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Need for Speed Rivals

Need for Speed Rivals is a must have game for the PS4, especially if you love your racers
77%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
stability, optimization
82% User Score Based on 60,208 reviews
Critic Score 80%Based on 22 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 3Xbox 360Playstation 5Playstation 4XboxEa OriginWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassCloudXbox One

About

In Need for Speed Rivals, experience high-speed racing and thrilling pursuits in a open world setting. Choose to be a racer or a cop, each with unique abilities and cars, in a competition for respect and reputation. With stunning graphics and fast-paced gameplay, prepare to be immersed in a dangerous and exciting world of illicit street racing. The game also features the "AllDrive" system, allowing for a seamless online experience with friends.

Need for Speed Rivals screenshot
Need for Speed Rivals screenshot
Need for Speed Rivals screenshot
Need for Speed Rivals screenshot
Need for Speed Rivals screenshot
Need for Speed Rivals screenshot
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82%
Audience ScoreBased on 60,208 reviews
graphics410 positive mentions
stability256 negative mentions

  • Intense gameplay with thrilling police chases and high-speed races.
  • Stunning graphics that still hold up well for a game released in 2013.
  • The AllDrive feature allows for seamless integration of single-player and multiplayer experiences.
  • The game is locked at 30 FPS, which can significantly hinder the gameplay experience.
  • Frequent disconnections and host migrations can disrupt gameplay, especially during events.
  • Numerous bugs and glitches, including issues with car physics and event abandonment, can lead to frustrating experiences.
  • graphics
    692 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Need for Speed Rivals" are widely praised, with many reviewers noting that they remain impressive even years after the game's release in 2013. Players appreciate the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and realistic car models, often comparing them favorably to more recent titles. However, some users have reported issues with graphical settings, a 30 fps cap, and occasional bugs, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “Outstanding graphics, even for 2025 standards.”
    • “The graphics are superb and shockingly optimized, the gameplay is a fun kind of chaotic, very pretty terrain and areas, and the AI cops and racers put up a dang good fight.”
    • “The graphics still hold up to this day even though it's pretty much a decade-old game now.”
    • “The game is locked to 30fps and graphics at the highest possible settings still look like a mediocre game from 2005.”
    • “I have played and beat it twice on Xbox 360 and Xbox One so naturally I decided to buy it here so I can play it with the superior mouse and keyboard... long story short: mouse doesn't work, it's capped at 30 fps, doesn't register keyboard presses half of the time, graphics are somehow worse than the 360, I couldn't even join online either. Basically, don't buy this, not even at 80% off is it worth it.”
    • “The graphics are overloaded with effects and details which can help develop your ADHD and epilepsy.”
  • gameplay
    620 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Need for Speed: Rivals" is generally praised for its engaging mechanics, intense police chases, and satisfying driving experience, often compared favorably to its predecessor, "Hot Pursuit." However, players have expressed frustration with the game's 30fps lock, frequent bugs, and the always-online requirement, which detracts from the overall experience. While the core gameplay loop is addictive and offers a mix of racing and cop dynamics, some find it repetitive and marred by technical issues.

    • “The driving feels phenomenal, the pursuit tech is devastating and super satisfying to use, the cars and open world are gorgeous, and the gameplay loop is addicting.”
    • “Gameplay: overall pretty good handling, cars feel weighty and satisfying to control.”
    • “With its adrenaline-fueled gameplay and stunning visuals, it delivers an exhilarating experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats.”
    • “30 fps cap, always online gameplay, and random freezing out of nowhere really ruin the game experience.”
    • “The vehicle damage mechanic is absolutely ridiculous in a game that's meant to be played for fun.”
    • “In terms of gameplay itself... it's just boring.”
  • story
    498 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in the game is generally considered weak and often forgettable, with many players noting it lacks depth and coherence, primarily revolving around the rivalry between cops and racers. While some appreciate the attempt at narrative through character interactions and mission structures, others find it generic and unengaging, often overshadowed by the gameplay and graphics. Overall, the consensus is that the game is more focused on multiplayer experiences than delivering a compelling story.

