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CRITIK

Need for Speed: Rivals

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Need for Speed: Rivals
Item: Need for Speed: Rivals
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2013

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, Simulation, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 15, 2013

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperGhost Games

Overview

Players assume the role of both cops and lawbreakers in Need for Speed: Rivals, which is the inaugural outing of Ghost Games – the rebranded EA Gothenburg studio in Sweden. Ghost Games is made up of talent moved over from UK-based Criterion Games, best known for its work on the Burnout series and shooter Black, along with former DICE staff.

Elsewhere

6.9

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Need for Speed: Rivals are varied. Some critics, such as Armchair Empire and X-ONE Magazine UK, appreciate the inclusion of a narrative in the game. They mention that the story is told through cutscenes and chapters, providing context and background to the player's actions. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle praises the game for offering two separate and unique experiences as a cop and a racer, with their own progression and career level. These positive opinions suggest that the inclusion of a story adds depth and immersion to the gameplay experience. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the story of Need for Speed: Rivals. Cheat Code Central and GamingTrend mention that the story is minimal, with cutscenes providing only background information on the rivalry in Redview County. PlayStation Universe goes further, stating that the campaign feels more like a checklist to get achievements, with minimal cutscenes and cliché dialogue. Giant Bomb echoes these sentiments, criticizing the game for a poorly executed story and ridiculous dialogue. These negative opinions highlight the lack of depth and engagement in the storytelling aspect of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Need for Speed: Rivals is lacking. While some critics appreciate the inclusion of a narrative and the separate experiences as a cop and a racer, others find the story to be minimal, poorly executed, and lacking in compelling narrative or overarching goals. The general sentiment leans towards the negative side, with critics like Metro GameCentral and Digital Spy mentioning the minimal storytelling in the game. Despite the mixed opinions, it is clear that the story aspect of Need for Speed: Rivals does not stand out as a strong point in the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the story of Need for Speed: Rivals. Some praise the narrative depth and dual gameplay experiences, while others criticize the minimal storytelling, cliché dialogue, and lack of engagement. Overall, the consensus is that the game's story falls short, with mixed opinions leaning towards the negative side.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Need for Speed: Rivals, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. The gameplay is consistently praised for its tight and fluid racing mechanics, providing an adrenaline-filled experience. Armchair Empire commends the easy-to-pick-up controls, while Cheat Code Central emphasizes the engaging and diverse gameplay within the same event. DarkStation highlights the frantic and entertaining nature of the gameplay, with a focus on aggressive open-concept racing. The inclusion of pursuit tech, customization options, and speedlists also add to the overall enjoyment of the gameplay experience, as mentioned by Eurogamer and GameSpot. However, there are some criticisms and negative aspects mentioned by certain reviewers. Edge Magazine points out annoyances and underpolished systems that detract from the overall gameplay experience, particularly in the Cop career. AtomicGamer highlights technical crashes, strange AI quirks, and a brutal and unforgiving system for losing points. Despite these negatives, the majority of critics still find the gameplay enjoyable and engaging. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Need for Speed: Rivals is exciting, intense, and offers a balanced experience between playing as cops and racers. The ability to switch factions, the inclusion of pursuit tech, and the seamless integration of single-player and multiplayer modes are highly praised. The slick and easy-to-pick-up controls, as mentioned by GamesRadar++ and PlayStation Universe, contribute to the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay. The high-speed chases, intense races, and the constant risk-and-reward mechanic mentioned by GamesBeat and PlayStation LifeStyle further enhance the enjoyment of the game. The inclusion of the AllDrive feature, as highlighted by games(TM) and ZTGD, promotes interaction between players and adds another layer of excitement to the gameplay. In conclusion, the gameplay of Need for Speed: Rivals is widely regarded as tight, fluid, and adrenaline-filled, with easy-to-pick-up controls. The inclusion of pursuit tech, customization options, and speedlists add depth and variety to the gameplay experience. While there are some criticisms regarding underpolished systems, technical issues, and a brutal point system, the overall consensus among the critics is that the gameplay is enjoyable and engaging, with a strong emphasis on intense racing, high-speed chases, and the ability to switch between cops and racers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Need for Speed: Rivals' gameplay impresses with tight racing mechanics, adrenaline-pumping experiences, and diverse gameplay options like pursuit tech and customization. Critics note some flaws like underpolished systems and technical issues, but overall find the gameplay engaging and intense, especially with the seamless integration of single-player and multiplayer modes. The ability to switch factions, high-speed chases, and the AllDrive feature further elevate the excitement of the game.