Hardware: Rivals

Release Date: January 5, 2016

Action, cars, online, shooters, PlayStation exclusive, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

5.3

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A sequel to Hardware: Online Arena - a PlayStation 2 game. It is a multiplayer action racing game developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. The gameplay is based on online duels between the players who control different, armed vehicles. The game offers a wide variety of vehicles that fall into several main categories - each machine has its own different strong and weak spots.

Gameplay
Game modes
Technology

Hardware: Rivals for PS4 is a multiplayer-focused action game that belongs to a genre known as vehicular combat. The game is a spiritual heir to Hardware: Online Arena released in 2002 on Playstation 2. The older game was one of the first online-only games for that console. Hardware: Rivals was developed by one of the internal teams of Sony Computer Entertainment, comprised of both the older game's fans, and its developers.

Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics are similar to those in the first, installment and other similar games such as Twisted Metal series. Dynamic multiplayer clashes between players sitting behind the wheels of armed vehicles is the essence of the gameplay. The game offers a large number of vehicles divided into categories. Each category has its strong and weak sides - that requires the player to switch between different tactics. For instance, quick and agile rovers are capable of moving swiftly across the map, but these vehicles are more vulnerable in open combat against better-armored vehicles. Conversely, heavy tanks are substantially more durable and have much more firepower, but their mobility is greatly reduced.

Hardware: Rivals for PS4 features an upgrade system, which is a common mechanism in online games. During the game, the player's vehicles earn experience which can be spent on a multiplicity of upgrades available. The player gradually unlocks the upgrades when progressing in the gameplay.

Game modes

As an online-oriented game, Hardware: Rivals for PS4 offers a diversity of game modes which come with many maps. The player can seek a solitary challenge, or one requiring a teamwork. Apart from that, there are plenty of in-game events being organized regularly. These offer different kinds of challenges, which often stand out with some original, unusual rules.

Technology

In terms of graphics, Hardware: Rivals follows into the footsteps of the original game, but the sequel has a more cartoonish stylistics. Of course, the biggest difference between the two installments lies in the graphics quality. The second installment fully utilizes the console's technological capabilities.

Last updated on February 10, 2016

Videos and Screens

[1:29] Hardware: Rivals launch trailer

[1:28] Hardware: Rivals trailer

5.3

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 8% of Critics. There are 18 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

TrustedReviews: 3 / 5 by Stuart Andrews

While it's free on PS Plus Hardware Rivals is worth a punt. It'll keep you busy for a couple of evenings even if it won't displace your favourite online games.

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New Game Network: 49 / 100 by Alex Varankou

Hardware: Rivals is a shallow, uninspired and very overpriced multiplayer vehicular combat game.

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NZGamer: 6 / 10 by Hadyn Green

I'm old enough that I can say I've been playing games like this since they first started coming out. So after a few days of playing I give it a passing grade but not by much. I mean, it's always fun to drive around and blow up things, that's why these games keep being made. So while Hardware Rivals is fun for a while it still has a lot of annoyances to overcome.

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6.5