Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Adventure, Racing
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: Criterion Games
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012): A Return to Form for the Racing Franchise
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) is a reboot of the classic 2005 game of the same name. Developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts, it was released on October 30, 2012, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, and iOS. The game takes on the gameplay style of the first Most Wanted title in the Need for Speed franchise, focusing on intense street racing and police chases.
Gameplay
Most Wanted allows players to select one car and compete against other racers in three types of events:
- Sprint races involve traveling from one point of the city to another.
- Circuit races have two or three laps total.
- Speed runs involve traversing through a course in the highest average speed possible.
There is also the Ambush races, which start with the player surrounded by cops and tasked to evade their pursuit as quickly as possible.
Players can also participate in Speed Challenges, which are time trials that reward players with new cars upon completion.
Setting
Most Wanted is set in the fictional city of Fairhaven, which is based on the real-world cities of Chicago and San Francisco. The city is divided into five districts, each with its own unique environment and challenges.
Cars
Most Wanted features a wide variety of cars to choose from, including licensed vehicles from manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz. Players can also customize their cars with a variety of performance and visual upgrades.
Police
The police in Most Wanted are relentless and will stop at nothing to take down the player. They will use a variety of tactics to try to stop the player, including roadblocks, spike strips, and helicopters.
Multiplayer
Most Wanted features a variety of multiplayer modes, including:
- Online races allow players to compete against each other in a variety of race types.
- Co-op races allow players to team up and race against other teams.
- Time trials allow players to compete against each other for the best time on a given track.
Reception
Most Wanted received critical acclaim upon release, with many reviewers praising its return to the gameplay style of the first Most Wanted title. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 15 million copies worldwide.
Awards
Most Wanted won numerous awards, including:
- Game of the Year from IGN
- Best Racing Game from GameSpot
- Best Sports/Racing Game from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences
Legacy
Most Wanted is considered to be one of the best racing games of all time. It has been praised for its intense gameplay, stunning graphics, and relentless police chases. The game has also been credited with helping to revive the Need for Speed franchise.
Conclusion
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) is a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping racing game that takes on the gameplay style of the first Most Wanted title. With its stunning graphics, challenging races, and intense police chases, it’s a must-play for any racing game fan.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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