Parents' Guide to

Need for Speed World

By Michael Lafferty, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Racing MMO looks good but encourages unlawful driving.

Game Windows 2010
Need for Speed World Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

Tom_Gamer_Tom
Tom_Gamer_Tom Adult
September 21, 2010
age 9+

Bad role models but not violent.

To be honest, Need for speed has never really given any good messages to kids. Drive around like this and never get caught is not how things work. The role models are terrible really because the kids may now want to be a street racer when they are older. I wouldn't say this game is violent. Either 9+ or someone who will understand that you don't respawn when you get beaten up by cops. The violence consists of crashing as in most games but nothing major. 9+

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (9 ):

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

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