    • “The storyline was engaging and I was always tuned in to see what the next chapter had to offer.”
    • “The story portrays the rivalry of the cop and racer, and its two representatives, F-8 and Zephyr, both very dangerous with specific and different ideologies.”
    • “While the story follows a classic Need for Speed style, offering different missions and challenges for both sides increases the game's replayability.”
    • “The voice acting is awful, the story is pointless; stop putting stories in your games, Need for Speed. They suck and only take away from the game!”
    • “The story is so boring and generic it might as well not exist.”
    • “There is barely any story.”
  • stability
    264 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and glitches that disrupt gameplay. Many users experience issues such as disconnections, server instability, and a frustrating 30 fps cap, which can lead to further bugs when attempting to unlock higher frame rates. While some find the game enjoyable despite these problems, the overall consensus is that its stability issues severely hinder the gaming experience.

    • “I've only got 6 hours on the game so far and I can probably count the amount of times I've had to restart the game due to some bug freezing me in place forever.”
    • “This game is very good, but there is one problem, and that is that I play on 30 fps instead of 60-200 fps, but it's not very buggy for me and I like this game, 9/10 (that -1 point for the fps).”
    • “So, in short, the game would be nice if you could actually play with your friends and have a decent, bug-free experience.”
    • “Kind of unfortunate I spent a lot of time grinding only to suffer a lot of bugs, glitches, frequent disconnections because the host of that connection disappears every five minutes, and the fact that you are forced to be in a server with other people rather than having the option to just be in your own server room without interruptions.”
    • “The game often freezes, crashes, or oftentimes the map just doesn't load at all which leaves you floating in the air.”
    • “My record of how many bugs, freezes and crashes I encountered in a 2-hour playtime was about 10, and I'm not lying!”
  • music
    252 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the energetic and diverse soundtrack that complements the high-speed action, featuring artists like Linkin Park and Knife Party. However, frequent interruptions during police pursuits disrupt the listening experience, leading some to criticize the limited song selection and repetitive nature of the tracks. Overall, while the soundtrack has its highlights, it also suffers from design flaws that detract from the enjoyment for some players.

    • “The soundtrack is actually pretty decent, feels like something that could be in Horizon 1 with some darker experimental artists like Gary Numan to Brick + Mortar and Knife Party.”
    • “From pulse-pounding electronic beats to adrenaline-fueled rock tracks, the game's music keeps players pumped up and ready for action.”
    • “The music is really good, and the way it's louder the faster you drive makes for a good adrenaline kick.”
    • “Worst of all, the music is such trash that I had to turn it off... never had to do that with any other game... barely worth the 3 dollars I paid for it.”
    • “Now the music (in my opinion) sucks here.”
    • “There are 29 songs in total, and most are bad and forgettable.”
  • optimization
    126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game, particularly on PC, has been widely criticized, with many users reporting severe performance issues, including a frustrating 30 fps cap, stuttering, and crashes. While the graphics and gameplay are praised, the overall experience is marred by the lack of proper optimization, making it a poor port for PC users compared to console versions. Players recommend avoiding the PC version due to these significant technical problems.

    • “The graphics are superb and shockingly optimized, the gameplay is a fun kind of chaotic, very pretty terrain and areas, and the AI cops and racers put up a dang good fight.”
    • “[✔️] ⚙️ smooth performance: rivals maintains a smooth and consistent performance, even during the most intense moments of gameplay.”
    • “From visual upgrades to performance enhancements, players can create their ultimate racing machine to dominate the streets of Redview County.”
    • “However, the PC version is a complete mess in terms of optimization.”
    • “It's okay, I guess, the biggest issue is easily its optimization; it loves to crash and lag for no real reason, which is annoying as your progress only saves at safehouse places.”
    • “Thirdly, absolutely abysmal optimization and performance on systems that should be able to chew through this game.”
  • grinding
    66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews on grinding in the game are mixed; some players find it excessively tedious and repetitive, requiring significant time investment for upgrades and progression, while others appreciate a more lenient and engaging system that flows naturally. Many express frustration with bugs and disconnections during grinding sessions, and the lack of a private server option adds to the annoyance. Overall, while some enjoy the grind as part of the gameplay experience, others feel it detracts from the enjoyment due to its repetitive nature and potential for loss during races.

