Electronic Arts are rolling out details for Need for Speed Unbound, in a way that is counter to the games speedy nature, so by that I mean one at a time. This new update is all about the effects that you can use to make your mark on the world, check out the brief trailer below, to see what I mean.

Before we get too far into the look of the effects, it should be noted that you can turn them down to a desired level or off completely, some effects like lite smoke and light trails can not be disabled, but you can see those in the real world anyway.

In Need for Speed Unbound your self-exploration goes beyond the garage and expands your canvas, exposing you to all of the vast elements that make your need for speed an adventure, a lifestyle and an artform. With this new addition to the Need For Speed universe, your avenues and boulevards to self-expression are unbound – from the cars and clothes, to the streets and the tire marks your car leaves behind.

“We wanted to deliver an art style that matters for gameplay, one that clearly celebrates player actions, enhances the player experience, and rewards them along the way,” explains Darren White, Need for Speed Unbound’s art director at Criterion Games. “We wanted to take players to that next level in Need for Speed Unbound with our driving VFX, which we call ‘Tags.’”

Tags will be engaged when you make use of boosting powers, which you can earn through drifting, getting some air and near misses, so basically the more chaotic you drive, the more boost you earn and the more tags you can leave around the place.

“Need for Speed Unbound’s realistic-looking world and cars really help ground the visuals,” describes White of the game’s art style. “Taking inspiration from street art and other media, we creatively subvert the characters and visual effects, turning them into expressionistic illustrations of ‘you’ and ‘your actions.’ It’s literally ‘graffiti-coming-to-life.’”

Alongside Tags, you can continue to express your personal style through your cars, in greater detail and grandeur. You will now have access to new wrap content and full kit selections, as well as exciting new ways of customization with part removal – where you can expose the mechanical guts of your car and intimidate competition before you even creep up to the starting line.

Much like cars, the game will also let you dress up your character, giving you a trifecta of personalisation in the game.

“Need for Speed Unbound’s characters are unapologetically expressive with new fashion collaborations,” reveals White. “Character self-expression in Need for Speed Unbound goes beyond just the clothes you wear; with additional cosmetic changes and customizable poses, you can truly show off in key moments, like race wins, creating characters that are brimming with attitude.”

The game is coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC on December 2nd.