14 DAY TRIAL // Need for Speed: The Run isn't just your average racing game, as the new title marks a return to story-based experiences, so EA and Black Box have confirmed that two major actors, Sean Faris and Christina Hendricks, will share their voice and likenesses for the protagonist, Jack Rourke, and his sponsor, Sam Harper.
NFS games have always offered distinct racing experiences as opposed to straight up simulators like Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo, delivering some pretty decent stories through older titles like NFS: Most Wanted.
Now, after a few games without any sort of narrative, NFS: The Run promises to once again put an emphasis on story, telling the adventure of Jack, a guy caught up in a cross-country illegal race called The Run, against hundreds of opponents, from San Francisco to New York.
Now, just as the demo for the game is released this week, EA and Black Box have confirmed that two major actors from TV shows like The Vampire Diaries or Mad Men, will appear in the new racing title.
Sean Faris plays the main protagonist of the game, Jack Rourke, "one of the best drivers around," but who allowed his cockiness and arrogance to lead him into a major debt with the mob. He must now enter in The Run, with the help of Sam, and has no other choice than to win the race and pay off his debts.
"I've definitely done my share of intense action scenes in movies but it's totally different and thrilling to actually be a character and driver in Need for Speed The Run. I got a kick out of seeing myself in the game, it's totally me! I'm a huge fan of the Need for Speed series so I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the game," said Faris.
Meanwhile, the voluptuous Christina Hendricks, which stars in Mad Men as Joan Harris and previously appeared in Firefly, will bring to life Sam Harper, " a woman with ambition, street smarts and a penchant for lightning fast cars" who helps get Jack in The Run and guides him through his journey as his eyes and ears on the course.
"It's very exciting to be part of Need for Speed The Run. I've never been a video game character before so this is definitely a first for me. It's been fantastic fun to do something so different and to show a different side of myself as well," said Hendricks.
As you can see, EA isn't skimping on hiring the best talent out there, so let's hope The Run's story will be able to make perfect use of these two great actors.