When we started our work on NFS Heat’s narrative, there were many things we needed to consider. Perhaps the most important among these were:
When we began story production on NFS Heat we knew that cops would be a major focus for the game. That made the choice to include them as antagonists clear, but we wanted to explore the antithesis of a lawful cop, out of which emerged the character of Lieutenant Mercer. Someone who would happily bend the rules for his own gain.
It was important for us to engineer moments for the player and the cops to meet which felt plausible and above all consequential. Conflicts in NFS are most powerful when they are personal, so we wanted our antagonists to have a meaningful impact on the story and provide our scenes with a real sense of danger.
When it came to our companions, we wanted to create a unique space for each. It felt right to support the Day & Night element of the game through its characters. So we decided on an interesting approach to represent this duality, brother and sister, which gave us opportunities to explore family dynamics as a core component of the story.
While Lucas guides you into the thrills of day, Ana helps you navigate the danger inherent in the activities of the night. This relationship also provided us a way to speak about how a love of cars is often generational and handed down from parent to child. We wanted to include that legacy within the Rivera family and made it as tangible as possible around the family’s garage and racing history.
Finally, you, the player. We wanted to return to a design that gave the player space to inhabit their own character, this is a game about personalization after all. But we wanted to avoid the silent observer found so often in our franchise’s past.
We know that the player is an agent of change, and didn’t believe they would be represented that way if they only ever watched as other characters spoke. We believe we’ve found a solid balance between having the player character involved in dialogue and leaving enough space for you to feel like they belong to you.
Below provides an introduction to the main characters of NFS Heat. We’re excited for you to get to know them as you play through the campaign.
Ana Rivera
Reckless and determined, Ana strikes a dramatic contrast to her brother, Lucas. Never happier than when she’s hitting the streets with her crew and beating the competition, she’s a passionate racer who refuses to let anyone stand in the way of her dreams, especially the cops.
Lucas Rivera
A renowned former street racer, Lucas is determined to stay on the right side of the law. Though he passes up the driver’s seat, he now works as a mechanic for the racers of Palm City, and happily offers his garage as a hangout for those new to the area.
Seemingly laid-back, Lucas is fiercely loyal and would do anything to protect his family, including his younger sister, Ana.
Lt. Frank Mercer
Head of Palm City’s newly formed High-Speed Task Force, Frank Mercer is a charismatic and commanding figure who presents a trustworthy face to the public. But after dark, he encourages the officers under his charge to break the law and exploit the city’s street racing problem for his own gain.
Officer Danny Shaw
Mercer’s loyal lackey, Shaw happily takes bribes from those with the cash, and torments any racers who resist. His desire to gain Mercer’s approval is so strong that he blindly carries out Mercer’s bidding, engaging in illegal actions with no fear of punishment.
Officer Eva Torres
One of the Task Force’s senior officers, Torres is a much needed cool head in Mercer’s inner circle. Determined to keep their nefarious dealings under wraps, Torres works from the sidelines to lead her force away from exposure, and to ensure her own survival.
Thanks,
Ghost Narrative Team