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Need for Speed: Rivals are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its stunning visuals, with Armchair Empire describing it as "gorgeous" and DarkStation noting the "terrific" visuals and smart use of blur and screen shake effects. Edge Magazine also commends the game for its beautiful visuals and diverse environment, while Eurogamer highlights the "beautiful and detailed world design" and impressive vehicle collisions. Game Informer adds that the open world is visually stunning, with impressive track designs and attention to detail. GameSpot further describes the game as "gorgeous" with a lush and inviting open world and spectacular car collisions. GamesRadar++ mentions the stunning landscape and expansive open world, while GamingTrend praises the stunning cars and premium particle and weather effects. Machinima notes the pleasing balance between superb detail and consistent performance, and PlayStation Universe mentions the realistic cars and environments with dynamic lighting and changing weather effects. Playstation Official Magazine UK praises the lovely weather effects, tumbling trackside debris, and wonderful vistas. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Need for Speed: Rivals. GameTrailers mentions some graphical glitches and rendering hitches that make the world feel a bit unstable. XGN points out issues with pop-ups and disappearing cars, and Digital Spy states that while visually attractive, the game is not a huge step up from current-gen counterparts. Toronto Sun also mentions that while the graphics are near-photorealistic, background elements such as trees are not rendered flawlessly. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Need for Speed: Rivals are very good. The majority of the critics praised the game for its stunning visuals, realistic car models, attention to detail, and impressive weather effects. The use of the Frostbite 3 engine is also highly praised for providing beautiful and detailed world design. Despite a few criticisms regarding graphical glitches and minor flaws in rendering, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics appreciating the visual appeal and immersive experience offered by the game's graphics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Need for Speed: Rivals' graphics, praising its stunning visuals, realistic car models, and impressive weather effects. Despite some minor glitches and rendering issues, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its attention to detail and immersive experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Need for Speed: Rivals, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Starting with the positives, the audio in Need for Speed: Rivals is praised for its sharpness and immersive qualities. DarkStation specifically mentions the uncompressed engine sounds and wailing sirens, which contribute to the overall experience. GamingTrend also commends the sound design, noting the realistic car revving and roaring, which adds to the authenticity of the gameplay. Additionally, the soundtrack is generally well-received, with Giant Bomb mentioning it as solid. On the other hand, there are a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Game Informer mentions that the police sirens can be grating, which may be a minor setback for some players. However, this negative aspect does not overshadow the overall positive impression of the sound design, as Game Informer still considers it good. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Need for Speed: Rivals are commendable. The positive aspects, such as the immersive audio experience, realistic engine sounds, and a suitable soundtrack, outweigh the minor negatives mentioned. The use of headphones is recommended by DarkStation to enhance the audio experience, indicating the attention to detail in the sound design. While Eurogamer and games(TM) do not provide detailed analysis, their mention of the soundtrack and background chatter suggests that these elements are at least satisfactory. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Sound Design and Music of Need for Speed: Rivals are generally well-received by the critics, with the soundtrack being particularly solid.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Need for Speed: Rivals for its sharp, immersive sound design and solid soundtrack, with realistic engine sounds enhancing gameplay authenticity. Despite minor criticisms like grating police sirens, overall consensus is positive, recommending headphones for an enhanced experience. Critics agree that the game's sound design and music are commendable, making it a hit among reviewers.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

