Need for Speed: The Run
By Mark Raby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Police-dodging street racing game sends the wrong message.
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Need for Speed: The Run
Community Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
NOTHING BAD AT ALL
Amazing game
What’s It About?
In NEED FOR SPEED: THE RUN, players are ultimately working to drive across the country from coast-to-coast. They engage in street races along the way, competing against other nefarious racers to earn money and recognition in the underground racing community. Some of these characters are downright seedy and underhanded while others come across as normal people; but they all share the same love of illegal street racing. The story depicts the police as an enemy force that wants to stop players from their dangerous activity.
Is It Any Good?
Need for Speed: The Run exemplifies the characteristics that have made the Need for Speed series one of the most heralded names in racing games. The graphics are beautiful, the controls are sophisticated and extremely well executed, and there is an addicting level of vehicle customization that will drive players to keep playing until they create the ultimate ride. The adrenaline of running from the police adds an extra jolt of excitement to this game, but only for players who recognize that in real life, what is presented in the game is dangerous and toxic and should only exist inside the realm of a video game. Fans of the Need for Speed series or racing games in general will enjoy the masterful presentation here, despite the lack of positive role models or messages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the glorification of car crashes in this game. Why is this form of violence so appealing and is it different when you don't actually see people during the crash?
Would there be a way to keep the same intensity to this game while still offering a better moral message?
What are the negative messages in this game and what is done to curtail their impact?
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS , Nintendo Wii , PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release date: November 15, 2011
- Genre: Racing
- ESRB rating: T for Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Last updated: August 29, 2016
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