Need for Speed Heat is a thrilling addition to the iconic racing franchise, developed by Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts. Released on November 8, 2019, this twenty-fourth installment in the Need for Speed series brings a mix of arcade racing and deep customization to a vibrant, fictional city inspired by Miami.
Story
Set in the fictional Palm City, Need for Speed Heat offers a more serious and grounded narrative centered around street racing. Players choose from twelve customizable avatars, each navigating the high-stakes world of illegal racing and the challenges that come with it. The story unfolds through sanctioned and unsanctioned races, revealing the vibrant and risky nature of Palm City’s racing scene.
Gameplay
Need for Speed Heat features an expansive open world with two distinct racing modes: Day and Night.
- Day Racing (Speedhunters Showdown): Sanctioned events that take place on designated tracks. Winning these races earns you in-game currency to buy upgrade parts and customization elements for your car and avatar.
- Night Racing: Illegal street racing under neon lights, which rewards you with reputation points. The higher your Heat level, the more aggressive the police become. Balancing risk and reward is key, as high Heat levels increase your reputation multiplier but also make escaping the police more challenging.
The Heat Mechanic
The Heat mechanic adds a layer of risk and reward. During the day, the police issue fines, but at night, they become much more aggressive, aiming to destroy your car if necessary. The Heat level escalates with each confrontation, increasing the difficulty of evasion and the stakes for your reputation points.
Available Cars
The game boasts a diverse lineup of over 127 cars from 33 brands, including classics and modern supercars. Some of the notable vehicles are:
- Volkswagen Golf GTI 1976
- Pontiac Firebird 1977
- Ford Mustang GT 2015
- Nissan 370Z Nismo 2018
Car Tuning and Customization
Customization is a core feature of Need for Speed Heat. Players can tweak their cars’ performance and appearance extensively:
- Performance Tuning: Modify engine parts, suspension, and more.
- Visual Customization: Change the car’s stance, add visual effects, and adjust the exhaust sound.
- Avatar Customization: Create and alter your unique avatar to fit your racing style.
Reception
Early reviews highlight the return to classic tuning mechanics, a departure from the loot box system seen in NFS Payback. The distinct day and night modes offer varied gameplay experiences, and the removal of gambling mechanics has been positively received. The game’s detailed car customization and the dynamic Heat mechanic have also been praised for adding depth and excitement to the racing experience.
Key Features
- Explore Palm City: A sunny, Miami-inspired open world.
- Drive 127 Cars: From classics to the latest supercars, including Ferrari.
- Deep Customization: Tune your ride’s performance and appearance to your liking.
- Day and Night Races: Participate in sanctioned daytime events or high-risk nighttime races.
- Multiplayer Support: Race with friends or strangers in servers supporting up to 16 players.
Experience the thrill of street racing and the depth of customization in Need for Speed Heat, where every race and every choice counts!
Reviews
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