Need for Speed: The Run

 PlayStation 3
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 218 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 218
  2. Mixed: 73 out of 218
  3. Negative: 49 out of 218
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  1. Jensen_82
    Jan 3, 2012
    10
    This game is underrated, and it's good to see some other positive comments for The Run on here.

    Yes the story is pretty dumb and the main character comes across as a bit of a douche, but my advice would be to play through the story in hard mode straight away, if you do I think most players will find it satisfyingly challenging the first time through. The online challenges/races hold up    This game is underrated, and it's good to see some other positive comments for The Run on here.

    Yes the story is pretty dumb and the main character comes across as a bit of a douche, but my advice would be to play through the story in hard mode straight away, if you do I think most players will find it satisfyingly challenging the first time through.

    The online challenges/races hold up pretty well, but don't offer the same levels of in depth customisation found in Hot Pursuit, which is still the superior NFS game overall. But as someone who remembers the classic old arcade-style racers like outrun, I played through The Run with some nostalgia - no bad thing in my book.

    My advice to anyone thinking of buying this game is to take it at face value - don't compare it to the excellent NFSHP. It's an out and out arcade racer with a story element. If you do this I think you'll have a lot of fun.    … Expand
  2. Abhaygamin2002
    Dec 29, 2015
    10
    This Game is my most favorite Nfs game 2nd is prostreet.V.good story,characters,gameplay and most of all the beautiful America.Its amazing and also a must buy for racing freaks and ps3 owners.
  3. Colombo
    Dec 29, 2011
    9
    NFS The Run is a very nice racing game. Although the game is very short, The Run will be very fun and you will have a good time while competing. You have different tests, at different places and with different driving conditions, so, you will have to be able to drive in the snow, desert or off-road and with muscles, exotics and sportive cars. When you finish The Run, you'll have at leastNFS The Run is a very nice racing game. Although the game is very short, The Run will be very fun and you will have a good time while competing. You have different tests, at different places and with different driving conditions, so, you will have to be able to drive in the snow, desert or off-road and with muscles, exotics and sportive cars. When you finish The Run, you'll have at least 3-5 hours of more gameplay while racing the challenge series, that are individual races where you have to beat a challenger, other races best time or just let some fools eating sand. Autolog and Graphics are also good points from the game, who will give you much more fun than Forza or Gran Turismo.… Expand
  4. GrumpyReviewer
    Dec 18, 2011
    8
    So much fun. This game is all about fun. Forget about the story - which is in fact a nice touch to the series - and just enjoy the run. I myself am not very much of a driving game fan, but I'm having a blast with this one. Highly recommended to all NFS fans and newcomers. Great game, I don't know what the critics are thinking, giving this game a 6.0. Great graphics, awesome gameplay andSo much fun. This game is all about fun. Forget about the story - which is in fact a nice touch to the series - and just enjoy the run. I myself am not very much of a driving game fan, but I'm having a blast with this one. Highly recommended to all NFS fans and newcomers. Great game, I don't know what the critics are thinking, giving this game a 6.0. Great graphics, awesome gameplay and challenge. Simply love it.… Expand
  5. gusnyc
    Nov 18, 2011
    9
    I am really enjoying this game. It is definitely the 2011 version of Outrun. The difficulty level is very well balanced. The feel of speed is great, the graphics are gorgeous, and the whole experience is a blast. Lots and lots of fun. I love racing games, but sometimes they feel repetitive. Not in this case. It is a great arcade style racing game.
  6. Grantus921
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Cool graphics, wish I could enjoy the scenery more while I'm racing. Autolog is awesome. It's the best feeling ever when you beat your friend's best time by a fraction of a second.
  7. jhparne
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    Killer fun game, the challenge series is intense! Loving the online play and autolog keeps me in the look even when I'm not playing. The scenery is super real and the cars I can choose from are the best.
  8. Kmann1994
    Nov 19, 2011
    8
    First off, I'd like to say that Need for Speed is my second favorite game franchise out there (Next to GTA) and I have played every single game in the series. The Run looked promising, so when I gave it a try, I had some high expectations. While certainly not a perfect game, I did enjoy the entire concept, beautiful cutscenes, fast driving, amazing graphics, great tracks, and attempt at aFirst off, I'd like to say that Need for Speed is my second favorite game franchise out there (Next to GTA) and I have played every single game in the series. The Run looked promising, so when I gave it a try, I had some high expectations. While certainly not a perfect game, I did enjoy the entire concept, beautiful cutscenes, fast driving, amazing graphics, great tracks, and attempt at a story. The ending of the game opened up room for a sequel to The Run, and I can say that I am thourougly looking forward to it. As long as Black Box improves some areas like the story, more cutscenes, customization, some sort of weapon usage similar to Hot Pursuit in gameplay, and maybe even an open world, then we could have a real winner of an NFS game!… Expand
