Need for Speed: Most Wanted - A Criterion Game for Windows

Criterion Games' 2012 reboot of Need for Speed Most Wanted skilfully blends the thrilling street racing of the original with modern open-world design. The result is a timeless, heart-pounding arcade experience.

The city of Fairhaven: A driver's paradise

Fairhaven City becomes your ultimate automotive playground. The large urban environment offers a delightful mix of busy city streets, winding canyon roads, and industrial zones perfect for high-speed pursuits. The density of hidden collectibles and drivable supercars worldwide encourages exploration and fuels a constant desire for a new drive.

Intense police encounters

Need for Speed Most Wanted delivers some of the most thrilling police chases in racing game history. Fairhaven's finest are ruthless and use a tactical arsenal of roadblocks, spike strips, and even helicopters to bring your driving to a screeching halt. Evading the authorities requires a mix of driving skills, strategic use of the environment, and a bit of luck. It's adrenaline-pumping chaos.

Climbing the ranks of the most wanted

Beating Fairhaven's elite street racers is your path to victory. Each of the ten Most Wanted competitors offers unique challenges, from simple sprints to multi-stage events that demand your full attention and knowledge of the environment. While the occasional AI tire taping can be a little frustrating, the thrill of beating a rival and claiming their prized car never gets old.

The power of EasyDrive

Need for Speed Most Wanted's seamless EasyDrive system eliminates tedious menu navigation. Modify your car, swap, and dynamically jump into events as you explore Fairhaven. Focusing on non-stop action, this system eliminates downtime and keeps you in the driver's seat.

Minor imperfections, unrivaled excitement

While the lack of an engaging narrative is a missed opportunity, and the visuals show the fatigue of a decade of age, these shortcomings don't detract from the thrilling experience. Need for Speed Most Wanted prioritizes raw, unfiltered racing excitement and does so magnificently.

Best alternatives to Need for Speed Most Wanted

Forza Horizon 4 (or Forza Horizon 5): This series takes the open-world racing concept to a new level. Explore stunning recreations of Britain (Forza Horizon 4) or sun-drenched Mexico (Forza Horizon 5) as you participate in various races, challenges, and activities. Both games boast an incredible selection of cars, from cutting-edge hypercars to quirky classics you'll love to rediscover. While the emphasis on simulation elements is slightly higher than the pure arcade feel of Need for Speed Most Wanted, the main focus remains exhilarating races, beautiful open worlds to explore, and a constant stream of new cars to add to your collection.

Final words

For fans of high-octane, arcade-style racers, Need for Speed Most Wanted remains the definitive experience. Suppose you want the thrill of adrenaline-fuelled street racing. In that case, with intense police chases and an ever-growing collection of cars, Fairhaven City is waiting for you.