In today's episode, I explain why I believe NFS: Heat shines light on a very important issue, over policing and excessive force, as well as why I believe everyone will enjoy the game.

Transcript:

Introduction:

What’s up you guys? This is H.J. here and in today’s episode, I’m going to be explaining why I believe Need for Speed: Heat has the most diverse characteristics and why I believe it’s a social justice issue spotlight.

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Main Content:

Need for Speed: Heat released in 2019 and has been characterized by some as being one of the top-tier games in

the Need for Speed franchise. It boasts a huge map size and amazing graphical quality. The cops…well they’re aggressive to say the least, in fact that aggressiveness might be what Need for Speed was trying to convey. I’ve played the game and I noticed a common theme throughout the gameplay, that the character protagonists were all very diverse and that their representation ranged from LGBTQ+ to minorities of all colors and backgrounds. What stands out to me most of all, is that this could be Need for Speed and EA’s way of portraying the conflict between some minorities and the police and drawing attention to the issue of over policing and prejudice against people of color.

               I like to think Lt. Danny Shaw of the Palm City Bay police department in Need for Speed: Heat is kind of the good guy here, however, well…he’s not. His overreactive state, and quickness to react when it’s unnecessary draws attention to the issue of those who use overly excessive force in policing. For example, when he chased down and caught one of Anna’s partners in the opening race, he brutally kicked him and threatened to kill him by drowning him in the water with his car. That is until one of the good officers, an African American detective steps in and threatens to expose Mercer and Shaw if they didn’t let

him go to “send a message”.

               Another thing I will point out is I love this game because it draws attention to social justice issues and policing, and I think it’s a great time for the industry to start getting involved to help minority communities. Aside from the attention to issues, the immersive state of gameplay and the ability for EA to make such a quality game is incredible. The aggressiveness of the police is not only to draw attention to social issues but to make the game fun as well. I have escaped multiple heat level 5 pursuits in this game, and let me tell you, it is amazing. The bearcats I could tolerate, but the regular units and attention to detail was extraordinary. I love how the story concludes with some decent end-game content, but I wish they could have added more. In addition to this one last thing, I will point out, is that we heard Anna referenced as being gay, but we never got to see an ending on what that would look like. I’m

excited to see what the next few games have to offer, and I recommend playing this game.