worry, he'll go easy on ya!
Michael "Mick" Rogers
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition (during cutscenes)
The player's brother and the crew leader of the Lucky 7's, also acting as Sara's boyfriend and Carter's loyal ally.
He was a top racer who raced the player in a battle for control of the whole city, which tragically ended with a terrible car crash that took his own life.
- Big Brother Bully: A flashback shows how callous Mick was to the player, as he is seen abrasively dictating them to do a drive faster and better. And it won't stop until they get it right.
- Domestic Abuser: When Sara reveals that Mick was actually an asshole to pretty much everyone, especially to the player and Sara, one of the pictures shown as flasbacks is a pretty chilling image of him violently grabbing Sara, heavily implying that he was even physically abusive to her.
- Hated by All: The game's twist ending reveals that Mick was a total ass, having contempt for everyone and everything, up to and including his little brother and his girlfriend Sara, with even the implication that he was abusive to Sara. As it turned out, the player hired EX to kill Mick.
- Jerkass: Mick is one helluva repulsive man, thanks to his abusive and condescending attitude.
- The Leader: He was the leader of the Lucky 7's prior to his death and possible dissolution of the crew.
- Posthumous Character: Mick was already dead as the story unfolds. Turns out it was a Karmic Death as it was revealed that Mick was being a total Jerkass towards the player and Sara.
Car: Chevrolet Cobalt SS (2004) (PSP version), Mazda RX-8 (SE3P) (DS version)
One of the former members of the Lucky 7's.
Dylan got into racing just a year ago when he was bested by the Lucky 7's when riding his old beaten up sedan on 5th Street. Following the dissolution of Lucky 7's, Dylan swore that one day, he'd build his car and hone his talents, as he seeks to find another crew to rise again.
His role as a crew member is a Drafter.
- The Alleged Car: His boney, beaten-up sedan which got torn past by the Lucky 7's, as stated in said bio.
- Glory Seeker: Dylan wishes to perfect his skills and rise one more when he finds a crew worthy of joining. And that, he joins the player's crew.
- Follow the White Rabbit: As a drafter, Dylan can provide a speed boost to you by letting him overtake you and slipstream off of them. Very ideal for long straight, or in the Nintendo counterparts, provide you a nitrous replenish. However, for some reason, he shouldn't cross the finish line ahead of you. If he does, you lose the race.
- Starter Mon: Dylan is one of the starter members to join your crew.
Car: Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk5)
One of the former members of the Lucky 7's.
Kita is a proud assassin of the crew. Word on the streets can't tell if she is a club girl or a racer girl, as Kita rather prefers to talk business when behind the wheel. Outside of racing, Kita indulges in blogging, and she's proud enough to write on anything related on driving.
Her role as a crew member is an Assassin. In its Nintendo counterparts, she is instead assigned as an Attacker.
- Adaptational Job Change: In its Nintendo counterparts, she's assigned as an Attacker, akin to the PSP's Brawler.
- Pop the Tires: As an assassin, Kita can incapacitate an opponent by dropping a spike strip, popping its tires which forces them to a stop.
- Starter Mon: Kita is one of the starter members to join your crew.
- Unrelated in the Adaptation: The Nintendo versions states that Kita is Sara's childhood friend. Something the PSP version didn't state.
Berserkers
Car: Nissan 240SX (S13) (PSP version), Mazda RX-7 (FD, Series 8) (DS version)
A member of the Berserkers crew who controls the Mountains region.
Marcus used to ride along with the Lucky 7's until its dissolution. Following Mick's death, he tries new things when joining the Berserkers, hoping he'd find a challenge. But as things didn't go well with his leader, Striker, he thinks about swaying to a crew worth joining for.
His role as a crew member is a Brawler, while Fixer is his subclass. In its Nintendo counterparts, he is instead assigned as a Drafter.
- Adaptational Job Change: In its Nintendo counterparts, he's assigned as a Drafter, instead of the PSP's Brawler. He is instead a member of the Lucky 7's crew.
