It is drama at Paradise City.. or well, not paradise city, but lakeshore city! Since the release of Volume 7, “Need for Speed Unbound” players have encountered several frustrating issues and it seems that some of these issues are an ongoing story for a longer period already, but nothing has been done to resolve these issues so far:
- Game Launch Problems: Players are having difficulty launching the game, with Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) being inexplicably disabled. This has prevented many from even accessing the game.
- Missing Minimap: The in-game minimap is failing to display, leaving players disoriented and unable to navigate the expansive world effectively.
- Lost Progress: There are widespread reports of players losing their progress in Single Player Mode, which is particularly disheartening for those who have invested significant time in the game.
- Inactive Speedometer: The speedometer is inactive, making it challenging for players to monitor their speed and performance during races.
- Police AI Problems: The police AI has become lazy, often failing to react even when players perform donuts right in front of them. This issue diminishes the game’s challenge and realism.
- Performance Issues: Players are reporting FPS drops, stuttering, and other performance issues, with one user even experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), leading to concerns about the game’s stability on certain systems.
EA Games’ Response
EA Games has acknowledged these issues and has already provided a temporary fix to address some of the problems. They are working diligently to identify the root causes and implement a permanent solution as swiftly as possible. EA has also assured players that their team is prioritizing these fixes to restore the game to its optimal state.
Potential Causes
One potential cause that has been identified is related to Steam, which seems to be in ‘troll mode’ when dealing with EA games. This peculiar behavior has exacerbated the issues, making it difficult for some players to enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
Historical Context
This isn’t the first time such issues have arisen. A few years ago, there were similar problems with playing games on different platforms. Back then, significant issues with “Need for Speed Heat” led many players, including us, to refund the game and repurchase it directly from the EA store. This move resolved approximately 50% of the issues faced by the player base at that time, suggesting that platform-related conflicts might be at play once again.
Community Reactions
The player community has been vocal about their frustrations on various forums and social media platforms. Many have shared their experiences, offered suggestions, and discussed potential workarounds while waiting for official fixes. The community’s resilience and support for one another have been commendable during this period of uncertainty.
Looking Forward
It appears that history may be repeating itself with “Need for Speed Unbound.” As the community eagerly awaits a comprehensive solution, EA’s commitment to addressing these problems remains strong. In the meantime, players are advised to keep an eye on official channels for updates and potential fixes. Regular patches and updates are expected as EA continues to refine the game’s performance and resolve outstanding issues.
For now, the best advice for players is to stay patient, explore temporary solutions, and remain engaged with the community. The dedication of both the developers and the players will undoubtedly lead to a more stable and enjoyable gaming experience in the near future.
