After the announcement of Need for Speed 22: Unrestrained, developer Criterion Games accepted an exclusive interview with IGN, confirming that this work uses the Frost engine, the host version supports 4K/60FPS, open world (Lakeshore City), and physics effects also support high frame rate operation, which will bring more control and subtlety to the physical movement of the car.
Need for Speed is all about setting trends,” said Creative Director Kieran Crimmins. Need for Speed represents the need to break the mold and represent rebellion. Need for Speed is at the heart of the street racing fantasy, so it’s important that we explore new art styles, new perspectives and new ways of looking at the game so we can not only stand out, but also innovate where we lead the way.”
Need for Speed 22 features a “new campaign structure” for the single-player aspect. The story follows two friends who are robbed in a family car store. With their friendship in tatters, players must take part in the “ultimate street race” to retrieve the “priceless treasure”. Throughout their journey, they will meet different characters, each with a different story arc.
“Each one of these characters, we’ve actually made them complete characters this time. They have little stories, they have personalities, they have their own car customization and style, and you get to see them driving around.”
The race has a buy-in (gambling race) and losing a race means no more. The “heat” returns, although it works a little differently than Need for Speed 21.
“Every race gives you a little bit of notoriety. So if you do a lot of races in one place, your heat builds up and you make a huge bet with your money. So there are consequences to that.” You can also make side bets and target specific racers. It’s not as big a reward as buying and picking races, but it’s personal.”
Cops are back, too, and more “tactical.” Each type of vehicle has strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited during a chase.
“You have to choose your strategy based on the type of cop chasing you. If you’re really good, you can even get into a full-on high-octane chase. If you know all the tactics, you can still get away with it. But if you don’t know, or if you can’t execute those strategies, you’ll get taken down.”
Players can decide for themselves how much heat they want to draw from the police, and if you want to avoid them altogether, the game also includes a police car scanner and a discovery mechanic.
