Summary
- Release Year: 2010
- Genres: Racing, Simulator
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: EA Singapore, Quicklime Games
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Need for Speed: World (2010): A Detailed Overview
Introduction
Need for Speed: World was the fifteenth installment in the long-running Need for Speed franchise, published by Electronic Arts in 2010. Developed by EA Black Box and EA Singapore, it was the first free-to-play massively multiplayer online racing game (MMORPG) in the series. Need for Speed: World was available on Microsoft Windows and was released worldwide on July 27, 2010.
Gameplay
Need for Speed: World featured a variety of gameplay modes, including:
- Speed Races: Traditional races where players compete to finish first.
- Circuit Races: Races where players must complete multiple laps of a track.
- Drift Races: Races where players earn points by drifting their cars around corners.
- Drag Races: Races where players compete to accelerate their cars down a straight track as quickly as possible.
- Time Trials: Races where players compete to set the fastest lap time on a track.
Players could also participate in online tournaments and events, and could form or join clubs with other players.
Cars and Customization
Need for Speed: World featured a wide range of licensed cars from manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Lamborghini, and Nissan. Players could customize their cars with a variety of performance upgrades and visual modifications, such as body kits, spoilers, and paint jobs.
Setting
Need for Speed: World was set in a fictionalized version of the San Francisco Bay Area, known as Rockport City. The game’s map featured a variety of environments, including city streets, highways, and mountain roads.
Reception
Need for Speed: World received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s graphics, gameplay, and customization options, while others criticized its repetitive missions and lack of innovation. The game was also criticized for its microtransactions, which some felt were too aggressive.
Despite the mixed reviews, Need for Speed: World was a commercial success, attracting over 20 million players worldwide. The game was supported with regular updates and new content until its closure in 2015.
Legacy
Need for Speed: World was a significant departure from previous games in the Need for Speed franchise, and its free-to-play MMORPG format was a new direction for the series. While the game was not without its flaws, it was a solid racing game that offered a lot of content and customization options. Need for Speed: World’s legacy is as a pioneer in the free-to-play racing game genre, and it helped to pave the way for future games such as Asphalt 9: Legends and Forza Horizon 5.
Conclusion
Need for Speed: World was a ambitious and innovative racing game that offered a lot of content and customization options. While the game was not without its flaws, it was a solid entry in the Need for Speed franchise and helped to pave the way for future free-to-play racing games.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
