Unlocking the Secrets of Building a Speedhunters Custom Car for 'NFS Unbound': Everything You Need to Know

It’s hard to believe that there was a time when racing games lacked extensive vehicle customization options. The iconic titles like Out Run, Ridge Racer, and Sega Rally are celebrated for their addictive gameplay and impressive graphics, but the only thing you could customize back then was your leaderboard name. Fast-forward to 1999 when Need for Speed: High Stakes introduced the first ‘proper’ bodykits, setting the stage for what we now consider a very integral aspect of racing games.

In the modern gaming landscape, featuring vehicle customization is almost a given. Whether it's a realistic approach focusing on tire choices and alignments or an arcade-style glamour with outlandish engine swaps and massive bodykits, in-game customization offers an endless palette for car enthusiasts. This element boosts the game's replayability and visual appeal, making titles like Need for Speed a timeless hit.

Customization and Its Impact on Gameplay

While extensive customization options are lauded, they also present a set of unique challenges. Each component included in a game involves significant time, licensing, and cost investments. Adding something as minor as a specific wheel or bodykit involves negotiations with the manufacturer, sometimes leading to headaches for the developers. That said, these complexities are worth it, as every customizable part adds a layer of engagement for every kind of car enthusiast.

Milestones: Key Customization Features in NFS Titles

One standout example is the Autosculpt feature from NFS Pro Street, which allowed users to customize bodykits to their liking beyond preset options. Though seemingly straightforward, these features require intricate development processes, from scanning each part to securing necessary licenses. Despite the effort, these additions significantly enrich the user experience, providing endless customization possibilities that cater to various tastes.

Volume 7 Update: A Case Study in Car Customization

In the latest Volume 7 update of NFS Unbound, Speedhunters unveiled two custom cars: the BMW M3 Touring and the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. These bespoke vehicles were designed as unlockable, playable assets, underscoring how much thought goes into creating each in-game custom. Let’s explore the meticulous stages involved in bringing these virtual masterpieces to life.

Stage 1: Selection and Initial Customization

With NFS Unbound already featuring 143 in-game cars as a base, picking which vehicles to transform into custom models wasn't random. Availability for scanning, licensing readiness, and a potential wow factor for players, all influenced the choices. Once the cars were determined, the real fun began—designing their custom aspects.

Stage 2: Ideation and Imagery

The aim was to create cars that you’d expect to see featured on Speedhunters. This meant standing out from typical lowered cars with TE37 wheels. Instead, they aimed to reflect the vibrant, fast-paced energy of the Volume 7 theme. Mood boards and reference images were compiled to inspire the cars’ final looks.

The M3 Touring morphed into a Final Bout-style drift car while the Mustang evolved into a formidable street-drag beast. Specific elements were annotated for designers, guiding everything from the choice of deep-dish wheels to specific vinyl patterns.

Stage 3: Bringing Concepts to Life with Bryn Alban

Bryn Alban, a key player at Criterion Games, brings unique insights into developing these customs. With a deep background in motorsport and modifying cars, Bryn instantly understands terms like 'Final Bout' and knows how to translate that vision into the in-game environment. This context allows designs to be authentic, exciting, and, most importantly, playable.

The process involves extensive research and collaboration with the creative and art teams. Bryn’s automotive journey, including building his own cars and attending global car culture events, enriches his understanding and execution of these custom builds.

Interestingly, some of the most captivating designs begin as fun, experimental projects. Bryn revealed that many of the in-game customs, such as Waru's bosozoku-inspired Nissan Fairlady, started as personal creative exercises but became substantial game elements after receiving positive team feedback.

Stage 4: Finalizing and Testing

After the designs receive final approvals, including manufacturer checks, the detailed work of the Vehicle Artists at Criterion begins. These artists build the cars in the game, select parts, and create unique wraps. Extensive testing ensures these designs look excellent across different in-game environments and lighting conditions.

The Final Checks

Rendering the vehicles in various scenarios is crucial. Decals, colors, and LED components must remain visible and striking in diverse conditions, from daylight to nighttime scenes. Thus, every detail undergoes rigorous scrutiny before being packaged into the game update.

While the development of in-game customs is fraught with challenges, the result is rewarding. The meticulous process—from ideation and initial design to final testing—ensures that every addition feels authentic and exciting. With more custom cars continuously added, NFS Unbound will keep offering fresh, thrilling experiences for car enthusiasts worldwide.