Need for Speed PS4 PlayStation 4

We reckon that the new Need for Speed looks pretty darn rad – especially with those so-bad-they're-good full-motion video cut-scenes. However, there is one downside: the game will be playable online only. Speaking with Official Xbox Magazine – yes, we know – executive producer Marcus Nilsson attempted to explain why that's the case, but probably could have done a better job.

"We've been pretty big with Autolog throughout the years and, as we know, it's a really powerful feature," he started. "This time around we're going to give it more of a human voice. It will treat your friends' play as if it is part of the narrative experience." Exactly what that means is unclear, but we suppose that your pals' performance will be referenced by characters throughout the release.

Doesn't sound like a reason to enforce an online connection, though, does it? There's more: "We also have a new snapshot system," Nilsson continued. "Which is taking pictures of a lot of different moments, which go out to the Need for Speed network where people can 'like' them, and those 'likes' are pushed back into the game as currency. So you get progression from sharing your photos."

We certainly like the idea, but we're not entirely sure whether it's worth the always-on requirement. Most games are better when played online these days, but those with shaky connections are typically given the option to at least enjoy the core experience offline. We can only hope that Ghost Games changes its mind regarding this requirement, and yanks it out before release.

[source gamesradar.com, via gamesradar.com, destructoid.com]