Need For Speed Unbound To Add Playable Motorbikes In Vol. 9

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For the first time in its history, Need For Speed will have playable motorbikes. Images: Criterion Games
Throughout the rich thirty-year history of Need For Speed, motorbikes have always evaded the playerbase. However, within Volume 9 of Need For Speed Unbound comes the BMW S 1000 RR for players to enjoy in the game's new mode, Lockdown from November 26th on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Need For Speed Unbound continues to have a loyal playerbase at the end of 2024, and developers Criterion Games have rewarded those players with another content-filled update. From bikes and PvPvE modes to bug fixes and quality-of-life changes; Volume 9 is a great way for Need For Speed Unbound to end 2024.


Lockdown PvPvE mode​

5 Crews of up to a maximum of 3 players are turned against each other as well as the less-than-prepared Lakeshore Police Department. Not only do you have to fend off other players and the police, but a relentlessly expanding Lockdown Zone is also making your life harder in this all-new PvPvE multiplayer mode.

Work with, not against, your crew to complete Contracts and break into Lockups to hijack and steal back some of Need For Speed Unbound's rarest rides which, if you can escape with them, you can keep. To escape successfully, you must chase down the 'Extraction Truck' somewhere in the 'Lockdown Zone'.

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The illustrious BMW M3 GTR is one of the main cars stolen from the lockups

If you are familiar with the storylines of Need For Speed Unbound, all this madness has been laid at your doorstep by your less than accommodating neighbourhood, Racer X. He is looking out for talent, but instead of going to a local race track or watching the Formula One, he decides to act as a puppet master, putting on events with 'Pursuit Tech'. What this means is that he has control of what happens in the Lockdown Zone.

Racer X has the final say when the exotic car Lockups are open for hijacking and when the Extraction trucks roll in. The main highlight of this mode is the BMW S 1000 RR, a motorbike, that will give you and your crew the edge in this new mode within Need For Speed Unbound. The bike is not limited to the boundaries of the Lockdown Zone, meaning your crew has a distinct advantage if you can get your hands on it first.

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The Honda Integra TYPE R in Need For Speed Unbound

“We hope Vol. 9 sparks excitement among our players by blending nostalgia and iconic Most Wanted vibes with new experiences and innovative gameplay. As we celebrate the incredible milestone of the franchise's 30th anniversary, this volume represents the climactic peak of our live service journey anchored on continuous improvement to deliver the ultimate, all-in-one Need for Speed experience." - John Stanley, Senior Creative Director at Criterion Games

New cars coming to Unbound​

Alongside the exciting new mode are two new cars, set to bring a classic JDM flavour to Need For Speed Unbound. If V-TEC is your thing, you will love the Honda Integra TYPE R. A true JDM icon, the Integra will fit beautifully into any Japanese car fan's garage.

Secondly, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI has a significant pedigree both on the race tracks and rally stages of the world, but also on the streets. The Subaru's fantastic four-wheel drive system will almost certainly be a great asset for any crew looking to escape Lockdown.

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The brand-new Subaru WRX STI

Volume 9 also features a healthy number of new PVP events with 14 new playlists that add over 60 different routes and event configurations. The playlists cover a variety of bases, including the first-ever Need for Speed motorcycle-exclusive events. There are also special challenges to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary, Most Wanted-inspired races, new Drift Pro challenges, and more for you, the player, to explore.

The brand-new Speed Pass​

The Vol. 9 Premium Speed Pass is not going to be to everyone's liking, after all, it does cost extra and rewards those with a deeper wallet by immediately granting the new, fully customizable Honda Integra Type R as well as the accompanying body kits.

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Everything new in Volume 9 of Need For Speed Unbound

Alongside the Honda, you get two Lockdown Spec Customs of the new Volume 9 cars, a Need For Speed Legends Subaru BRZ, a special 30th anniversary BMW M3 GTR and unique customization options - including Manufacturer Projections, 30-year NFS-inspired customizations, Premium Graffiti Signature VFX, new rims, license plates, and more across 30 content tiers.

What do you think about Need For Speed Unbound's new direction of play with Volume 9? Is it something you would want to try out? Let us know in the comments below!
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Connor Minniss
Website Content Editor & Motorsport Photographer aiming to bring you the best of the best within the world of sim racing.

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I tried NFS 2015 and Heat on GamePass and I have to say, if I had this game when I was the same age when I had Underground 2 I would probably liked it. Apart from the soundtrack ofcourse. But trying it now, after simracing for years, the physics and the controls are so mind-bogglingly awful. What you would normally expect from the handling the opposite happens. For example from what I remember was something like brake before the turn and turn-in at the same time to initiate a drift. Now I'm not comparing it to AC or LMU ofcourse, butexamples like Forza Horizon, Colin McRae Dirt 2 and 3 and even older NFS games have predictable arcade handling. The games do look awesome, even 2015 with the night lighting, and the visual part of the car customization is definitely the GOAT. But unfortunately to progress and get cars and parts you also have to drive and race in this game, and man, even some mobile games drive better.
 
In Heat´s drift events you have to brake before turning in to get a decent drift. But of course the physics are very arcadish. But nonetheless, actually I´m having fun playing Heat. The map is just well made.
 
I wonder if they will bother supporting the majority of wheels and pedals again? Would be nice if all developers used them to test their physics and handling models. Would also be nice for getting more racers off their gamepads and onto wheels and pedals.
 
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I wonder if they will bother supporting the majority of wheels and pedals again? Would be nice if all developers used them to test their physics and handling models. Would also be nice for getting more racers off their gamepads and onto wheels and pedals.
It's an arcade game why would they give a toss about physics? Not everything needs to be sim or near to realistic handling.
 
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