- Car Fu: As a brawler, Marcus can temporarily take an opponent out by ramming their vehicle and forcing them to a stop.
- Defeat Means Friendship:
- Marcus thought of joining your team after things go awry with his crew. If you beat him, he'll take his defeat in stride and would like to join your crew.
- In its Nintendo counterparts, you technically defeat his boss but Marcus joins your crew all the same.
- Money Multiplier: As a Fixer, Marcus provides you an extra cash bonus after winning a race with him.
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition
The leader of the Berserkers crew who controls the Inner City region.
- Adapted Out: Striker does not appear in the Nintendo counterparts.
- Duel Boss: You face one-on-one with him for the control of the Inner City region.
- Silent Antagonist: While he does have a face, not a single word from Striker is heard.
Car: Mazda Mazdaspeed3 (BK) (PSP version), Mazda RX-7 (FD, Series 8) (DS version)
A member of the Berserkers crew.
When not racing, Arjen indulges in yoga and gardening. He and Crunch race together with their leader, Striker.
His role as a crew member is a Drafter, while Mechanic is his subclass.
- Adaptational Job Change: In the Nintendo counterpart, he is the leader of the Lucky 7's crew.
- Caring Gardener: His personal hobby has him taking good care of bonsai trees.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Technically you defeat his boss but Arjen joins your crew all the same.
- Follow the White Rabbit: As a drafter, Arjen can provide a speed boost to you by letting him overtake you and slipstream off of them.
- Status Buff: When Arjen races with you, he provides you a slight performance boost, allowing you to give you a little edge on the competition.
Car: Chevrolet Cobalt SS (2004) (PSP version), Mazda RX-8 (SE3P) (DS version)
A member of the Berserkers crew.
Crunch is a man who isn't smart, despite that what he thinks or his looks say otherwise. He and Arjen race together with their leader, Striker.
His role as a crew member is a Brawler.
- Adaptational Job Change: In the Nintendo counterpart, he serves as the sub-boss of the Lucky 7's crew.
- Car Fu: As a brawler, Crunch can temporarily take an opponent out by ramming their vehicle and forcing them to a stop.
- Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Despite his bio stating that he's a complete idiot, he's still a capable racer and can take out any rivals with his skills behind the wheel.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Technically you defeat his boss but Crunch joins your crew all the same.
- The Ditz: Crunch's bio speaks for itself."Crunch isn't very smart. He thinks he's smart. He looks smart, but he isn't smart."
Eastsiders
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition
A member of the Eastsiders crew who controls the Perimiter Hwy region.
Sly is called "sly" for a reason as he is a capable street racer who can tackle through tight and narrow corners with his quick thinking.
His role as a crew member is a Drafter.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Only in the PSP version, Sly sways to your team when you beat him.
- The Dragon: He serves as the sub-boss of the Eastsiders crew.
- Follow the White Rabbit: As a drafter, Sly can provide a speed boost to you by letting him overtake you and slipstream off of them.
- Green and Mean: Not him, but his Lancer Evolution, painted in bright frog green. And he indulges in illegal street racing.
- Meaningful Name: Why does he call himself Sly? He's a man with such cunning driving skills, and his bio states that he can take sharp corners with ease.
- You Owe Me: After you beat him, Sly says that he owes his boss Poorboy money.
Car: Nissan 240SX (S13) (PSP version), Audi TT 3.2 quattro (8N) (DS version)
The leader of the Eastsiders crew who controls the Industrial region.
Poorboy was seen passing by the player and Carter during the celebration party after they have conquered the regions that were controlled by the Berserkers. In the player's perspective, they seem that Poorboy was also seen involved during that past fateful race.
Following his defeat, Poorboy says that he wasn't involved with the incident and claims that a man named Buddy came out of nowhere and crashed into Mick, and asks the player to find him at once.
- Enemy Rising Behind: Following the defeat of the Berserkers, Poorboy mysteriously drives past through the player during a celebration party.
