2024 looks set to be one of the most exciting years in history. Need for speed history, with multiple volume updates coming out quarterly for the newest franchise Unbound title.
It all started in February with Part 6 – the first of four scheduled for 2024 – which not only welcomed the return of Audi Need for speedbut also the introduction of a dedicated PvP mode to take multiplayer gaming to the next level.
Three months later, in May, Part 7 dropped. Freshly inspired by an old Speedhunters favorite – NFS Underground – Part 7 reintroduced drag and drift modes, along with improved driving physics, legendary customs and even two insane Speedhunters doubles.
As we approach the end of August, it’s time to launch a new installment for Unbound. Once again it’s an absolute cracker with more than a pinch Hot chase…
Welcome to Unbound Vol. 8 Cops vs. Racers. As the handy title suggests, this latest installment sees the reintroduction of a ‘Hot Pursuit’ mode, which pits you directly against the pesky cops. But be warned, they’re back, and they’re badder than ever.
This is not a one-sided affair, by the way. Police vs. Racers lets you play in both teams up to 4 vs 4, with the racers trying to escape and the police trying to stop them. The police must catch all four racers to win, while the racers only need one car to reach the checkered flag.
One of the big features added to this installment is the reintroduction of pursuit tech for those playing as cops. These include deployable spikes that span the width of the road, an engine-disabling EMP (electromagnetic pulse), and even a full riot-spec, ESF battering ram.
Plus, there’s even police customization in the form of LED light bars, bull bars, and pre-rendered message boards. Oh, and some super-cool signature-style VFX, which uses LED trails to create bespoke messages for rivals.
And the cars? Well, two new rides have been added to the fleet in Part 8 – the insane 1,972-horsepower Lotus Evija (which is free with the Speed Pass) and the endlessly cool Porsche 959 S, which you unlock with the Premium Speed Pass.
Speaking of Speed Passes, 45 free levels are being added with Part 8, including the 2023 Evija, its bodykits and rare custom, while the Premium Speed Pass adds another 30 tiers to unlock, including nine unique Cop Customs (some of which are unlocked via Cop Career). The ‘Racer League’ has been revamped and – as with previous volumes – so have the PvP playlists.
And what about customs? You’ll all be happy to know that Police vs. Racers has the most extra Customs of any volume to date; two Speedhunters, two NFS Legends and several other Cop Customs. Of course we are extremely biased, but the two Speedhunters Customs are perhaps the best yet, so let’s take a closer look…
For the Lotus Evija we went for a more ‘traditional’ JDM-inspired street racer vibe, which is exactly why you’ll see it sitting on Work CR Kai wheels. It also features motorsport-inspired aerodynamics, including a shin-crushing front splitter and a monster APR GT rear wing.
To be honest, it’s such a stunning looking car that a complete overhaul felt unnecessary. But that didn’t stop us from having fun with the livery, which draws inspiration not only from the original Hot chase 2010 cover art, but also Fredric Aasbø’s GT86 drift car, originally designed by Andy Blackmore in 2012. Consider it a nod to Speedhunters’ past, yet still relevant by 2024 standards.
And the Porsche 959 S? That thing is complete mentally in the best possible way. You can thank creative genius Bryn Alban for much of this – particularly the bodykit, which is inspired by the 935/78 ‘Moby Dick’ and the 1986 961 race car; the only Porsche derived from the 959 ever to go racing.
You can’t say widebody Porsche race car without mentioning BBS wheels, so this Speedhunters custom now sits on classic 3-piece BBS RSs with custom turbofans up front. You might also notice a little addition to reference the type of snack that certain law enforcement officials enjoy…
All of this is wrapped in a traditional black and white police livery which – if you look a little closer – is not only black, but also completely carbon. As far as police cars go, it’s undoubtedly one of the coolest ever created in the (virtual) world. But what might surprise you is the fact that even in the real world, there have been some seriously wild cars used by police forces in various countries. Think Bugatti, Lamborghini and many more – we’ll bring you a full story on those soon.
Like the volumes before it, Vol. 8 – Cops vs. Racers is now available to download and play with the optional Premium Speed Pass which offers an additional 30 levels of upgrades to unlock. We haven’t even mentioned the NFS Legendary cars like Sergeant Cross’ C6 Corvette, which first appeared in 2005 Most wanted…
And if – after three enormous volume updates – you still demand more from UnboundThere’s one final installment coming out later this year, which could be the baddest yet. We’ll bring you exclusives as soon as we have them.
The Speedhunters
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