Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cops vs. street racers challenge rewards recklessness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Need For Speed: Most Wanted
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say the game is fun and enjoyable despite not closely resembling its 2005 predecessor, featuring a range of modern and classic cars along with open-world gameplay. While some reviewers express concerns about its reckless driving themes and occasional inappropriate content, many still find it suitable for younger audiences if they understand the difference between game and reality.
- fun gameplay
- suitable for kids
- reckless driving themes
- modern cars
- occasional inappropriate content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
The seminal arcade racing game is back. Developed by Criterion Games, NEED FOR SPEED: MOST WANTED is a cops-versus-street-racers challenge that lets you hop into a number of exotic vehicles to burn asphalt throughout the fictional Fairhaven City. In the lengthy single-player game, the first few missions give you a good taste of how the licensed cars handle on the roads, along with the sensation of serious speed (200 miles per hour), drifting around corners and seeking out shortcuts (and jumps) to get an edge over the stiff competition. If you cause too much damage while vying for the finish line, you'll find yourself pursued by the police and must shake them. Place in first, second, or third to rack up points, which can be spent on modifying your ride. Score enough points and you'll earn the ability to take on 10 of the hottest cars in the game to climb the ranks of the \"Most Wanted.\"
Is It Any Good?
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is great fun for those old enough to understand that this isn't how car drivers should behave. Along with the fast and furious single-player game modes -- like Ambush, Sprint Race, Speed Run, and Circuit race -- online multiplayer bumps up the fun even further. But be aware you need to sign up for Electronic Arts' Origin game service to play against others. It's free, but mandatory, and some gamers aren't thrilled about it (this is on top of the Xbox Live or PlayStation Network service). You can then challenge friends to games or a number of consecutive events, or compare your skills with others thanks to EA's Autolog 2.0 technology that displays all of your stats -- including times, record speeds, pursuits, jump distances, achievements, and more.
Overall, Need For Speed: Most Wanted is a visceral thrill. Not only do you get to race and modify many different dream cars, but it's an open world with a number of areas, collectibles and game modes to explore. Plus, instead of having to wait to drive the cars you want –- which is how most car racing games work –- practically every car is available from the get-go in Need for Speed: Most Wanted. The game's motto is "if you can find it, you can drive it," therefore you're rewarded for venturing out in Fairhaven.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how video games often provide a virtual thrill by letting you do things you can't or wouldn't do in real life.
Families can also discuss responsible driving. Parents who have teens learning to drive may want to consider studies that suggest playing some racing games can lead to taking more driving risks in real life and share it with their children.
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , PlayStation Vita , Windows , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Science : engineering , motion , physics , Language & Reading : following directions
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , decision-making , strategy , Responsibility & Ethics : learning from consequences , Self-Direction : time management , work to achieve goals
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : October 30, 2012
- Genre : Racing
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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