  9. BloodSaint
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    From dazzling scenery to spectacular set pieces, this is a worthy entry in the need for speed franchise. The frostbite 2 engine makes the whole world just stuningly beautiful and there is only so much that words can describe. Intense white knuckled racing is absolutely addicting. The autolog helps you compete with your friends and makes the game so much more competitive. Multiplayer isFrom dazzling scenery to spectacular set pieces, this is a worthy entry in the need for speed franchise. The frostbite 2 engine makes the whole world just stuningly beautiful and there is only so much that words can describe. Intense white knuckled racing is absolutely addicting. The autolog helps you compete with your friends and makes the game so much more competitive. Multiplayer is splendid and is even more enjoyable with friends as winning gives you much bragging rights. A huge variety of cars to choose, from vintage muscles to modern supercars. This game gives you that adrenaline feeling that few games on todays market offer. A must have for any racing fan, be it arcade or sim fan. This game is absolutely fun and I have no idea why IGN gave it such a crappy score. The only thing I agree with their review is that this game is slightly short but that may perhaps be that Im enjoying myself so much and finished the game too quickly which leaves me craving for me. This game is a masterpiece.… Expand
  10. idonteatmeat
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Not sure why the initial reviews are so polarizing... Look, this game is super fun. The handling is great and will appeal to many different gamers. I'm having lots of fun with this one. Give it a shot!
  11. sakasurf
    Dec 7, 2011
    9
    Good Campain, good game, Frostbyte 2 is really powerfull.
    goodlooking game, and i like to drive it. people who were expeting a new NSF underground game, well they need to open they minds
  12. bigdaddyswoll
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    WoW! Where to start? Ok started with story mode...played about 45 minutes before I realized just how boring that was going to be. On to the multiplayer! Logged in and found a race pretty easy. Cars looked pretty good...here we go. It's a pretty straight track so I pick the car with the fastest top speed. I have a better ranking then almost everyone in the room from playingWoW! Where to start? Ok started with story mode...played about 45 minutes before I realized just how boring that was going to be. On to the multiplayer! Logged in and found a race pretty easy. Cars looked pretty good...here we go. It's a pretty straight track so I pick the car with the fastest top speed. I have a better ranking then almost everyone in the room from playing singleplayer so I figure I have a pretty good chance. Driving requires nowhere near as much skill as hot pursuit which is my first big disappointment. Even on snow covered hillsides my car seems to be pretty well hugging the road even at 155mph going downhill. I overlook this because I do realize this game is meant to be arcade style pure and simple. On to my next and most massive gripe.. Cruising along in my 500 hp mustang gt500 no hitting anything on a straight away and using nitrous non stop when out of nowhere here comes a ford focus blowing by me like I am setting still. Wait how can this be? I'm on a straight away, have hit no traffic or walls and am at top speed using nitrous yet here comes not one, but two cars with much less top speed leaving me in the dust. Oh no you don't! I hammer on the nitrous with a full tank..yet..I..can't seem to catch up?? WTF?! After two more hours playing I quickly realize this game has some of the most outrageous and retarded rubber band physics I have ever seen. Ok, yes I expect those somewhat in a single player campaign to keep the game close, but in multiplayer? Why?? Even if they chose to use the rubber band physics why in God's name are they doing it with cars in first 3 positions??? I understand those poor folk back in positions 6-8 to give them a slight chance to at least battle for last few positions, but why in gods name when you make no mistakes and have a car whose top speed is quite a bit higher the car that is blowing by you is this in the game?? Worse then that, why the hell do I not seem to have this magic ability when I am in second place and back? Cars will blow by you when you are making no mistakes like you are sitting still, and you can hit nitrous or any other trick you might have to no avail. This game is an insult for 60 dollars. It is yet another gem also that when traded in will cost the poor sap that buys it 10 bucks to activate an online pass to play. The sad part is they soon find out after dumping 10 bucks into the online pass that overall the online play is even worse then the single player campaign. Another quick side note was that even after multiple unlocks for your profile i was unable to find any place to actually enter your profile and customize it. The manual mentions earning unlocks but fails to tell you just how the hell you get to your profile to change it. The one shining point of this game is the backgrounds, which are beautiful and diverse. Save yourself the money and rent this first. Better yet go purchase Driver San Fransisco which i found to be much more entertaining online, as well as split screen with a friend.… Expand