- In the Hood: Poorboy sports a hoodie, while taking on street racing. This came handiful when he was the mysterious driver who seem to pass by asking for directions.
- Not Me This Time: He said that he was there during the past fateful race, and there was plentiful going on around. He later stated that a man named Buddy was responsible for the crash that costed Mick his life.
Car: Mazda Mazdaspeed3 (BK)
A member of the Eastsiders crew.
West always seems to be burdensome of something, despite showing what he can do. He and Juice race together with their leader, Poorboy.
His role as a crew member is a Brawler.
- Adapted Out: He doesn't appear in the Nintendo counterparts.
- Anime Hair: West sure has some wildly slick coif similar to Cloud Strife's hairdo.
- Car Fu: As a brawler, West can temporarily take an opponent out by ramming their vehicle and forcing them to a stop.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Technically you defeat his boss but West joins your crew all the same.West: Poorboy's finished. Me 'n Juice want to drive for a winner. We'll both come over and drive with you.
Car: Nissan 240SX (S13) (PSP version), Toyota MR2 (DS version)
A member of the Eastsiders crew.
Juice loves dancing, as he learns to perfect his hip hop and salsa moves when not racing.
Its Nintendo counterpart states that Juice got his name when after watch several low-budget post-apocalyptic movies. When Juice and his ally Marcus causes trouble, Juice tries to save his nitrous while the cops are on the loose. He and West race together with their leader, Poorboy.
His role as a crew member is a Assassin, while Mechanic is his subclass. In its Nintendo counterparts, he is instead assigned as an Attacker.
- Adaptational Backstory Change: Juice has a different backstory than its PSP counterpart, as it is stated that he is into watching low-budget post-apocalyptic movies, which got him his Awesome Mc Cool Name.
- Adaptational Job Change: In its Nintendo counterparts, he's assigned as an Attacker, instead of the PSP's Assassin. He is instead a member of the Lucky 7's crew.
- Dance Battler: Downplayed. When not racing, Juice loves to dance.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Technically you defeat his boss but Juice joins your crew all the same, regardless if he a member of the Lucky 7's or the Eastsiders.
- Meaningful Name: He's called Juice for a reason, because he wants to save his nitrous while cops are chasing on his tail. "Gotta save the Juice!" as he proclaims.
- Pop the Tires: As an assassin, Juice can incapacitate an opponent by dropping a spike strip, popping its tires which forces them to a stop.
- Status Buff: When Juice races with you, he provides you a slight performance boost, allowing you to give you a little edge on the competition.
Syrens
Car: Mazda RX-8 (SE3P) (PSP version), Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GDB-D) (DS version)
The leader of the Syrens crew who controls the Residential region.
Layla learns to refuse in revealing her past and insists on defining what she is now. As leader of the Syrens, an all-female crew, she's absolute with her decisions and appoints every member to be under the "Layla" alias, which explains "Layla 1", "Layla 2", "Layla 3", etc.
While she knows the player, whom they're associated with Sara, Layla 1, alongside her subordinate Layla 2 sides with the player's crew in order to seek revenge on whoever is responsible in taking out Sara.
Her role as a crew member is a Assassin. In its Nintendo counterparts, she is instead assigned as an Attacker.
- Adaptational Name Change: Layla 1 in the Nintendo counterparts is just simply... Layla.
- Adaptational Job Change: In its Nintendo counterparts, she's assigned as an Attacker, instead of the PSP's Assassin.
- Cool Sword: One of the unlockable artworks (obtained by smashing bonus crates) has Layla 1's full body shown, posing with her rapier
. - Defeat Means Friendship: If you manage to beat her, she'll sways to your team. In fact Layla 1 is the only leader of the crew to do so.
- Ms. Fanservice: Layla 1 is a girl with such charming looks, a sizeable rack, and an alluring voice.
- Nice Girl: Layla 1 sure has an amiable personality, like admitting defeat with dignity and complimenting that Sara is a good kid.
