Parents' Guide to

Need for Speed Rivals

By Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Race as or against the police in this arcade driving game.

Game PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One 2013
Need for Speed Rivals Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Need for Speed Rivals Game: Screenshot #1
  • Need for Speed Rivals Game: Screenshot #2
  • Need for Speed Rivals Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

CharlesMcK
CharlesMcK Parent
February 3, 2016
age 13+

Good but violent

This game is really a slightly convoluted version of cops and robbers. Although the gameplay is realistic but kid friendly some of the story isnt. In cutscenes there are videos of armed police raiding places, public disorder and a disturbing story of a police officer severely injured on duty.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (25):

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

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