  13. topsp33d
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    This Video Game in my opinion is still the best racing game that came out, Don't mistake me for some newbie I've been playing all Need for speed games since 2002 ,I've set multiplayer records and I am a retired GT3 track racer myself, street racing been in my life since high school and Need for speed is what brought me back to the feeling of my younger days and of course without the dangerThis Video Game in my opinion is still the best racing game that came out, Don't mistake me for some newbie I've been playing all Need for speed games since 2002 ,I've set multiplayer records and I am a retired GT3 track racer myself, street racing been in my life since high school and Need for speed is what brought me back to the feeling of my younger days and of course without the danger I really cared about Jack in this game his past was unknown and mysterious which I loved the racing itself is not as thrilling as real racing at first but when really get into the game you feel even more thrill than the real race I played this game in the hardest difficulty so when ever I crashed it felt like I was dying for real, Over and all I get that most people don't see it this way but everything about the Run worked for me thank you for reading and many thanks to the EA for making this exciting games.… Expand
  14. baddeadtaste
    Dec 8, 2011
    9
    The newest NFS is a decent game. The game play is arcade style but then again so are all the NFS entries as of late, which is fine with me. If I wanted simulation I'd be playing Forza or Gran Turismo. The game looks gorgeous and plays well to boot. The campaign is a bit short and can be frustrating at times but it is still a cool new twist on a racer that is a lot of fun. Where thisThe newest NFS is a decent game. The game play is arcade style but then again so are all the NFS entries as of late, which is fine with me. If I wanted simulation I'd be playing Forza or Gran Turismo. The game looks gorgeous and plays well to boot. The campaign is a bit short and can be frustrating at times but it is still a cool new twist on a racer that is a lot of fun. Where this game really shined for me is the online play. This game is fast and fun online and super addictive. Plenty of track variety, lots of cars, icons and backgrounds to unlock make it so you are always striving to unlock that next item. If your looking for a good arcade style racer that is lots of fun with a great online element, this is your game. Check it out.… Expand
  15. Cartteros
    Apr 16, 2012
    9
    The Run is an awesome racing game, despite its flaws.
    In short, the story is simple and gets the job done. It's short, but good enough.
    The Run is a good looking game. The graphics of the cars are absolutely beautiful. The world isn't a problem, but it should be a bit more polished. But it's really not a problem, at all. People have complained about the physics. In fact, it may be a little    The Run is an awesome racing game, despite its flaws.
    In short, the story is simple and gets the job done. It's short, but good enough.
    The Run is a good looking game. The graphics of the cars are absolutely beautiful. The world isn't a problem, but it should be a bit more polished. But it's really not a problem, at all.
    People have complained about the physics. In fact, it may be a little disturbing in the beginning, but when you get used with it, it's pretty nice to get your car weaving the traffic at high speeds or making tight corners.
    A bad point in The Run is the camera. It gets ridiculously close to the car in a way you can't see the road, sometimes. In time, of course, you get used to it, but it may be a little annoying, for some people.
    Besides the short career, the Challenge Series gets you busy for an average time. It has funny challenges, and if you like awesome races, you'll like it.
    The multiplayer is not incredible, but has little tasks that keep you racing online to unlock a lot of cars, if you got the mood.
    The Run definitely deserves being part of the NFS franchise.    … Expand
  16. MatthewPP4L
    Mar 13, 2013
    8
    I must say, this is quite an exciting and 'unique' racing game. I really like the linear story driven "The Run" mode, you start off racing good cars, and they just get better from there. It's definitely an arcade racer, but that doesnt mean the handling or physics are bad at all. It just means that youre going to be racing in heavy traffic, in some crazy stages, with alot of wild stuffI must say, this is quite an exciting and 'unique' racing game. I really like the linear story driven "The Run" mode, you start off racing good cars, and they just get better from there. It's definitely an arcade racer, but that doesnt mean the handling or physics are bad at all. It just means that youre going to be racing in heavy traffic, in some crazy stages, with alot of wild stuff going on! During "The Run" there are some awesome Heavy Rain style action cut-scenes, that I will not spoil at all, but just say they add a very nice change of pace to a story based racing game!