57%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Voice Acting of Need for Speed: Rivals, it is evident that there is a consensus among them about the negative aspects of the voiceovers. However, there are a few positive elements mentioned as well. Starting with the positives, none of the critics specifically mention any positive aspects of the voice acting. This suggests that the voiceovers in Need for Speed: Rivals may not have stood out as a particularly strong aspect of the game. Moving on to the negatives, the critics unanimously criticize the dialogue and voiceovers in the game. Giant Bomb, Machinima, and PlayStation Universe all mention that the dialogue is poorly written. Giant Bomb even goes as far as stating that the characters sound like lunatics. This suggests that the writing may lack depth and believability, resulting in a less immersive experience for players. Furthermore, Machinima points out that the voiceovers in the cutscenes are ham-fisted, while PlayStation Universe describes them as cliché and self-righteous. These criticisms indicate that the voice acting may lack subtlety and originality, potentially making the characters and their interactions feel forced or unconvincing. Additionally, ZTGD mentions that the narrator sounds bored, implying a lack of enthusiasm or engagement in the delivery of the voiceovers. This further supports the overall negative sentiment towards the voice acting in Need for Speed: Rivals. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Need for Speed: Rivals falls short of expectations. The poorly written dialogue, lack of depth in character portrayal, and unconvincing delivery are the major points of criticism. While there are no specific positive mentions, the negative aspects highlighted by multiple critics indicate a general dissatisfaction with the voiceovers in the game. Players looking for a strong voice acting experience may find themselves disappointed in this aspect of Need for Speed: Rivals.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously slam Need for Speed: Rivals' voice acting for poorly written dialogue, lack of depth, and unconvincing delivery. No positive points stand out, with reviewers labeling characters as lunatics and voiceovers as cliché and self-righteous. Overall, the consensus is that the game's voice acting falls short, leaving players unsatisfied and unimmersed.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Need for Speed: Rivals, there are both positive and negative aspects mentioned by the critics for each gaming platform. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the game's performance on the PS4, with Armchair Empire mentioning that the game provides a consistent 30 frames per second performance. ZTGD also commends the smooth running of the game at 1080p on the PS4. On the Xbox One, Toronto Sun highlights that the game engine maintains a consistent frame-rate, resulting in sharper and more detailed visuals compared to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. Moving on to the negatives, there are some technical issues that detract from the overall experience on both the PS4 and PC versions. Edge Magazine mentions underpolished systems and annoyances that affect gameplay, while GameTrailers points out glitchy resets after wrecks and rendering hitches that make the world feel unstable on the PS4. Giant Bomb highlights substantial load times and the PC version being locked at 30 frames-per-second, which could be seen as a limitation for PC players. AtomicGamer also mentions technical crashes and issues with online gaming solutions like host migration and rubber banding on the PC version. Taking into account the opinions of all the critics, the overall consensus for the technical performance of Need for Speed: Rivals is somewhat mixed. While there are positive aspects, such as consistent frame rates and smooth running on the PS4, there are also negative aspects, such as technical issues, long loading times, and limitations on the PC version. The lack of smooth 60 frames per second performance on the PS4, as mentioned by Playstation Official Magazine UK, is also a point of criticism. It is clear that the game's technical performance could have been more polished and stable across all platforms, with some critics expressing disappointment in the technical issues they encountered.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed views on Need for Speed: Rivals' technical performance. PS4 praised for smooth gameplay, Xbox One for visuals, but both face glitches. PC has frame rate limitations and online issues. Overall, game falls short on polish and stability according to reviewers.