Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Lafferty
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Racing MMO looks good but encourages unlawful driving.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Need for Speed World
What's It About?
NEED FOR SPEED WORLD is a massively multiplayer game that has players racing against one another on street tracks through a variety of locations, or indulging in the Pursuit mode after ramming a police car. Players earn reputation points to level up and cash to customize vehicles or rent other vehicles to take into the world. As players level up, new tracks become available to race on.
Is It Any Good?
The game is enjoyable and challenging, with sharp-looking graphical elements. There is always the challenge of the next race, but once shortcuts on each track are discovered, it simply becomes a matter of finding the quickest path to the finish line. The arcade elements -- like speed boosts, traffic magnets, or adding a lap to the course -- offer a strategic element. Kids may be disappointed to discover that this free game isn't free beyond level 10. If you want to keep leveling up and opening new tracks, you must pay a $20. They may find that the game can become repetitive.
Online interaction: There is online filtered text chat available to talk to other players. Since this is a game about community-generated events, this interaction with other players is necessary. The potential for creative cussing that circumvents the filters it there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the reasons why the behavior in this game is inappropriate in the real world, and can talk about the importance of obeying laws intended to protect society and property.
Families can talk about the lure of driving at high speeds and the challenge of doing just that in a game setting. What are the elements that are most difficult and how one can prepare for upcoming elements such as turns?
Families can also discuss the challenges associated with online competition. Does winning ever become more important than having fun?
Do you think racing games improve reflexes and your ability to think quickly?
Game Details
- Platform : Windows
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : July 27, 2010
- Genre : Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 23, 2022
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