Hot Pursuit mode returns in Need For Speed Unbound’s volume 8 content drop

Remember the good old days when Need For Speed was all metalcore soundtracks and car chases? Need For Speed Unbound certainly does – that’s why it’s reintroduced the classic Hot Pursuit mode to the game in volume 8 of its post-launch content drops, out now. (Metalcore soundtrack still MIA, though. Probably for the best.)

Playing cat and mouse with the law used to be the very lifeblood of classic Need For Speed, back in the days when the cars were made out of the digital equivalent of lolly sticks and sellotape. The police were always on your tail, and only further reckless driving could shake them off it. Quite the moral dilemma.

Unbound’s take on that nostalgic experience is a PvP mode where you swap between roles after each round. There’s some vehicular gadgetry being introduced to make the chases that bit more tactical, and a career progression system that you work your way up by playing as the Cops.

Here’s EA with the official details: “As a Racer, the goal is to reach the finish line without getting busted. As a Cop, players can utilise a range of Pursuit Tech, including Spike Strips, EMPs, and the ESF battering ram, coordinate with their squad, and get support from AI units to thwart Racers.”

There’s a bit of persistent progress to it too – you can unlock nine different custom vehicles as you work through the Cop career, each inspired by a different police force from around the world.

Volume 8 also brings 30 new tiers of unlockable content, season pass-style, including the Porsche 959 which you can really get your hands dirty with and customise with body kits.