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Need for Speed: Rivals are generally positive. Several critics, such as Cheat Code Central and Game Informer, highlight the game's risk/reward system and the ability to switch between playing as a cop and a racer, which adds to the replay value. DarkStation and GameSpot also mention the game's reward system and motivation to unlock new cars and upgrades, further enhancing the replayability. Eurogamer and GameTrailers mention the various activities and pursuits available in the open world, providing players with options for replayability. Thunderbolt emphasizes the freedom provided by the game's 'speedlists' and the ability to explore the open world without being restricted to specific events, unlocking new cars with each completion. PlayStation Universe highlights the unlockable cars, customization options, and points to buy upgrades, adding to the replay value. Overall, these positive aspects contribute to the game's replayability and offer players a variety of experiences to engage with. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the replay value of Need for Speed: Rivals. Giant Bomb, in particular, mentions that the multiplayer side of the game feels empty and lacks meaningful activities to bring players together. GamingTrend and games(TM) also mention certain aspects that can feel repetitive or like a chore, such as turning in Speedlists and Objectives, or always doing the same thing despite the variety of game modes and tasks. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers some replay value, there are certain aspects that may hinder the overall experience. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the replay value of Need for Speed: Rivals is mixed. While there are positive aspects mentioned by multiple critics, such as the risk/reward system, the ability to switch between cop and racer roles, the reward system, and the motivation to unlock new cars and upgrades, there are also negative aspects mentioned, such as the emptiness of the multiplayer side and the potential for repetitive gameplay. It is important to note that different critics have different perspectives and preferences, which may influence their opinions on the game's replay value. Ultimately, players may find enjoyment in the various activities and pursuits available in the open world, but they should also be aware of the potential limitations and repetitive elements that some critics have mentioned.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Need for Speed: Rivals. Positive aspects like the risk/reward system, the ability to switch roles, and unlocking new cars add to replayability. However, negative feedback includes an empty multiplayer experience and repetitive gameplay elements. Players can enjoy the diverse activities in the open world but should be mindful of potential limitations and repetition mentioned by critics.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the critics' opinions on the Overall Verdict of Need for Speed: Rivals are quite mixed. Many critics praise the game for its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and intense racing experience. DarkStation, Eurogamer, and GamesRadar++ all highlight the game's standout qualities, with DarkStation specifically mentioning its action-heavy racing and online functionality. Cheat Code Central and GamingTrend also commend the game for its polished nature and replay value. These positive aspects contribute to the overall enjoyment and excitement that players can experience while playing Need for Speed: Rivals. On the other hand, there are several criticisms raised by the reviewers. Armchair Empire mentions that the game lacks charm and that the career objectives feel repetitive. Edge Magazine and Thunderbolt both point out issues with underpolished systems and limitations in certain features, such as the AllDrive feature and multiplayer integration. AtomicGamer goes as far as stating that the game is poorly suited for PC gaming. These negative aspects can detract from the overall experience and hinder the game's potential. Despite the mixed opinions, the overall consensus among the critics is that Need for Speed: Rivals is a worthwhile and enjoyable racing game. Critics like GameSpot, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Toronto Sun all express their positive views on the game, emphasizing its thrilling and fun nature. While there are some criticisms, such as the lack of multiplayer engagement and poor execution of the story, the general sentiment is that Need for Speed: Rivals delivers on its promise of providing an exciting and visually impressive experience. The game is considered a standout launch title for the new generation of consoles, surpassing its competitors in terms of gameplay and graphics. However, it is also acknowledged that there are areas for improvement, such as addressing the issues raised by Armchair Empire and Thunderbolt. Overall, Need for Speed: Rivals is seen as a solid entry in the series and a worthy addition to any racing game enthusiast's library.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on Need for Speed: Rivals. Some praise its engaging gameplay and stunning visuals, while others criticize its lack of charm and repetitive career objectives. Despite mixed opinions, most agree that it's a fun racing game with room for improvement. Overall, it's considered a solid addition to the series and a standout title for new consoles.

CRITIK

Reviews

106 reviews found

Eurogamer

PlayStation 4

Nov 18, 2013