How does the game world work? | Basic information NfS Rivals Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
A crucial feature of Need for Speed Rivals is that the time doesn't stop after opening the world map and this is due the fact that single player mode and multiplayer mode are connected with each other, so in addition to vehicles controlled by AI you can also meet cars controlled by other players. You have to remember about it, because the attempt to pause the gameplay can lead to fail the actual race or being caught by police.
It doesn't mean of course, that checking the world map or other menu windows is possible only from the gateway spot, but you should do this only if you are not in the middle of any important activity. If you actually play as Racer, you could get off of the main road just in case that the recently finished chase won't start again (more on this can be found in the separate guide chapter).
No pause during viewing the map is not the only significant feature of the game. You also need to know that none of its main attractions is clearly separated from the rest of the gameplay. For example, when you start a normal race as Racer, you have to reckon that during it you can encounter police thus leading to police chase, which is played in parallel to previously started race. What's more, the mentioned chase won't stop when getting to the race end, but it will be continued until you evade the police or they catch you.
I recommend of course reacting appropriately to such situation. If for example you try to complete a time trial, where a key to success is to get to the end in the time limit, do not risk and do not bother of any other things, because you'll fail getting a good result. However if you do a little significant activity (you try to make a successful jump) and you have the opportunity to get additional points, it could be worth to do it, without wasting time looking for starting the same activity.