Need for Speed: Most Wanted's social aspect is "a really powerful idea"

Criterion is revisiting Need for Speed: Most Wanted because the basic premise lends itself so well to the social opportunities afforded by Autolog.

"We looked through the entire history of Need for Speed, and we came across the game. We really loved the premise of being the 'most wanted' amongst your friends, which is a really powerful idea," Criterion's Hamish Young told Player Attack.

"We really liked that. This game is all about being the most wanted among your friends."

As a result, Most Wanted ramps up the multiplayer and social aspects.

"We've got a brand new set of online modes, like playlist based online," Young noted. "Competitively and co-operatively. If you beat your friends, you earn speed points, which takes you up the Most Wanted list."

Young noted that Criterion has built upon Autolog, EA's compelling asynchronous multiplayer system which occasionally destroys friendships.

Most Wanted is due on PC, PlayStation 3, Vita and Xbox 360 - as well a in iOS form - in October.