Need for Speed: Most Wanted is an open-world racing game developed by Criterion Games and published by EA in 2005. It is the ninth installment of the Need for Speed series. The game takes place in the fictional city of Fairhaven, and the players take control of the anonymous main protagonist.
The goal of the game is to become the most wanted racer in Fairhaven by competing in various races, completing stunts and evading the police. The players can cruise around the open-world to discover various events and side activities or challenge other racers to a street race.
At the start of the game, the players have access to just a few cars. To unlock more cars and increase their performance, they need to accumulate 'Speed Points', which can be achieved by taking part in events and winning races. The overall objective is to increase the car’s performance and reach the number one spot of the Most Wanted list.
To become the most wanted racer in Fairhaven, the players will have to complete a number of racing events such as circuit, sprint, and lap knockout races. Each race has a set of rules and objectives, like maintaining a specific speed or passing a certain number of opponents. The players will also need to participate in stunt challenges in order to improve their car’s performance and become the most wanted. There are also side activities like drag racing, street racing, and bounty hunting, which are separately ranked on the Most Wanted list and offer extra rewards.
Besides breaking the rules of the racing scene and trying to become the most wanted racer, the players will encounter Fairhaven's police force. They will be after the players from time to time – scaling up their patrols at higher levels of notoriety. To escape them, the players can use various evasive techniques like using rolling obstacles, smashing into smaller traffic, or jumping into a hidden alleyway.
To progress in the game, the players can collect ‘Speed Points’ by performing various feats, like performing stunts or beating other racers. They can also upgrade their vehicles with various performance and body kits.
Despite being released in 2005, Need for Speed: Most Wanted is still a popular game. The open-world setting, innovative police evasions and varied events make it an enjoyable experience for any racing fan. The ability to customize and upgrade cars makes it even more engaging, and the feeling of competing in races and becoming the most wanted is something that never gets old.
It is a game of skill and reflex, and as the player’s skills increases, the progression through the game will become easier. After all, cruising around Fairhaven and becoming the most wanted is one of the most rewarding experiences you can get from a racing game.