    I really enjoyed this game, and after The Run mode, the challenges and online mode are keeping me playing!    … Expand
  17. rjfoxtrot
    Mar 25, 2013
    8
    This game is under appreciated. The graphics are very well done, the story is as good as any other need for speed game, and the racing is good as ever. I would seriously give this game a chance.
  18. deepx
    May 15, 2013
    8
    It's not a perfect game, but is there?? The Run for me is: Just fun. The scenery is beautiful. I mean, the details are fantastic, it's never boring to look at. The gameplay is not the best, but it's not the worst either. Don't take this game too seriously. Just hop in a car, enjoy the scenery & floor it!
  19. iamTylerDurden
    Mar 29, 2014
    8
    BETTER THAN IT GETS CREDIT FOR. First off for a 2011 PS3 game it is simply gorgeous boasting slick textures, excellent lighting, and detailed character models (including cars). It's the first racing game to implement the hallowed Frostbite2 and it upgrades the visuals with rousing success (though i would've liked a little more destruction). The game is linear so do not think BurnoutBETTER THAN IT GETS CREDIT FOR. First off for a 2011 PS3 game it is simply gorgeous boasting slick textures, excellent lighting, and detailed character models (including cars). It's the first racing game to implement the hallowed Frostbite2 and it upgrades the visuals with rousing success (though i would've liked a little more destruction). The game is linear so do not think Burnout Paradise here, but the linear approach fits the summer blockbuster cinematic style like a G-L-O-V-E. I for one really enjoyed my time outside the car running from the mob and the cops as your character "Jack" does venture outside the car every now and then for adrenaline filled quick time events and button mashing sequences that add excitement and story immersion as well as break up the monotony of your standard racing game. The Run adds very respectable voice acting including your main advocate, a sultry woman played by the equally sultry Christina Hendrix (Mad Men) who also enhances the visual appeal of the game - please developers we need more games featuring a mo-capped Christina Hendrix. The cars seem to control a little clunkier and are more stiff than in other NFS games which imo is an attempt at realism though for most gamers it doesn't seem to translate well. In The Run you also get multiple checkpoint replays which take you back to the most recent checkpoint in the event you crash or drive off a cliff, you can also trigger the replay manually if you are displeased with your last segment. The story is short but between the campaign, challenge series, autologs, and a very strong online mp there is plenty to keep you busy. Not a flawless game but one that changes it up and adds fresh elements along with the sparkle of the Frostbite2 makes it a worthy racing game for anyone who likes speed, thrills, and a fun story ........ oh and Christina Hendrix! NFS: The Run 8/10. * JaY *… Expand
  20. akavegas
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best need for speed games ever made!!!! Very addicting and easily can get lost in game for hours at a time without getting boring one bit. It will change how you see racing games.
  21. lordsuarez
    Aug 23, 2014
    8
    In the past few years we have seen NFS titles of various themes and some have been successful whilst others failures. The latest iteration in this popular video game racing franchise is thankfully an addition to the successful list. Produced by Black Box reputable for their inclusion of fantastic gameplay mechanics in previous titles and published by EA, it was sure to be a great game.In the past few years we have seen NFS titles of various themes and some have been successful whilst others failures. The latest iteration in this popular video game racing franchise is thankfully an addition to the successful list. Produced by Black Box reputable for their inclusion of fantastic gameplay mechanics in previous titles and published by EA, it was sure to be a great game.
    The game, as you may have already learnt from looking at the promotional photos and videos, is about completing an illicit high-stakes race from San Francisco to New York dubbed "The Run". You assume the persona of Jack Rourke, a thug who is indebted to the mob and joins the Run in hopes of hitting the jackpot to pay them back. This race, however, isn't the average dash from point A to point B as quick as possible. With nearly 215 adversaries and 2900 miles to cover, The Run is a risky investment for Jack. The story straight away starts with the protagonist tied to a steering wheel of a Porsche, whilst being hoisted into a crusher for his inevitable death. After smashing a few buttons I was prompted to, Jack escapes the car and leaves the vicinity.

