TheNeed for Speedfranchise is one of EA’s longest-running and most popular video game franchises to date. The series has taken various forms in its 27 years of history, transitioning back and forth between arcade to simulation and sometimes a hybrid of the two. Like any long-running series,Need for Speedhas had its share of ups and downs in the past and continues to do.
The latest entry in the franchise,Need for Speed Heat, was highly reminiscent of the 2004’sNeed for Speed Undergroundwith its neon-soaked city streets andextensive customization options. While this seemingly put the franchise in a much better state than it was at the timeNeed for Speed Paybackwas released, it still wasn’t enough to reach the heights ofNeed for Speed Most Wanted(2005), not to be confused with the reboot of sorts that released in 2012.
RELATED:Classic Need for Speed Games Are Being Suddenly Delisted
The Need for a Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2
The originalNeed for Speed Most Wantedwas the best-selling game in the franchise in 2015, and that hasn’t likely changed much.Most Wantedwas incredibly bold for its time, boasting cutting-edge visuals, intense cop chases, and an overall personality and charm that subsequent entries lacked.
Unfortunately, the future of the franchise seems to be in the air. The company recently announced its plan todelay the nextNeed for Speedgameso that Criterion Games can help with the development ofBattlefield 6. What this means is that the next game gets some extra time, and that’s always good for a game. No one knows what thisNeed for Speedentry is, but it’s seems to be obvious what it should be.
At a time like this, aNeed for Speed: Most Wanted 2would do wonders for EA and the franchise’s legacy. The nostalgia factor would alone be enough to sell millions of copies if EA manages to capture the essence of the first game. The 2015’sNeed for SpeedandNeed for Speed Heatproves how gorgeous modernNeed for Speedgamescan look, and aMost Wanted 2would certainly be a much-needed eye candy if it drops on the next-gen consoles.
The originalNeed for Speed Most Wantedwas special because of its accessible nature. Having a decent storyline with a bunch of characters brimming with personalities madeMWmore than just a racing game. EA needs to bring back those memorable characters, including the enigmatic cop Nathan Cross to makeNeed for Speedgames more intriguing to long-time series fans, as well as fans ofnarrative-driven games.
The Need to be Need for Speed
Long-running franchises tend to lose their identity over time, andNeed for Speedis no different. However, EA needs to understandwhat separatesNeed for Speedfrom other racing games.Need for Speed Most Wantedis the pinnacle of theNeed for Speedexperience with an intense cop/racer storyline and casual street racing, and the nextNeed for Speedneeds to be exactly that. The best way to do this is by making aNeed for Speed: Most Wanted 2that wouldn’t just be a spiritual successor but a true sequel 16 years in the making.
