Need for Speed is a popular racing game franchise that has entertained gamers for over two decades. The game has evolved and improved with each new release, offering players an immersive and thrilling racing experience.
In this article, we will explore the “Need for Speed Games in Order,” starting from the first game in the series and highlighting the key features and improvements made along the way.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, understanding the evolution of Need for Speed can help you appreciate the series’ growth and enjoy the latest instalments even more.
All Need For Speed Games In Order Of Release Date
The first game of Need for Speed was released in 1994; since then, it has been on a roll. Here’s a list of all the Need For Speed games in order of release date.
1. Need For Speed (1994):
Release date: 31st August 1994
1994 was the year that the first Need for Speed game came out. The game was made by EA Canada, and EA Sports released the game. The game was a big hit, and people say it started the trend of driving games with a lot of speed.
2. Need For Speed II (1997):
Release date: 31st March 1997
The second part was released after almost three years of its predecessor. There were a lot of different cars to choose from in the game, including some of the most unique ones in the world. People also liked that the game had authentic graphics and was hard to play.
3. Need For Speed III- Hot Pursuit (1998):
Release date: 25th March 1998
Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit, i.e., the third part, came out in 1998. The game did very well and is considered one of the best in the series. The game had exciting races at high speeds and some chases with the cops.
4. Need For Speed- High Stakes/Road Challenge (1999):
Release date: 1st March 1999
The game Need for Speed: High Stakes came out in 1999. In Europe, it was called Road Challenge. EA Canada made the game, and people liked it because it was hard to play and had realistic graphics. The game also featured a wide range of cars, including some of the world’s most exotic and powerful cars.
5. Need For Speed Porsche Unleashed/Porsche 2000 (2000):
Release date: 29th February 2000
Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed was released in 2000. In Europe, it was called Porsche 2000. It was a driving game that was all about Porsche cars. The game was made by EA Canada and was known for how realistic the graphics were.
6. Need For Speed- Hot Pursuit 2 (2002):
Release date: 2nd October 2002
This game was the second in the series of Hot Pursuit and was released in 2002. The game was known for its fast-paced racing and thrilling police chases. The game also introduced a new feature called “Be the Cop,” which allowed players to play as the police.
7. Need For Speed- Underground (2003):
Release date: 17th November 2003
Need for Speed: Underground was released in the year 2003. The game showed a new way to race, focusing on racing on the street and making cars look different. The game was also known for having a great soundtrack with songs that were famous at the time.
8. Need For Speed: Underground 2 (2004)
Release date: 15th November 2004
The next game in the series came out in 2004, and EA Black Box released the game. The game expanded on the first game’s customization and street racing features and introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to roam freely around the game world.
9. Need For Speed- Most Wanted (2005):
Release date: 15th November 2005
This is the most famous and played game of the series. People liked that the game could be played anywhere and that the police chases were exciting. The game also added a new feature called “Blacklist,” which lets players race against a list of the most wanted street racers in the game.
10. Need For Speed- Carbon (2006):
Release date: 31st October 2006
Need for Speed: Carbon came out in 2006. The game continued the open-world gameplay and police chase mechanics of Most Wanted and introduced new gameplay features, such as the ability to form crews with other racers.
11. Need For Speed- ProStreet (2007):
Release date: 14th November 2007
Need for Speed: ProStreet came out in 2007. The game moved away from the street racing idea of the games and instead focused on organized races like drag racing and time trials.
12. Need For Speed- Undercover (2008):
Release date: 18th November 2008
The next game in the series is the NFS Undercover, released in 2008. Again the idea was changed from organized racing and introduced a new storyline featuring undercover police work.
13. Need for Speed- Shift (2009):
Release date: 15th September 2009
NFS Shift was released in 2009, but Slightly Mad Studios released it. The game moved away from the street racing idea of the games before it and instead focused on simulating real racing.
14. Need For Speed- Nitro(2009):
Release date: 3rd November 2009
Also out in 2009 was Need for Speed: Nitro was made by EA Montreal. The game was different from Shift, which was an accurate simulation. Instead, it was an arcade-style racing game with unrealistic physics.
15. Need For Speed- World (2010):
Release date: 27th July 2010
The next on the Need for Speed series list is the NFS World. The game was an online racing game that you could play for free. It was known for its vast game world and good graphics.
16. Need For Speed- Hot Pursuit (2010):
Release date: 16th November 2010
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a driving video game that came out in 2010. It was made by Criterion Games and released by Electronic Arts. It is the sixteenth game in the Need for Speed series, and it came out for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. The game takes place in the made-up county of Seacrest, and it has a dynamic, open-world setting where players can race against each other or try to outrun the cops.
17. Need For Speed- Shift 2 Unleashed (2011):
Release date: 29th March 2011
Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed (2011) is the sequel to the 2009 racing game Need for Speed: Shift. The game was developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It features a variety of cars, tracks, and modes that make it an exciting racing experience.
The game also features a variety of customization options that allow players to customize their cars according to their preferences. With its realistic graphics, intense car-handling mechanics, and thrilling races, Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed is an adrenaline-pumping experience that keeps players returning for more.
18. Need For Speed- The Run (2011):
Release date: 15th November 2011
Need for Speed: The Run is an action-packed racing video game released in 2011 by Electronic Arts. It puts players in the driver’s seat as they race across the United States from San Francisco to New York City. Players must use their driving skills and strategy to survive various challenges, including illegal street races, police pursuits, etc.
19. Need For Speed- Most Wanted (2012):
Release date: 30th October 2012
No matter how many Need for Speed games are on the list, this is the most-played NFS game in history. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) is an open-world racing game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts. It is the nineteenth installment in the long-running Need for Speed series.
The game features a thrilling story mode, intense races, and a wide range of customization options. Players can customize their cars with various parts, paint jobs, and decals to make them look unique.
20. Need For Speed- Rivals (2013):
Release date: 15th November 2013
The next game in the list of NFS Racing games is NFS Rivals, released in 2013. It is the twentieth installment in the Need for Speed franchise and was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The game is set in the fictional Redview County and features an open-world environment where players can engage in high-speed races and police pursuits.
The game has a unique AllDrive feature that seamlessly blends single-player and multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to join races and pursuits in real time.
21. Need For Speed (2015):
Release date: 3rd November 2015
Need for Speed was released in 2015 and was developed by Ghost Games. The game was a franchise reboot focusing on street racing and customization.
22. Need For Speed Payback (2017):
Release date: 10th November 2017
Need for Speed Payback came out in 2017. The game was like the last one in that it was about street racing and customization, and it had a story about three characters trying to take down a criminal group. Players take on the role of three different characters, each with their skillset, to gain control of Fortune Valley. Players can race against each other or against AI opponents in various events, including drift races, drag races, and off-road races.
23. Need For Speed- Heat (2019):
Release date: 8th November 2019
The latest game in the series is Need for Speed: Heat. It was made by Ghost Games and released by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. The latest version occurs in Palm City’s open world, where players can participate in official and illegal street races.
Players get prizes for each type of race, which they can use to buy new cars or upgrades. If you like being chased by police, do more illegal street races at night. This will increase your “REP,” which makes the police even more aggressive.
Conclusion:
The Need for Speed series has been around for a long time and has much history. Each game in the series gives driving game fans something new and exciting. There’s a Need for Speed game for everyone, whether you like driving games like arcades or more like simulations.
From the first game in 1994 to the most recent one in 2019, the series has grown to keep up with changing technology and gaming trends. Here’s the list of all the Need for Speed Games in order of their release. Comment down your favourite in the series.