- Pink Is Feminine: Her RX-8 is painted pink, matched by Layla 1's unwavering beauty.
- Pop the Tires: As an assassin, Layla 1 can incapacitate an opponent by dropping a spike strip, popping its tires which forces them to a stop.
- You Are Number 6: In the PSP version, she is named "Layla 1" for a reason. Her bio lampshades this as whenever a member joins the Syrens, Layla enforces each member to go by the "Layla" name and with a number to designate each of the members.
Car: Toyota MR2 (PSP version), Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition (DS version)
A member of the Syrens crew.
Originally a fashion model, Layla 2 instead took up street racing when she realizes that speeding was more fun than strolling.
Her role as a crew member is a Drafter, while Fixer is her subclass.
- Adaptational Name Change: The Nintendo counterparts renames Layla 2 as "Trace".
- Adaptational Job Change: In the Nintendo counterpart, she serves as the sub-boss of the Syrens crew.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Technically you defeat her boss but Layla 2 joins your crew all the same. In a surprising twist, her boss also joins your crew as well!
- The Fashionista: As her bio states, she was originally a fashion model before street racing took full interest in her.
- Follow the White Rabbit: As a drafter, Layla 2 can provide a speed boost to you by letting her overtake you and slipstream off of them.
- Money Multiplier: As a Fixer, Layla 2 provides you an extra cash bonus after winning a race with her.
- Thrill Seeker: Her bio states that she grew passion into street racing when cars fly off the road. In its Nintendo counterparts, a Pimped-Out Car and mad skills are all what she needs.
- You Are Number 6: In the PSP version, she is named "Layla 2" for a reason.
Car: Ford Mustang Fastback (Gen. 1)
A member of the Syrens crew who controls the Bridges region.
- Adapted Out: Layla 3 does not appear in the Nintendo counterparts.
- Cute Bruiser: Girlish Pigtails? Check. Youthful Freckles? Check. Badass Driver? Check indeed.
- Silent Antagonist: While she does have a face, not a single word from Layla is heard.
- What a Piece of Junk: She drives a classic first-gen Ford Mustang with a custom spoiler on top.
- You Are Number 6: She is named "Layla 3" for a reason.
Megas
Car: Ford Mustang Fastback (Gen. 1) (PSP version), Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR-edition (DS version)
A member of the Megas crew who controls the High Industrial region.
Steve worries about his hairstyle than anything else, prompting to fix it in the mirror every time.In its Nintendo counterpart, under the name Wraith, he was a cop in his other life who indulges in secret day jobs and vigilante work.
His role as a crew member is a Assassin. In its Nintendo counterparts, he is instead assigned as a Drafter.
- Adaptational Name Change: His name was changes to "Wraith" in the Nintendo version.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Steve will admit that his boss Buddy is a poser. While he thinks you're the real deal here after you defeat him, he'll join your crew.
- Pop the Tires: As an assassin, Steve can incapacitate an opponent by dropping a spike strip, popping its tires which forces them to a stop.
- Shout-Out: His vinyl pattern for his Evo IX in the DS version is the same vinyl pattern used in Sonny's Golf GTi from Most Wanted.
- Stubborn Hair: Steve always has hair issues. And always has to fix it every time.
Car: Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
The leader of the Megas crew who controls the Campus region.
Buddy was there during the night of the incidental race, whilst Sara was caught in an explosion. Following Buddy's defeat, he openly confesses that he admits that he caused the crash but he has nothing to do with Mick, stating that it was not his idea and says that another person has framed him for money. In return, Buddy provides his phone to the player, to show what would be another incriminating evidence that contributed to the incident.
- Adapted Out: Buddy does not appear in the Nintendo counterparts.
- Break Them by Talking: ...or racing. After the first race, Carter during a C.I.S. message stated that you "spooked" him. After you win, Buddy breaks down cowardly and confesses to the player and Carter about the incident.
- Briefcase Full of Money: Buddy has one [and a test message] to prove his innocence and some evidence of who might have been the true mastermind.
