Need for Speed: Rivals (2013)
Game Description:
In Need for Speed: Rivals, players dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of Redview County, where the line between cops and racers blurs. As a racer, players aim to become infamous by evading the law and completing high-stakes challenges. As a cop, the goal is to enforce the law by apprehending racers using advanced pursuit technology. The game features an open-world environment with dynamic weather and day-night cycles, enhancing the immersive experience. Players can switch roles at any time, experiencing both sides of the law. With the innovative AllDrive system, single-player and multiplayer experiences seamlessly blend, allowing players to join friends or rivals in real-time, creating unpredictable and thrilling encounters.
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What Parents Should Know About Need for Speed: Rivals
Age Rating
Release Date
2013
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Need for Speed Rivals is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB with Mild Violence. This is an arcade-style racing game in which players can select sports cars to race through realistic county highways. Players can proceed through the game as a street racer or a police cruiser; the storyline follows the rivalry between the two groups. As racers, players must flee from the police and can deliberately crash into police cruisers or other racers. In addition to crashing into racers, police cruisers can use various tools/weapons to thwart racers' progress: spike strips, electric/electromagnetic mines or shockwave devices, and a “shock ram” that hits cars with a burst of compressed air. Collisions are often accompanied by slow-motion effects and crashing sounds.
Content Warnings:
Mild Violence
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Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Need for Speed: Rivals may not be suitable for younger kids. The game does not contain strong language, but it does feature mild violence as players can crash into police cars and other racers. The use of tools like spike strips and shockwave devices adds to the intensity. The rivalry theme between racers and police is central, and the game encourages high-speed chases and evasive maneuvers. Some parents suggest that the game is more appropriate for older children, around 12 and up, due to its focus on law evasion and the competitive nature of the gameplay.
Why Your Kid Might Like Need for Speed: Rivals
Need for Speed: Rivals offers an exhilarating experience for teens who enjoy high-speed chases and the thrill of racing. The open-world environment of Redview County, with its dynamic weather and day-night cycles, keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. Players can choose to be either a racer or a cop, providing a dual perspective that adds depth to the game. The ability to switch roles at any time allows for varied gameplay, keeping players entertained as they explore both sides of the law.
The innovative AllDrive system is a standout feature, seamlessly blending single-player and multiplayer experiences. This allows teens to join friends or rivals in real-time, creating unpredictable and exciting encounters. The social aspect of the game, combined with the adrenaline rush of high-stakes challenges, makes it a popular choice among teens. The game’s focus on speed, strategy, and competition appeals to those who enjoy testing their skills against others, whether they're evading the law or enforcing it.