Need for Speed Rivals

NFS Rivals

Release Date: November 11, 2013

Racing, cars, sandbox, co-op, Game Pass, EA Play, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

76%

Steam

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An arcade racing game belonging to the long-standing and very popular Need for Speed series. The title was developed by Swedish-British studio Ghost Games (former EA Gothenburg), aided by ex-employees of Criterion Games. Players can become either drivers taking part in illegal street races or police force trying to apprehend them. As you progress in the game you unlock new cars and useful technologies.

Need for Speed Rivals for PC, PS4 and etc. is another installment of a well-known racing series published by Electronic Arts. The players can pick one side, i.e. racers often violating speed limits or police units with super cars to chase reckless drivers.

Choose the racing career and avoid chase and score points that enable purchasing new and better cars, as well as modifications improving their appearance and performance. If you are caught by the police or you completely destroy the vehicle, you lose your newly gained points. Become a police officer and cooperate with other players to catch “speed kings” and earning a higher rank, i.e. access to new models of police cars.

The common element of both careers is acquisition of various technologies useful while escaping or catching the speeders. List of available technologies includes firing EMP charges, calling police helicopters, stingers or supercharged engines guaranteeing sudden increase of power.

One of the most important components of the new version is All Drive module. Players can switch between single and network mode without losing progress in the campaign. This mode connects offline and online mode which is the core mechanics in Need for Speed Rivals for PC, PS4 and etc..

The game runs on well-known Frostbite 3 engine used in other productions published by Electronic Arts and provides exceptionally detailed and realistic environment. You race in Redview County packed with cities, highways, forests, deserts, and even mountain areas. Player can explore the game world freely, finding special locations where certain actions may be triggered (e.g. speed cameras enabling you to break speed records). The cars are presented in a very detailed manner. It is worth noticing that Need for Speed Rivals for PC, PS4 and etc. includes again Ferrari cars, e.g. F12 Berlinetta.

Last updated on August 14, 2015

guide

Last Update: December 27, 2013

Need for Speed Rivals Game Guide

The below text is a complete guide for Need for Speed Rivals game, helping both in understanding its basic rules, as well as more complicated elements, so achieving further goals will become much easier and more enjoyable.

Need for Speed Rivals Game Guide

Videos and Screens

[1:19] Need for Speed Rivals Complete Edition trailer

[1:16] Need for Speed Rivals 20th anniversary

76%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mostly Positive (7,307)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: The game features innovative mechanics reminiscent of previous titles like *Hot Pursuit*, allowing players to experience thrilling cop vs. racer dynamics.
Dual Role Play: Players can seamlessly switch between playing as cops or racers, adding variety to gameplay.
Graphics and Atmosphere: Many users praise the game's graphics, art direction, and overall atmosphere, noting that it has aged well since its release.
Car Variety: The game includes unique and high-performance cars, some of which are not commonly found in other *Need for Speed* titles.
Intense Gameplay Moments: Reviewers highlight the adrenaline-pumping gameplay and the thrill of racing against opponents or evading the police.

The main cons of the game

Technical Issues: Users report various bugs, including input mapping problems on the Steam version, engine sound glitches, and instances of the game freezing, particularly when reaching map boundaries.
Locked Frame Rate: The game is locked to 30 FPS without an easy way to change it, which many players find unacceptable for a racing game.
Limited Customization: There is a lack of extensive car customization options, particularly regarding body modifications. Players can only change colors and apply stickers.
Server Issues: The game relies on peer-to-peer servers, leading to connectivity issues and disconnections that disrupt gameplay.
Lack of Story: Several reviews mention the absence of a meaningful storyline, with gameplay often feeling repetitive and grindy.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Enhanced Customization Options: Players express a desire for more in-depth customization features, such as body kits, performance tuning, and the ability to modify a wider variety of cars.
Higher Frame Rate Options: Many users wish for a native 60 FPS option, as the locked 30 FPS is seen as a major drawback.
Improved Multiplayer Stability: The reliance on peer-to-peer connections and the associated issues with host migrations and disconnections are frequently mentioned as frustrating.
More Engaging Storyline: A more substantial narrative or mission structure is desired, as many players find the current gameplay loop lacking in depth.

Summary

Overall, while Need for Speed? Rivals offers exciting gameplay and a nostalgic feel for fans of the franchise, it suffers from technical issues and limitations in customization and story that detract from the overall experience.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024

7.0

GAMERS Score

Average score from 3790 votes. 2006 players anticipated the game.

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GAMES

in Need for Speed Game Series

Game Series

Need for Speed Series

One of the oldest and most popular racing game series in the history of the industry. Need for Speed is one of the most valuable brands in Electronic Arts' portfolio, with the US company's in-house development studios, such as EA Black Box, EA Gothenburg, and Criterion Games, usually responsible for its subsequent installments. The series started in 1994 with The Need for Speed, designed for fifth-generation consoles (3DO, PlayStation, Sega Saturn) and PC. The production was prepared by the team from EA Canada studio, created as a result of the acquisition of Distinctive Software (devs of Test Drive and Test Drive II).

29 video games

Need for Speed Game Series