'Need for Speed Payback' release date, gameplay news: Plot takes driver's seat, introduces three new racers

A promotional image for "Need for Speed Payback." Electronic Arts

"Need for Speed Payback" is an open world racing game developed by Ghost Games. While the upcoming game is set to be action-packed like its predecessors, this time around, the plot is taking the driver's seat.

Set in Fortune Valley, "Need for Speed Payback" focuses on a group of three racers. The team must take down a mysterious cartel known as The House. This cartel is dangerous and in charge of not only the city's casinos and criminals, but the police force as well. The game doesn't merely feature car racing, but heists and battles throughout various locations.

The three playable race car drivers are Tyler Morgan, Jessica Miller and Sean McAlister. Each racer caters to a different play style and brings something new to the table.

Tyler is a professional racer who knows his way around a race strip while Jessica is a driver for hire who knows her way around car chases and specializes in getting out of sticky situations. Sean, on the other hand, is the off-road specialist with killer drifting skills as well as a tendency to be fast and unpredictable.

Alongside the racers are three play styles that players can choose to switch between.

Players can be Wheelmen and perform high-risk and high-reward jobs at the cost of becoming wanted by the local police force, or they can opt to be Showmen instead and take to off-road races away from the city. Lastly, players can choose to be Racers and forgo everything else for speed.

Aside from new characters and exciting missions, "Need for Speed: Payback" comes with several race locations. These include Silver Rock City, Mount Providence, Liberty Desert and Silver Canyon. Each of the places come with their own landmarks and obstacles.

"Need for Speed Payback" is coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC this Nov. 10.

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