Is NFS Unbound free with EA access?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the racing genre, readers often ask me whether the latest Need for Speed (NFS) title offers any free access since it‘s published by EA. Well, I have good news and bad news. Let‘s break it down across EA Play‘s two membership tiers:

EA Play – $4.99/month

The basic EA Play subscription unfortunately only provides a 10-hour trial of NFS Unbound. Once your trial expires, you‘ll have to purchase the standard $69.99 base game to continue racing. So while you can test out some of the adrenaline-fueled street racing action for free, it‘s quite limited.

Membership
Price
NFS Unbound Access
EA Play Basic
$4.99/month
10-hour trial

EA Play‘s over 25 million members do get some nice perks including:

  • Exclusive NFS Unbound content like the BMW M3 2006 Legacy Edition car
  • 10% discount on purchases like the NFS Unbound Palace Edition

But for unlimited gameplay access, we have to look to the higher tier…

EA Play Pro – $14.99/month

Now we‘re talking! By upgrading to EA Play Pro, you gain unlimited access to the complete NFS Unbound experience including the Palace Edition content with tons of additional customization options, unique events, and exclusive weekly rewards.

As long as your Pro subscription remains active, you can enjoy NFS Unbound to your heart‘s racing delight just like a purchased copy! Plus you still benefit from the membership discounts and bonuses.

Membership
Price
NFS Unbound Access
EA Play Pro
$14.99/month
Full game access including Palace Edition content

Considering the Palace Edition bundles plenty of car customization gear, special events, and more for a premium $79.99, Pro feels like an absolute steal!

The Need for Speed Continues Strong

It‘s no secret the NFS franchise remains a juggernaut after nearly 30 years. According to EA, Unbound has the most visually customizable cars ever including genre-defining brands like BMW.

As someone who‘s played every NFS since the 90s Hot Pursuit days, I admire how Unbound pushes the boundaries of street racing culture. The vibrant graffiti aesthetics breathe new life into the game‘s thrilling police chases and diverse challenge types.

Early critic reviews also praise the smooth new driving mechanics and expanded multiplayer for up to 16 racers. Based on franchise sales history, fans clearly crave more tire-screeching NFS action:

NFS Title
Release Year
Copies Sold
Need for Speed (Original)
1994
Over 30 million
Underground 2
2004
Nearly 20 million
Most Wanted (2005)
2005
16 million

So while nostalgic gameplay reigns king, I believe Unbound‘s expanded online play, deep customization, and frenetic high-speed action offer something fresh and exciting after last-gen‘s excellent Hot Pursuit Remastered. The potential seems sky-high if Criterion can provide ongoing content updates.

Where to Access: Consoles, PC, and the EA App

While hardcore simulation racers flock to expensive wheel setups on PC, many NFS fans grew up with gamepads on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The cross-platform Unbound delivers drift-filled arcade fun across all modern systems:

  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Origin, Steam, Epic Games Store)

Unbound also launches alongside EA‘s new desktop app for Windows/Mac which consolidates all their titles with friends lists, achievements, cloud saves and more. So plenty of access options!

Of course as a long-time PlayStation owner myself, I suggest DualSense controllers to feel every nitrous-fueled rumble and crash via immersive haptic feedback. But Xbox users also benefit from optimized graphics up to 4K 60fps. Ultimately any modern platform provides an excellent experience.

Final Verdict: Fans Should Try EA Play

Considering a Deluxe edition clocks in at $79.99 ($10 more than a full year of EA Play Pro!), I think subscription access is a smart way for racing enthusiasts to enjoy Need for Speed Unbound without breaking the bank.

You can always purchase the base version outright after sampling Unbound‘s adrenaline-pumping world centered around expressive street racing culture and evading the cops down fairytale alleyways.

But EA Play Pro feels like an absolute bargain for full access to the complete NFS Unbound package. There‘s no better time than now to renew that membership and put some fresh virtual rubber to the road!

Over 25 years strong with photoreal visuals and buttery smooth gameplay, I predict Unbound satisfies both nostalgic fans and an exciting new generation who adore custom cars. Let me know when you smash through that Lakeshore qualify time or finally trick out your dream ride!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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