Need for Speed is a legendary racing series that needs no introduction. The NFS games have mostly dealt with street racing with a few experimentations here and there, with Need for Speed Unbound proving to be a drastic visual overhaul for the series in the best way possible. The cel-shaded art style is definitely a standout for this game, and fans are wondering why EA didn't really give this game a solid marketing push before launch.
There's no denying that Need for Speed Unbound is one of the better games in the series and worth checking out for any fan of the series. The art style is experimental enough for most non-racing fans to give it a whirl too. Fans who end up having a great time with NFS Unbound should check out other racing games in the same vein that are an absolute blast to check out.
8 Need For Speed: Most Wanted
The Need for Speed itself houses several titles that are worth recommending to fans of Unbound. While the modern titles are definitely quite engaging in their own right, there's something about the allure of the classic NFS games that fans simply can't get enough of.
One of the best games to recommend in this regard is Most Wanted, with its Blacklist system and pursuit mechanics being absolutely groundbreaking. Evading the cops and winning races makes for a solid gameplay loop that fans never get tired of.
7 Forza Horizon 5
The Forza Horizon series is constantly being honed to perfection with each entry in the series, and Forza Horizon 5 serves as an incredible peak for this highly-regarding racing franchise. Forza Horizon 5's Mexico setting is a blast to explore, with its graphics being sublime as always.
Tuning cars and completing the Horizon events makes for an incredible time and proves why this game's launch was such a roaring success. Players might have their issues with the somewhat boring background dressing of this game, but Forza Horizon 5 definitely delivers when it comes to the core racing gameplay.
6 Hot Wheels Unleashed
Hot Wheels Unleashed came out of nowhere and cemented itself as one of the more competent arcade racing games out there. The idea of racing around while controlling miniature Hot Wheels cars sounds absolutely ridiculous, yet this game somehow manages to make it work with its goofy yet entertaining physics.
The grindathon in Hot Wheels Unleashed is undoubtedly its weakest aspect, but most fans who power through this game's stages will be enjoying a great time with the overall experience. The tracks are varied, and the vehicles are quite fun to control, especially after they've been upgraded all the way to the max.
5 Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise is a game that needs no introduction, with this destruction derby simulator taking on the guise of a racing game and pleasantly taking many players by surprise. Taking down racers in this game is so much fun that most people won't even mind losing a position or two!
The release of Burnout Paradise Remastered has allowed a whole new generation to experience this masterpiece for themselves. Players who just want to switch off their brains and enjoy a simpler arcade racer will have a blast with Burnout Paradise.
4 Mario Kart 8
Mario Kart 8 is one of the most popular arcade racers out there, and it's easy to see why this is the case. The accessibility of its gameplay, coupled with its fun courses makes it clear why this kart racer has remained dominant in the industry for so long.
Fans of Need for Speed Unbound who might not have tried these casual kart racers should definitely give Mario Kart 8 a shot. The fun yet simple racing mechanics, along with the iconic powerups of this franchise, make Mario Kart 8 an absolute treat to play through with friends!
3 Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller
The Crazy Taxi series is one of the weirdest and most hilarious racing games out there. The idea of a taxi driver absolutely smashing through areas and getting passengers to their locations in record time makes for a pretty fun time that fans won't get bored of any time soon.
The racing mechanics of these games might be a bit too arcade-y for their own good, but players who get into the sense of speed this title provides won't mind after a point. It might be a pretty old game, but the gameplay still holds up to this day.
2 F-Zero GX
Speaking of old titles, another great game that comes to mind is F-Zero GX. The final mainline entry in the F-Zero series is one of the best games in the series, with its improved graphics and high-speed gameplay being an absolute treat to enjoy.
The game is pretty hard, but players who come to grips with the immense speeds reached in this game will slowly start to complete and win races in no time. It's a shame that no mainline console entry has come in the series since this title, with the bulk of F-Zero's representation coming in Super Smash Bros.
1 Need For Speed: Underground 2
Another Need for Speed game makes its way on the list in the form of Underground 2. This game was the first Need for Speed title to incorporate an open world and became a massive success because of this inclusion alone.
Underground 2's slick art style and world design made it a great game, with the act of undertaking races in this setting being a blast in every way. It's easy to see why this game is hailed by many as one of the best racing games in the Need for Speed series.
Need For Speed Unbound is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.