Need for Speed is one of the longest-running series in videogames – over 25 years old! – and I was delighted to play a part in giving the 2019 instalment a narrative boost.
For more than six months, I worked in-house at Ghost as co-writer and narrative designer alongside Philip Huxley, under the stewardship of narrative director Mike Hartin, building on a story by Mike, creative director Riley Cooper and Kyle Thompson.
“This is easily the most impressive Need for Speed game in many years.”
IGN
We had the chance to tell a rich, cinematic tale about corrupt cops and family rivalry, set in a fictional Florida city that changes radically at night.
“Need For Speed: Heat is a return to form for the series and the best entry this generation… Longtime series fans will find a lot to enjoy, while newcomers will be able to find out why the series has been held in such high regard during its highest points over the last 25 years. 93%.”
Game Over
Building the world was fun, but the biggest thrill for me was seeing the characters come to life. This was my first experience writing for performance-capture and watching the scenes evolve was fascinating. And I returned to the franchise in 2020 as narrative lead on Need for Speed Unbound.
Need for Speed: Heat is available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
“For the first time in years, Need For Speed has remembered why people used to play it so religiously.”
VG247
“Need for Speed: Heat is the kind of game that reinvigorates a franchise. 8.5/10”
App Trigger
“With its nail-biting police chases and electrifying sense of speed, Need for Speed: Heat is the most exciting and tense arcade racing game we’ve had the pleasure of playing in years. It proves that there’s life in the old dog yet, even in a world in which Forza Horizon exists, and we’re very glad of that. 9/10“
GameSpew
David Varela 