    • “The game also features little to no grinding; it is very easy to earn all the money for the cars and pursuit tech.”
    • “The progression system is not grindy like modern games and just naturally flows with player engagement.”
    • “The game also features little to no grinding; it is very easy to earn all the money for the cars and pursuit tech.”
    • “Kind of unfortunate I spent a lot of time grinding only to suffer a lot of bugs, glitches, and frequent disconnections because the host of that connection disappears every five minutes. The fact that you are forced to be in a server with other people rather than having the option to just be in your own server room without interruptions is frustrating.”
    • “Compared to games like Forza Horizon and The Crew, NFS Rivals World is so small that the roads and races became grindingly repetitive after a few hours.”
    • “There are a lot of cars, but they are useless without upgrades, so there is a lot of grinding if you plan on switching cars.”
  • replayability
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers a mix of satisfying and endless replayability, particularly through its open-world environment, dynamic events, and online multiplayer mode. However, some players feel that the ease of the cop campaign and repetitive grinding can diminish long-term replay value compared to other titles in the series. Overall, while there are enjoyable challenges and unlockables, the experience may become monotonous over time.

    • “Fun and extremely satisfying replayability.”
    • “While the story follows a classic Need for Speed style, offering different missions and challenges for both sides increases the game's replayability.”
    • “Endless replayability: Rivals offers endless replayability with its open-world environment, dynamic events, and online multiplayer mode.”
    • “While I did enjoy the game, I'd say that it would be a lot more replayable if the cops weren't so easy.”
    • “All in all, the game isn't bad but doesn't provide as much content and replayability as I expected it to.”
    • “I think it's fun for a while, but eventually the cop campaign just requires you to grind speed points; it gets super repetitive and doesn't have the same replay value as other NFS games.”
  • humor
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its absurd situations, such as police ineptitude and comically bad controls, which lead to unintentional hilarity during gameplay. Players find the cringe-worthy voice acting and forced tutorials amusing, often resulting in laugh-out-loud moments, especially when playing with friends. Overall, the game's attempt at a serious narrative falls flat, adding to its comedic charm.

    • “Controls are hilariously bad, forced tutorials, bad steering, removal of any risk from the cops (just drive into any safehouse, even if they see you enter! They are plentiful too, you will basically trip over them).”
    • “Also the voice acting when you pick challenges is cringe and funny to listen to.”
    • “- a 'story' that tries to be too serious but fails at it and overall feels hilarious instead.”
  • atmosphere
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its intense and immersive qualities, enhanced by dynamic weather conditions and day-night cycles that add strategic depth to gameplay. Reviewers highlight the impressive graphics and art direction, noting that they contribute to a thrilling experience, especially during high-stakes cop chases. Overall, the game's aesthetic and atmosphere are considered some of the best in the genre, making it a standout title for fans of racing and chaos.

    • “There is an awesome sense of on-the-edge handling and the atmosphere and weather make for a really intense chase/drive.”
    • “I gotta say though the atmosphere and visuals are probably the best I've ever seen.”
    • “There is an awesome sense of on-the-edge handling, and the atmosphere and weather make for a really intense chase/drive.”
    • “Weather conditions and day-night cycles keep the atmosphere lively, adding strategic depth to races and chases.”
    • “One of my favorite NFS games in terms of gameplay and atmosphere.”
  • monetization
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with players appreciating the absence of microtransactions but criticizing the focus on graphics over gameplay and depth. Many feel that the game lacks the passion of earlier titles in the series, leading to a perception that it prioritizes monetization strategies over player experience. Overall, while there are no microtransactions, the game's design choices have left some players dissatisfied.

    • “It is an ok version of NFS, but I prefer the old NFSMW and NFSU2 because you can sense the passion of the old devs towards those games, unlike this one which is just all about the graphics and monetization.”
    • “It is an ok version of NFS, but I prefer the old NFSMW and NFSU2 because you can sense the passion of the old devs towards those games. Unlike this one, it is just all about the graphics and monetization.”
    • “Don't add microtransactions.”
    • “It has no microtransactions.”
  • emotional
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional responses to the game are mixed; while some players express frustration with its short open world, boring story, and repetitive missions, others convey a strong attachment, having returned to complete both campaigns and even repurchase the game. This dichotomy highlights a deep emotional connection for some, despite the game's perceived shortcomings.

    • “Overall boring storyline and progression.”
    • “Incredibly short open world with a boring story and repetitive missions.”
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4h Median play time
14h Average play time
13h Main story
34h Completionist
2-12h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 18 analyzed playthroughs
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