Need for Speed is a franchise that’s been in need of a facelift for some time, and new game Unbound is bound to split opinion. While the title’s not officially due to be announced until later this week, Japanese retailer Neowing has prematurely uploaded the first PS5 assets from the Criterion developed racer – and it sure looks different.

As previously reported, the release is aiming for an anime-esque look, and it’s reflected by cel-shaded character models and exaggerated wheel sparks and visual flourishes. The store currently has the title pegged for a 2nd December, 2022 release date, which tracks with previous rumours we’ve reported on.

What do you make of this ambitious new style? Has the series finally found a bit of personality, or is it just hideous? Remember, a debut trailer is due imminently, so all will be revealed in the coming days.

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[source neowing.co.jp, via twitter.com]