Need For Speed: Most Wanted is now free on Origin

Need For Speed Most Wanted review header

Need For Speed: Most Wanted marked a new era for the series. It was the first to feature a heavy, always-online component, and it was the last developed by legendary racing studio Criterion Games. Released in 2012, it's probably my favourite of the late NFS games, so it's nice that publisher Electronic Arts is giving it away to all Origin users as of now.

Don't take my word for it: Dave Valjalo was positive in his assessment when it released back in 2012. "A smoother, more seamless ride than Hot Pursuit, it’s second time lucky for this fast, furious open-world motor show."

As for Ghost Games' 2015 Need for Speed reboot: the PC version is still scheduled for spring, which is autumn if you live in Australia and New Zealand.

Shaun Prescott is the Australian editor of PC Gamer. With over ten years experience covering the games industry, his work has appeared on GamesRadar+, TechRadar, The Guardian, PLAY Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, and more. Specific interests include indie games, obscure Metroidvanias, speedrunning, experimental games and FPSs. He thinks Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed is an all-time classic that will receive its due critical reappraisal one day.