    A few minutes later, he walks into a China shop and sits down to talk to his colleague and former girlfriend, Sam Harper. She tells him about how if he joins The Run and wins it, he would get 10% of the profit and it would get rid of the mob. Then, the words Need For Speed The Run appear on the screen with a flash of epic music. "Bring it on!" are the words ringing through my head. According to the executive producer of The Run, the game is special because you're not always racing. Sometimes you will be trying to avoid things and fight for your life. I do have to agree with him on that one. Apart from the normal races where you need to gain positions, there are checkpoint races, cop pursuits, rival races, battle races and survival races. They are evenly proportioned which means you will not always be doing the same old darn thing. It's great that they have done this because when you have a game revolving around linear missions, after a while things tend to get boring. I also forgot to mention the presence of quick time events, which is a weird name they use to describe levels where you control Jack instead of a 500 horse-powered Lamborghini or a car. (like the first level where Jack escapes a crusher).

    Players will earn XP for everything they do in the game. You can earn XP by doing a range of stuff including jumping distances, drifting, overtaking racers and avoiding roadblocks. As players earn more XP they will level up and unlock rewards such as profile backgrounds, cars and new abilities such as nitrous. It's a great motive for players who rarely break the law in the game (ignoring the fact that The Run is an illegal race to start with). Speaking of cars, the game has a wide variety of muscle and exotic cars that can be utilized. The car textures are alright, but the lack of customization options made me quite frustrated, especially when I had to look at cars with ugly vinyls.

    Need For Speed The Run is surprisingly the first ever game in the franchise to use real-life locations as the setting. In each race, you will be experiencing different environments, such as deserts, urban cities, rural areas, train tracks, mountains and bridges. Each and every environment is beautifully rendered, thanks to the game's cutting edge engine, Frostbite 2. However, sometimes I suspect that the environments are reused for certain levels. Or maybe it's just because each state in the United States is the same thing but just with a different name.

    Narrative-driven missions aside, The Run also features a few other game modes such as Challenge Series and online multiplayer races. In the former game mode, you have to play less intense events (in comparison to the single-player events) and try to earn medals by completing them in a specific amount of time. NFS The Run's online play is arguably the best aspect of the game. You can either play with friends or with the community, and the objective is to finish races and collect as many points as possible. Each session consists of three races, and the player with the most number of points at the end wins. You also earn copious volumes of XP when playing online. One particular feature I find brilliant is the bonus wheel, which grants the winner of a particular objective a nice reward such as a free car or extra XP. The reward is decided before the session starts, so everybody knows what’s up for grabs. What players need to do to earn the reward is also entirely random. For example, once I had to get a podium finish if I wanted to receive an extra 1000 XP. Did I also mention that everything is connected? Autolog, making it's second appearance since Need For Speed Hot Pursuit records your every move so your friends can compare their scores with yours and try to beat them. Autolog makes every little thing into a huge competitive challenge. 8.5/10    … Expand
  22. mclure
    Aug 23, 2014
    10
    I enjoyed racing, this is a rather difficult experience for me since I'm never played racing games on a console before, but it's fun you can adjust an audio slider for a more racing experience or a movie one with emphasis on sound effects rather than the car and engine. There are many challenges, many levels, and as previous titles by EA Black Box they are really varied and some are harderI enjoyed racing, this is a rather difficult experience for me since I'm never played racing games on a console before, but it's fun you can adjust an audio slider for a more racing experience or a movie one with emphasis on sound effects rather than the car and engine. There are many challenges, many levels, and as previous titles by EA Black Box they are really varied and some are harder than the others but with practice comes the skill. The locations are varied and mostly highways, altough city levels include Las Vegas, San Francisco and everything in between the West Coast to the East Coast. NPCs have most Nissan vehicles for traffic such as the i30 and Infinitis or some heavy trucks and buses. You can't customize the car but I find it really interesting that instead of a handling rating measured in a graphical manner, the cars range from Easy to Very Challenging, and they follow aspects of real life variants.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
51
#51 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 48
  3. Negative: 3 out of 48
  1. Console Monster
    Apr 28, 2012
    70
    In summary, The Run provides yet another aspect to the NFS series and with its Hollywood-like cut scenes and storyline, easy to pick-up-and-play driving; The Run is definitely one to run out for, however I wouldn't run a marathon for the game. If you're not a NFS freak, a simple rent will keep you occupied for more than enough time.
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  2. Play UK
    Jan 9, 2012
    63
    So long as you can get behind the odd handling and the deceptive setup, The Run offers some top-end racing thrills tucked in among some cheap, scripted and downright annoying moments. [Issue#213, p.84]
  3. games(TM)
    Jan 9, 2012
    50
    Fleeting fun and a mild distraction it may be, but The Run finishes this particular race upside down in a ditch. On fire. [Issue#117, p.112]
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