10 Beloved Franchises That Haven't Been Good In A WHILE
6. Need For Speed
It's a miracle Need for Speed lasted as long as it did, considering it started life on the failed 3DO. Luckily, players were so blown away by the revolutionary racer's realism and seamless gameplay, it was ported to other systems, turning it into a smash hit. 30 years later, EA's rubber-burning saga has released over a dozen follow-ups, sold 100+ million units, and spawned a film adaptation starring Aaron Paul.
Over the years, Need for Speed has kept things fresh by exploring street racing, police pursuits, kart racing, simulation drives, and closed-circuit races. There's been the odd hiccup, but the driving extravaganza fittingly managed to get back on track time and time again.
However, Need for Speed has had an unmistakable burnout in recent years. In fact, the last truly great entry was probably 2012's Most Wanted.
Acknowledging the steady decline in quality, EA took the most sensible action and rebooted everything. Disappointingly, 2015's Need for Speed was among the weakest instalments, due to its dead AI, always-online mode and laborious missions.
Although the last two titles, Heat and Unbound, were an improvement, Need for Speed is leagues behind modern racers like Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport.