Latest news with #NeedForSpeed
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EA is shutting down hugely popular racing game after 13 years with fans saying it ‘breaks my heart'
EA is shutting down a hugely popular racing game after 13 years, leaving longtime fans heartbroken. Rivals, part of the iconic Need for Speed franchise, will have its servers shut down in October 2025 — meaning some online features and achievements will soon be lost forever. The game's servers will be shut down in October 2025, meaning some features and achievements will soon be out of reach for good. Gamers in the UK and around the world have until 7 October 2025 to enjoy Need for Speed Rivals online. The shutdown will end access to multiplayer features and discontinue two Xbox achievements — Friendly Race and Buddy Bust — which both require online play with friends. Currently, only the Xbox One version has been listed for shutdown, but it's highly likely the Xbox 360 version will follow suit. EA hasn't confirmed it officially, but given past closures, the odds aren't good for the older console version. Players hoping to secure a full 1,000G completion should act fast. Friendly Race asks gamers to win a race against someone on their Friends list, while Buddy Bust requires busting a friend playing as a racer. These can only be done online — and time is running out. For those who don't have a friend still playing Rivals, groups on gaming forums like TrueAchievements are setting up sessions to help others complete the achievements before the cutoff date. But once the servers go down, those opportunities vanish. One fan wrote online: 'It breaks my heart. "This was one of the best NFS games for multiplayer fun.' Others called it 'the end of an era' and said it would be missed for its intense cops-vs-racers gameplay. Need for Speed Rivals, released in 2013, was praised for blending single-player and multiplayer experiences seamlessly — a major innovation at the time. It remains playable offline, but the full experience, including crossplay events and leaderboards, will be gone. The game is currently available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate through EA Play, but once servers are shut, subscribers will no longer have access to the full online experience. The Xbox 360 version, meanwhile, is not backwards compatible, so players will need an original console to finish up any online trophies. EA has been gradually retiring older titles to focus on new projects. Just this year, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Crysis 3, and NBA Jam: On Fire Edition all had their servers closed. Anthem, the live-service sci-fi shooter, is also scheduled to go offline in early 2026. While the move makes sense from a business point of view, longtime players say it's frustrating when games with active fanbases are taken offline. Some have even called for EA to open peer-to-peer options or private servers to keep these titles alive. The shutdown of Need for Speed Rivals is a reminder that online features, no matter how beloved, don't last forever. If you're planning one final ride, you'd better hit the gas — the finish line is in sight. 2
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
13 Cars From the 90s That are Worth a Fortune Now
The 1990s, back when Nickelodeon cartoons were actually funny, and Furbies kept chattering even after you took the batteries out. It was the last moment when car culture felt truly organic, before Hollywood and video games co-opted it, stylized it, and sold it back to us. Some of these cars were affordable, others were more aspirational. Yet few could have predicted just how valuable they would become, in part due to the very Hollywood blockbusters and game franchises that once borrowed from car culture and eventually helped amplify it. What started as grassroots enthusiasm was repackaged for mass consumption, and along the way, these cars became global icons. Driven by rising demand, limited production runs, and a tidal wave of nostalgia, these '90s heroes have surged in value and cultural cachet. You might not have owned one back then, but if you were flipping through magazines at the grocery store or Waldenbooks, you definitely knew these cars. They were the cool cars before Fast & Furious or Need for Speed made them cool. To build this list, we put on our financial spectacles. We focused on production cars from the 1990s that have demonstrated significant, consistent appreciation in value over the past decade or more. We analyzed market data from auction houses like Bring a Trailer and Mecum, consulted collector platforms, and reviewed classic car indexes to track meaningful trends rather than one-off spikes driven by nostalgia or impulse. Each car had to demonstrate genuine, growing demand among enthusiasts and collectors, not just a one-time price surge from someone trying to recapture their high school glory days. We also weighed factors like standout engineering, cultural influence, and ties to motorsport or media. Let's be honest: Fast & Furious and Gran Turismo helped turn plenty of fun weekend cars into six-figure status symbols. This is not just a list of cool old cars. These are machines that have earned their place in the modern collector market, both in relevance and real-world value. Ah, the fourth-generation Toyota Supra. If there's one car that encapsulates the meteoric rise of '90s Japanese performance legends, it's this twin-turbo beast. Once just a cool, fast Japanese car, the A80 Supra has become an absolute benchmark in the collector world, with values appreciating faster than a lottery winner's ego. Its nearly indestructible 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine (a mechanical marvel capable of mind-boggling horsepower with basic mods) and sleek, muscular design helped define Japanese performance during the decade. Low original production numbers, especially in pristine condition, have only compounded its rarity. Interest surged globally after strong showings at major auctions (remember that Barrett-Jackson sale that broke the internet?) and, yes, renewed attention from a certain street racing movie franchise. Today, clean, factory-stock examples often command six-figure prices, and frankly, there are no signs of it slowing down. Just avoid the ricers, which are not worth as much as the OGs. Estimated collector value: $90,000 to over $180,000, depending on mileage, originality, and trim. Factory-stock six-speed manual models fetch the highest premiums. The Acura NSX didn't just reshape how enthusiasts viewed Japanese engineering; it flipped the supercar world on its head. Forget temperamental Italian divas; the NSX offered genuine supercar performance with legendary Honda reliability and everyday usability. Its all-aluminum monocoque construction, groundbreaking mid-engine layout, and high-revving VTEC V6 were truly revolutionary for the era. As early models age, well-maintained cars are becoming harder to find (many were actually driven; imagine that!). Collectors prize the NSX for its originality and its historical importance in proving that exotic performance didn't have to come with exotic breakdowns. Strong auction results and relatively limited production runs (especially in its early years) cement its position as a standout from the decade, earning it a spot in many a serious collection. The early '90s models with pop-up headlights are the most desirable. Estimated collector value: $75,000 to $140,000, with top-dollar going to early, low-mileage examples and rare color combinations. Though technically introduced in the late '80s, the early '90s BMW E30 M3 models (produced until 1991 for North America) remain some of the most in-demand, revered, and financially appreciating performance cars of their time. Built purely to satisfy Group A touring car racing regulations, it wasn't about creature comforts; it offered drivers a lightweight, nimble platform and track-tested engineering straight from BMW's motorsport division. Collectors drool over the raw, analog driving experience and the increasingly rare, unmodified examples. It holds paramount historical significance as a cornerstone of BMW's motorsport legacy, dominating racetracks worldwide. Demand remains stratospheric across Europe and North America alike, proving that pure driving machines never go out of style. Keep an eye on its service records while buying — it's still a BMW. Estimated collector value: $80,000 to $160,000, with prices continuing to rise for clean, low-mileage, and original-spec models. The third-generation Mazda RX-7 (FD) is universally lauded for its near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, sublime handling, truly iconic twin-turbo rotary engine, and aggressive, timeless design that still looks fresh today. With fewer and fewer clean examples remaining on the market (many have suffered from engine woes or been heavily modified — or both), buyer competition has intensified. Originality and a meticulously documented service history (especially those rotary engine rebuilds!) significantly affect demand and pricing. The car's global influence in racing and pop culture (Keisuke Takahash raced this car in Initial D, and you can drive it in Forza) and its distinct, highly unconventional engineering make it a frequent target for collectors of 1990s Japanese performance. It continues to attract both nostalgic enthusiasts (who probably spent their youth staring at one on a poster) and seasoned investors looking for something unique. When searching for an RX-7 of your own, avoid Fast & Furious rejects with cheap body kits. Estimated collector value: $45,000 to $90,000, depending on mileage, condition, and stock configuration. For many a Porsche purist, the 993 generation (1994-1998) marked the bittersweet end of Porsche's illustrious air-cooled era. This fact alone has given these models a near-legendary, almost mythical, status. Blending genuinely modern performance with the visceral, mechanical charm of its air-cooled flat-six engine, the 993 represents a turning point in the storied 911 lineage. Values have soared consistently, especially for limited editions (like the Carrera RS) and low-production trims (Turbos, S models). Pristine examples with impeccable documentation are meticulously tracked by global collectors. It's widely considered one of the most beautiful and mechanically engaging 911s ever made, embodying the perfect blend of tradition and progression. If you had one of these and sold it for under six figures, you probably still kick yourself. Estimated collector value: $120,000 to $250,000 or more, depending on variant. The Carrera RS and Turbo models often exceed these ranges. The Nissan Skyline GT-R earned its fearsome "Godzilla" global reputation through relentless motorsport success (dominating Australian touring car racing, for example). The nickname was coined by Skyline enthusiast and journalist David Yu, who spread its popularity beyond Japan at the time. As import restrictions (like the dreaded 25-year rule in the US) have eased, collector interest has surged in markets that previously had no legal access. Authentic, well-documented models (especially those with minimal modifications) are extremely attractive to buyers. Collectors value its advanced all-wheel-drive tech (ATTESA E-TS), its potent RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six engine, and its undeniable cultural legacy as a gaming and tuning icon. The GT-R's status as a JDM legend ensures steady, strong long-term demand. Estimated collector value: $55,000 to $120,000 depending on condition, mileage, and chassis generation. R32 models are slightly more affordable than the rarer R33s in excellent condition. The Ferrari F355 introduced a new level of modern refinement and usability to the Prancing Horse lineup, marking a significant shift toward a better balance between exhilarating performance and genuine drivability. Its iconic gated manual transmission and a high-revving, howling 3.5-liter V8 engine (which produced a glorious sound thanks to its five valves per cylinder) appeal directly to enthusiasts seeking a classic exotic with undeniable character. The model's limited production numbers and, yes, rising maintenance costs have created a natural divide between those who want to drive it and those who want to invest in it. Clean service histories are absolutely essential for top value. Its critical place in Ferrari's transition era, bridging the analog and digital worlds, only adds to its collectible status. Just be prepared for "Ferrari tax" if you buy it — that's a fun way of saying maintenance costs. Estimated collector value: $90,000 to $160,000, with manual-transmission Berlinettas and Spiders fetching the highest prices. Wait... What happened to the sports cars? Don't scroll back up and hear us out! The Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 (1990-1997) is no ordinary SUV. Regarded universally for its legendary build quality, tank-like durability, and genuine off-road capability (especially with factory lockers), the 80 Series has earned a fanatical following among adventure vehicle collectors and discerning enthusiasts. Many surviving units have high mileage (but it's more a badge of honor than a concern), making truly well-kept, original examples with minimal rust increasingly rare. Collectors favor models with factory-locking differentials and full, documented service records. Its unshakeable reliability and timeless, rugged design continue to drive interest. Global demand from both overland adventurers and classic SUV buyers keeps values moving steadily upward. The 1FZ-FE 4.5L inline-six engine (1993-1997) is preferred for its power and reliability. Estimated collector value: $30,000 to $70,000, with high-spec models in excellent condition occasionally exceeding that range. As one of the boldest, most unapologetically brash American sports cars of the decade, the original Dodge Viper RT/10 (1992-1995) brought raw, unadulterated performance to the road. It quickly gained a reputation as the "Widowmaker." Its low production numbers (especially in the early years) and notoriously minimal driver aids (no ABS, no traction control, just you and that monster V10) give it lasting appeal among purists and those who appreciate a truly visceral driving experience. The earliest models are the most collectible due to their purity, simplicity, and direct connection to the original concept car. Survivors in the original condition have grown scarcer, especially those with clean ownership history and original side pipes that could melt tarmac. The Viper has become a beloved fixture in U.S.-based collector circles, a roaring symbol of American excess done right. Just remember — this car is out to kill you. Estimated collector value: $55,000 to $90,000, with early 1992 production units commanding a premium. Ah, the Mercedes-Benz 500E / E500 (1991-1994). If you know, you know. Built in an extraordinary partnership with Porsche (yes, you read that right — Porsche actually hand-assembled these at their Zuffenhausen plant), the 500E offered staggering performance wrapped in the most understated executive styling. It was a true sleeper that could devour autobahns and embarrass sports cars while looking like a regular (albeit very handsome) E-Class. Its limited production and painstaking hand assembly make it a true standout among '90s sedans — only 1,500 were sent to the United States at the time. Collectors seek out well-preserved examples with full documentation, particularly those that haven't suffered from the dreaded biodegradable wiring harness issues of the era. Its understated design and incredible engineering story have earned it a cult following. Values have seen a quiet but very steady increase over the past decade as discerning collectors recognize its unique pedigree. Estimated collector value: $45,000 to $85,000, depending on originality, mileage, and factory options. The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (and its Dodge Stealth R/T twin) was a true technological tour de force for its time, a grand touring coupe that offered a dizzying array of features rarely seen together: twin turbos, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, active aerodynamics (yes, pop-up spoilers and active front air dams!), and even active exhaust. Many of these cars were used hard or heavily modified by eager enthusiasts, unfortunately leaving few clean, original examples behind. Collectors now actively seek original-condition cars, especially with lower mileage and complete service records. Its reputation as a technical showcase and its unique place in '90s Japanese performance has made it increasingly appealing as buyers revisit overlooked models from the era. Interest has been steadily growing in recent years, proving that complexity, when it works, is appreciated. Just make sure everything works! The 300GT VR-4 was considered for a role in the original The Fast and the Furious movie, but it was rejected. That's good for those who want to snag this car before it hikes up in price even more. Estimated collector value: $30,000 to $60,000, with premium prices for unmodified early models with active aero still functioning. It may seem surprising to see a Subaru on this list at first (especially at such a high value), but the 22B STI is the equivalent of automotive royalty. Widely considered the holy grail of Subaru's rally heritage, this beast was built to celebrate the brand's hat-trick of World Rally Championship manufacturer titles from 1995-1997 and Subaru's 40th anniversary. It combined aggressive, wide-body styling (100mm wider than a standard WRX!) with a truly limited production run — only 400 units for Japan, plus 24 for export markets and a few prototypes. Its direct motorsport connection, hand-built details, and extreme scarcity have transformed it into one of the most desirable and expensive performance cars of the '90s. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the 22B was engineered with a surgical focus on balance, grip, and responsiveness, not just brute speed. It's now firmly established as a crown jewel among JDM collectors, fetching prices that would make a new Porsche owner blush. Estimated collector value: $200,000 to $300,000, with auction prices steadily climbing for low-mileage, original-condition examples. The Honda Integra Type R (DC2 chassis, 1995-2001, US: 1997-2001) is a testament to Honda's engineering prowess and commitment to driver enjoyment. This lightweight, high-revving front-wheel-drive coupe wasn't about flashy numbers; it was built with laser-like focus and intent, earning universal respect from drivers and critics alike. Stripped of unnecessary weight, stiffened, and blessed with the legendary B18C5 VTEC engine (delivering a jaw-dropping 195 hp from just 1.8 liters without a turbo!), North American production was limited, making surviving examples (especially unmodified) increasingly hard to find. Enthusiasts and collectors alike seek out stock cars with matching numbers and impeccably clean service histories. Its raw performance legacy, surgical handling, and relative rarity give it serious long-term collectibility. The Integra Type R continues to gain recognition as one of the finest driver's cars of its time, proving that front-wheel drive can be a riot. You'll end up paying more for a Type R in Championship White paint, but this is the color that people reminisce about the most. Estimated collector value: $50,000 to $90,000, with top-tier examples showing rapid year-over-year appreciation. The 1990s produced a wave of cars now seen in a brilliant new light (Furbies, not so much). Their rising value reflects both shrinking supply and enduring appeal, drawing in enthusiasts who remember them fondly and a new wave of fans discovering them for the first time. With demand on the rise and nostalgia in full swing, these cars have outgrown the label of mere collectibles. They are cultural milestones, with stories still unfolding one auction at a time. If you have one sitting quietly in your garage, congratulations. It might just be your retirement plan. If not, it may be time to check the classifieds before the next Fast & Furious sequel drives prices up again.
The Drive
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
It Looks Like Speedhunters Is Dead
The latest car news, reviews, and features. It might be time to memorialize Speedhunters. As much as it hurts to say, the car culture site that highlighted the global automotive scene better than anyone else in the late 2000s and early 2010s has been dormant for months, with its last story being published on April 3. Its online storefront has gone dark, and so has its Instagram account, with no new posts since March and an all-black profile photo. A source familiar with the matter told The Drive that the site has shut down, and I've reached out to Speedhunters' owner, Electronic Arts, for confirmation. A Reddit thread on r/ShootingCars pointed out the lack of activity just last week. Upon seeing that, I reached out to a handful of contacts who might know more about Speedhunters' fate. One responded, saying they heard from several contributors that it had shuttered operations. Former contributor Paddy McGrath spoke out in the Reddit comments to express his feelings: Comment byu/thefinancejedi from discussion inshootingcars Speedhunters was founded by Rod Chong in 2008 with backing from EA. It quickly blew up, with creators from every corner of the globe posting original content there daily. That's where so many of us saw photography from Larry Chen and Dino Dalle Carbonare for the first time, along with too many great shooters and writers to list. The brand was even in Need for Speed video games, collaborating with artists like A$AP Rocky thanks to its EA tie-in. Simply put, if you were into cars on the internet from the time it was founded until the late 2010s, Speedhunters influenced you. As McGrath indicated in his comment, some of the site's most familiar faces started popping up less frequently around 2020. Chen actually left in 2018. Carbonare stuck it out, however, as his most recent Speedhunters post was published on March 28 of this year. It's unclear what's next for Speedhunters, though the answer might very well be, 'Nothing.' So many of the creators who made the site what it was have gone on to different projects. Chen, for example, just published a book with 20 years' worth of photos in addition to YouTube and shooting for Pikes Peak, Formula D, and various automakers. Carbonare has his Dino DC channel on YouTube with nearly 200,000 subscribers, showing the sickest parts of Tokyo's automotive scene. For the sake of everyone who loves the site, let's hope that it's preserved in some way. It would provide at least some consolation for folks if we could look back on all the great insider stories that you just couldn't get anywhere else at the time. With EA being the giant it is, though, it may shrug this off like it's nothing. We'll see if that's the case. Got info about the Speedhunters situation? Contact me directly: caleb@
India.com
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
If You Loved F1, Here are 6 Movies Based On Racing
Zee Media Bureau Jul 02, 2025 Need For Speed is a 2014 movie based on the popular gaming franchise of the same name. This movie was not as impressive as the games but it is a good pick for car racing lovers. Released in 2023, based on a true story of some underdogs a former car-racer, a working class gamer and a motorsport executive who take on an elite sport in the world. A car racing movie starring Tom Cruise is a surprising combination. It is a great pick for the people who loved F1. An Automotive designer join hands with a car racer to build a vehicle which can compete with Ferrari in races. This series is the most popular in car-racing as well as action genre definitely check this movie franchise if you love car-racing. Released in 2013, This movie is based on a true story it tells the story about 2 rival f1 racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda its a bit dark movie compared to other car-racing movie but it goes perfectly with the storytelling in the movie. Read Next Story
The Independent
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Grab Mass Effect Legendary Edition and 30 other free games with Prime Gaming this July
Prime Gaming is ramping up for July by dropping more than 30 free games for members to claim and keep forever. The huge giveaway is part of the build-up to Amazon's annual Prime Day sale, which this year takes place from 8 to 11 July. Leading the charge is a selection of AAA titles, headlined by the superb Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which bundles together the entire, critically acclaimed sci-fi RPG trilogy. You can also grab racing sim GRID Legends, Need for Speed Heat and a trio of classic Star Wars titles. On top of that, Prime members can instantly download more than 25 indie games, including gems like Death Squared and Samurai Shodown II. Amazon's picks are a selection of both old and new games, but they include some real must-plays and lesser-known hits you might have missed. Any free games you add to your account are yours to keep forever, even if you cancel your Prime subscription. Alongside the huge Prime Day haul, members can also claim July's standard line-up of free titles. Here's the full list: 10 Second Ninja X 8Doors: Arum's Afterlife Adventure Addling Adventures Bang Bang Racing Clouds & Sheep 2 Death Squared Fatal Fury Special Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams Gone Viral HUE Manual Samuel Metal Slug 2 Metal Unit Pumped BMX Pro Puzzle of the Year — 10 Pack Rain World Road Trip — 3 Pack Samurai Shodown II Serial Cleaner The Crow's Eye The Darkside Detective The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark The King of Fighters 2000 The King of Fighters 2002 The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor What is Prime Gaming? Prime Gaming is included with your Amazon Prime subscription and is one of the most underrated perks of membership. It features a rotating selection of free downloadable PC games each month, which are yours to keep forever, even after you've cancelled your subscription. You also get a free subscription to a Twitch channel of your choice every month, as well as access to a library of free in-game content and cosmetics for popular online games like Pokémon Go, Grand Theft Auto Online and World of Warcraft. An Amazon Prime subscription costs £8.99 per month or £95 when you sign up for a year. As well as unlocking a bunch of free games with Prime Gaming, you get benefits like unlimited one-day and same-day delivery on eligible orders, access to Prime Video for streaming movies and TV shows, and exclusive deals and discounts.
