Need for Speed: Rivals

That tonal shift aside, Rivals is the complete package, and while we’re not exactly short of choice for racing games this Christmas with a Gran Turismo and Forza also competing for the motorhead’s time, I do feel like Rivals has done everything it can to make what boils down to an arcade racer feel essential.

Gaming NexusSean Cahill

8.5/10

The bottom line on Need for Speed Rivals for the Xbox One is that it's a gorgeous world that is pushing the hardware to its limit. Gameplay, however, is as close to the same as its Xbox 360 predecessor. For those who have the Xbox 360 version, it isn't a must buy. If you're jumping into the world for the first time, though, then you will enjoy the best-looking Xbox One game outside of Titanfall.

Capsule ComputersAndrew Day

8.5/10

No summary available

PSExtremeBen-Dutka

8.5/10

Graphics: 8.4 Gameplay: 8.3 Sound: 8.6 Control: 8.2 Replay Value: 8.9 Online Gameplay: 8.8 Overall Rating: 8.5 Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Ghost G ...

COGConnectedShawn Petraschuk

82/100

Foot to the floor, no regard for the rules, wind in my hair, the music cranked and the cops on my ass. Like many red blooded males this is the recipe for a wet dream and also the components of the latest game in the Need for Speed franchise (minus the wind, you know, unless you set up a fan). Considering all these things I know that I really badly want to love this game but unfortunately a few niggling factors are keeping me from enjoying it as much as I’d like. Of course this doesn’t mean that the game is bad, in fact it’s quite the opposite, but when you can clearly see the potential laid ou...

Digital TrendsRyan Fleming

“If you like to bring grief to other players, this may be the racing game you’ve been waiting for.”

Pure XboxGreg Giddens

8/10

Need for Speed: Rivals is a terrific entry in the series, taking the strongest elements of its predecessors to build something familiar but with its sights clearly on the future with regards to online integration. The lighting and weather effects look fantastic thanks to the next generation hardware and the sense of speed is as exhilarating as ever. The six player restriction is a tad disappointing, and minor issues such as the uninspired narrative and the frequent disorientation after resetting from a crash eat away at the experience slightly, but otherwise Rivals is a top notch racer you rea...

Game RantGR Staff

8/10

That being said, there is more than enough to keep the moment-to-moment experience worth playing, especially if a group of friends can be gathered to jump in together. It was no secret that Electronic Arts sought out the minds behind Burnout Paradise to inject some attitude and innovation into the Need For Speed brand, and that DNA is still visible in every corner of Rivals.

VideogamerBrett Phipps

7/10

Excellent driving mechanics and visuals are sadly hindered by too many major issues.

VGChartzGordon Bryant

6.5/10

All Filler, No KillerGood and evil is always a pleasant dichotomy to work with, especially in games where such choices are [...]

Press StartShannon Grixti

Unscored

Both careers are enjoyable however I found the cop one just a little better. It allows for a lot more freedom and really puts you in control of what you do next. You can head to your next event or chase down any racer that drives past you as you free roam. There was nothing more satisfying to me than to randomly take down a racer with a huge head on collision.

Xbox AchievementsLee Bradley

Unscored

Drifting around a long, sweeping coastal road in Need for Speed: Rivals, behind the wheel of a roaring, tyre-screeching Ferrari 458 Spider, with cop car sirens blaring in your ears, supercars breathing down your neck and waves crashing in the distance, has to be one of the most enjoyable next-gen experiences I’ve had so far. It’s ludicrously fun.