- Not Me This Time: Buddy openly admits that he did indeed cause the crash, but turns out that he was set up.Buddy: I mean... I swear, I had nothing against your brother.
- Status Cell Phone: His static image, as pictured here show him in his blue flip phone, which he hands it to the player to show the evidence of the mastermind behind the death of Mick.
- Zero-Effort Boss: His choice of car is a Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, which has inferior performance than his subordinates, of whom they drive an RX-8, a TT or a Supra, in which have better performance in the roster.
Car: Mazda RX-8 (SE3P) (PSP version), Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GDB-D) (DS version)
A member of the Megas crew.
Turtle has some serious stench that it attracts anyone interested in Calling Shot Gun. He's a Badass Driver that also contributed of becoming a Chick Magnet. He races together with their leader, Buddy, as well as Pip, a member of the Corps.
Turtle is fully aware that the player is there to find Buddy regarding the incident that took Mick's life. Following this, he and Pip, a member of the Corps doesn't wanna end up on the receiving end.
His role as a crew member is a Brawler, while Mechanic is his subclass. In its Nintendo counterparts, he is instead assigned as an Attacker.
- Adaptational Job Change: In the Nintendo counterpart, he appears to be a member of the Eastsiders crew.
- Car Fu: As a brawler, Turtle can temporarily take an opponent out by ramming their vehicle and forcing them to a stop.
- Clueless Chick-Magnet: His stench attracted anyone interested to ride with him.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Technically you defeat his boss but Turtle joins your crew all the same.
- Status Buff: When Turtle races with you, he provides you a slight performance boost, allowing you to give you a little edge on the competition.
- The Pig-Pen: Turtle must have hygiene issues. As he has such bad case of chronic BO.
Corps
Car: Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2006) (PSP version), Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (R230) (DS version)
A member of the Corps crew.
A skinny man who indulges into such gluttony. Despite being a member of Corps, Buckster races together with Steve, a member of the Megas crew.
His role as a crew member is a Brawler. In its Nintendo counterparts, he is instead assigned as an Attacker.
- Adaptational Name Change: His name was changes to "Avi" in the Nintendo version.
- Big Eater: His bio states that he holds the campus record for eating the most pies.
- Car Fu: As a brawler, Buckster can temporarily take an opponent out by ramming their vehicle and forcing them to a stop.
- Heel–Face Turn: Technically since you haven't reached Corps territory yet, Buckster still joins your crew nonetheless.
- Incoming Ham: Whenever he's ready to activate, he screams:Buckster: Heeeeeeeere's BRAWLER!!!
- Nothing but Skin and Bones: ...and to the point that Buckster is as "Skinny as a rail".
Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34)(PSP version), Ford Mustang GT (Gen. 5, 2005) (DS version)
A member of the Corps crew.
Pip is known for being a nerd for Role-Playing Games and loves to wear a red cape.
Its Nintendo counterpart states that Pip didn't join the Easiders crew for the money, but nonetheless, this quite dude shows his fierce loyalty, especially during dangerous times. Despite being a member of Corps, Pip races together with Turtle, a member of the Megas crew.
His role as a crew member is a Drafter.
- Adaptational Backstory Change: Pip's backstory differs in its PSP counterpart. Sure he joins the Eastsiders, but
- Adaptational Job Change: In the Nintendo counterpart, he appears to be a member of the Eastsiders crew.
- Badass Bookworm: A Badass Driver who is overly-obsessed with knowledge of RPG games.
- Defeat Means Friendship: Technically even if you defeated Buddy and just started battling the Corps' territory, Pip still joins your crew all the same.
- Follow the White Rabbit: As a drafter, Pip can provide a speed boost to you by letting him overtake you and slipstream off of them.
- Not with Them for the Money: His DS bio stated that he's not there for riches and cold hard cash, he just joins Poorboy's crew for his Undying Loyalty.
- The Quiet One: As per DS bio states.
