Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Race as or against the police in this arcade driving game.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Need for Speed Rivals
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say the game features stunning graphics and offers an exciting mix of police chases and races, making it enjoyable for kids aged 8 and up. While some feel the game lacks content and might suffer from outdated gameplay, most reviews praise its fun factor, lack of harsh language or graphic violence, and the ability to choose between playing as a cop or a racer.
- age-appropriate
- mixed content
- fun gameplay
- good graphics
- minimal violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
As with the many Need For Speed games before it, NEED FOR SPEED RIVALS is a multiplatform arcade racing game that lets you play either as the street racer trying to avoid the authorities or as the police determined to catch up to the reckless racers. In Rivals, playing as either side of the law comes with its own distinct career experiences, each with its own set of challenges, rewards, weapons, tech, and cars. Along with stunning environments, high-definition cars, and special effects (powered by the advanced Frostbite 3 engine), this game also boasts an all-new scoring system and multiple solo, cooperative ("co-op"), and head-to-head game modes.
Is It Any Good?
Played on a PlayStation 4, Need For Speed Rivals is an exhilarating racer with multiple cars and courses, fun ways to try to take down the enemy, incredible graphics (especially on next-gen platforms), and a blurring of the lines between solo and multiplayer games with a smart feature called AllDrive. This new addition to the series seamlessly fuses your accomplishments between on- and offline modes and connects you with your friend's games. Gamers who prefer a simulation might prefer to stick with the Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport franchises for Sony and Microsoft consoles, respectively, but for pure, unadulterated fun behind the wheel, Need For Speed Rivals delivers a huge thrill. Note: All versions of the game are the same.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Is Need For Speed Rivals appropriate? Although no one gets hurt, is it OK to simulate being chased by the police and causing them to crash? Is it OK, or even healthy, for games to take us away from reality for a while? Here's a handy video for parents on choosing the right games for your family.
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox 360 , Xbox One
- Subjects : Math : estimation , Science : momentum , physics
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , memorization , strategy , Self-Direction : effort , goal-setting , work to achieve goals , Collaboration : cooperation , teamwork
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : November 22, 2013
- Genre : Racing
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Fantasy ( Magic )
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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