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Need for Speed™ Rivals

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4 • 2020

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Quick resume

Erase the line between single player and multiplayer in this street-racing rivalry between Cops and Racers. Seamlessly join a world where your friends are already racing and chasing

Global score

75/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Racing

Pros

  • Engaging cop vs racer gameplay with intense chases
  • Beautiful and varied open world map
  • Strong multiplayer with active community
  • Good car variety and satisfying driving mechanics
  • Dynamic weather and day/night cycle

Cons

  • 30 fps cap on pc with buggy unlock workarounds
  • Technical issues including crashes and host migration
  • Limited car customization options
  • No pause option in single player
  • Some bugs and glitches affecting gameplay

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can freely choose to play as cops or racers and switch sides anytime, with open world exploration and self-directed mission choices."

  • Competence
    3

    "Game offers skill-based driving, challenging AI cops and racers, and requires mastering car handling and pursuit tech."

  • Competition
    3

    "Includes multiplayer with player vs player chases and races, leaderboards, and competitive online modes."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long play sessions, addictive gameplay loops, and habitual engagement with both single and multiplayer."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Some cooperative elements in multiplayer and team-based pursuits, but mostly focused on individual play."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Limited car customization mostly to colors and decals; no extensive body kit or tuning customization."

  • Domination
    2

    "Competitive multiplayer includes aggressive chases and power use, but interactions appear balanced without excessive trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game for thrilling distraction, high-speed chases, and immersive open world driving away from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and nostalgia, not out of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different cars, tactics, and pursuit tech, exploring mechanics and switching between cop and racer roles."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Open world map with varied biomes encourages discovery and free roaming beyond structured races."

  • Expression
    1

    "Basic visual customization of cars is available but limited; no deep avatar or environment personalization."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Arcade-style high-speed chases with exaggerated cop vs racer conflict and pursuit tech create an imaginative experience."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Active multiplayer community and social interaction through online play and friend lobbies."

  • Growth
    3

    "Progression through unlocking cars, upgrades, and mastering driving skills provides learning and development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during races and pursuits; not suitable for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are mostly surface-level multiplayer engagements without deep emotional connections."

  • Leadership
    -2

    "No strong evidence of leadership roles; players mostly act individually or in balanced multiplayer settings."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate speed points, unlock cars and upgrades, and advance through career chapters."

  • Relaxation
    -1

    "Gameplay is intense and thrilling with moments of tension; some players find it cathartic but generally high arousal."

  • Sensation
    4

    "High sensory stimulation from fast-paced visuals, dynamic weather, sound effects, and adrenaline-pumping chases."

  • Status
    2

    "Online multiplayer and leaderboards provide recognition and social status among players."

  • Story
    1

    "Story is minimal and secondary, mostly serving as background to gameplay rather than deep narrative immersion."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires tactical use of pursuit tech and planning during chases, but overall gameplay is arcade and action focused."

  • Thrill
    5

    "Core motivation is high-speed chases, risk vs reward, and intense police pursuits creating strong thrill and suspense."

  • Value
    3

    "Players find good value especially when purchased on sale; game offers substantial content and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Enjoyment of vehicular combat, destruction, and aggressive pursuit tech is central to gameplay."

  • Survival
    3

    "Avoiding being busted and managing heat levels is a key survival challenge in races and pursuits."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026