Hardware: Rivals

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jan 5, 2016
User Score
5.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 87
  3. Negative: 31 out of 87

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  1. Spitbot
    Jan 13, 2016
    7
    Very enjoyable, but lacking. If you like car combat games, you'll feel right at home here, but this one can feel... unfinished at times. For one, there are only four vehicles as of now, and not all that many maps. Even though it launched just over a week ago and is free for PS Plus subscribers, the game's online multiplayer seems VERY abandoned. Full games are a rarity in my experience,Very enjoyable, but lacking. If you like car combat games, you'll feel right at home here, but this one can feel... unfinished at times. For one, there are only four vehicles as of now, and not all that many maps. Even though it launched just over a week ago and is free for PS Plus subscribers, the game's online multiplayer seems VERY abandoned. Full games are a rarity in my experience, and I usually get paired up with people way above or way below my skill level. It's fun, but is it worth the asking price? As of now, maybe not, but is it worth playing free if you have PS Plus? Absolutely! It's just weighed down by too many problems to be a must buy for most people… Expand
  2. DanishDan
    Jan 14, 2016
    4
    I was very disappointed that this was not a local multiplayer game. The game is far from perfect, and not nearly as fun as far older versions of this kind of game, but nostalgically it could still have been fun if it could be a 'sofa' game, but as a game to play online, it is not fun or special enough to waste time on.
  3. Sewpar
    Jan 6, 2016
    8
    It's a pretty damn good game, the gameplay is fun and similar to Twisted Metal. Power-ups are fun and the graphics are nice. However, the game needs more variety: more vehicles (only 4 at the time of writing the review), more power-ups, more customisation features. There's also NO split screen, which is kind of disappointing. All in all, it's a really fun game, but needs more variety.
  4. Morphine_OD
    Jan 10, 2016
    0
    Boring and bland, this by the numbers game wishes it was Twisted Metal and Rocket League love child. Instead it's just another "games as a service" cashgrab that is so familiar, basic and cliched there is no reason to ever launch it. You'll feel like you've been playing it for ages even before you get your first level, win your first domination game or unlock your first cosmetic addon.
  5. shootinship101
    Jan 7, 2016
    7
    The game is fun, but with the overall lack of many things, from cars, maps, modes, and customization options, this looks more and more like a free-to-play game. If you're looking to spend money, skip this, but good for you if you're a PS Plus member.
  6. JoeB777
    Jan 6, 2016
    5
    Basically, the game is fun for a while, but more than a little shallow. Also, the graphics and variety of weapons, and arenas is a little inadequate. It's a great game for PS+, but there are better games to spend your money on. Play it for an hour or two and then move along.

    At least it avoid micro transaction BS, so kudos for that.
  7. Multitude
    Jan 9, 2016
    0
    This game does not only look bad, it also has pretty lame car and weapons handling. All in all i have no idea why they even made this game. ich you want a fun car game, get rocket league, because this is crap.
  8. DF007gamer
    Jan 20, 2016
    9
    It is what it is....a basic multiplayer. I've platinumed the game and enjoy it. It's not AAA game and its a nice break from the AAA's. If you looking to take a break from COD then go ahead and download the game. It has only 4 maps but should keep you entertained for a while
  9. misarr
    Jan 7, 2016
    10
    With multiple maps, game modes, challenges and special events, Hardware: Rivals lets you jump online for some frenetic vehicle-on-vehicle combat. You can go in as a lone wolf or as part of a team, challenging your friends and hunting down your rivals. Wear your colors proudly and unlock vehicle upgrades to tweak your ride to your own personal taste.
  10. SIPPIO
    Jan 10, 2016
    5
    -WHY DO gamers like 'ONLINE-ONLY/MULTIPLAYER-ONLY' games?

    -This was fun once upon a time when everyones REAL LIFE friends were playing CALL O' DUTY Or HALO etc, but to stick with Online only means 1 thing= whooping up on strangers with people you don't know.. -it does have a p,ace in gaming,,just not as its own standalone.. --The Dinosaur Primal carnage something same thing- awesome    -WHY DO gamers like 'ONLINE-ONLY/MULTIPLAYER-ONLY' games?

    -This was fun once upon a time when everyones REAL LIFE friends were playing CALL O' DUTY Or HALO etc, but to stick with Online only means 1 thing= whooping up on strangers with people you don't know..
    -it does have a p,ace in gaming,,just not as its own standalone..
    --The Dinosaur Primal carnage something same thing- awesome as all heck,can even play as raptor but online only.
    ---Atleast have The Destiny mentality of PVE where one can solo if ones friends aren't online.
    --non-friends bail with zero warning and rage quit every other game.    … Expand
  11. SovietBR
    Jan 6, 2016
    5
    The idea of the game is great, but the game itself is weak. Controls are clumsy, it's difficult to make a simple turn. Aiming is extremely difficult and you can't change buttons.
  12. Turbodowg
    Jan 12, 2016
    0
    Sony really have took the p*ss this month. After a dreadful xmas of pitiful free games what do we get fro the newyear? A free version of a free beta that we had the displeasure of playing in the summer.

    Hardware rivals is an utterly appalling game, and the dev's should be banned from making games and fined, striped of all assets and never allowed to make another shady deal with Sony to    Sony really have took the p*ss this month. After a dreadful xmas of pitiful free games what do we get fro the newyear? A free version of a free beta that we had the displeasure of playing in the summer.

    Hardware rivals is an utterly appalling game, and the dev's should be banned from making games and fined, striped of all assets and never allowed to make another shady deal with Sony to give this rubbish away as a free ps+ game ever again!

    How dare they insult is yet again! The only thing I could reccomend this game for is to show other gamers what depression and missery look like. It is dull, thoughtless crap personified.

    If i could give it minus 100 as a score I would.

    Not even worth it for free (for the second time).    … Expand
  13. Captiosus
    Jan 10, 2016
    5
    This game is yet another very shallow, online-only, offering masquerading as a full arcade priced title. Only four vehicles, bland arenas, boring upgrade system, wonky physics, wonky netcode, and challenges that are either too easy or too stupidly grindy. I suppose it's a good thing they're giving it away for free to PS+ users immediately as I don't see it selling to anyone at the $19.99This game is yet another very shallow, online-only, offering masquerading as a full arcade priced title. Only four vehicles, bland arenas, boring upgrade system, wonky physics, wonky netcode, and challenges that are either too easy or too stupidly grindy. I suppose it's a good thing they're giving it away for free to PS+ users immediately as I don't see it selling to anyone at the $19.99 price point. This is, at best, a $10 offering and only if you're really longing for some car combat that isn't Rocket League. But Twisted Metal or Vigilante 8 this isn't.… Expand
  14. FriedConsole
    Jan 9, 2016
    6
    When I played the beta I thought they were going to add a bunch of stuff but this is still bare minimum content. Controls takes some time to get use to but they are fine. I had fun but I only needed about 5 hours until I was done with this. Feels too slow in this post Rocket League world. Weapons are too unbalanced as everyone is fighting over the one kill weapon. Like a good PS+ game youWhen I played the beta I thought they were going to add a bunch of stuff but this is still bare minimum content. Controls takes some time to get use to but they are fine. I had fun but I only needed about 5 hours until I was done with this. Feels too slow in this post Rocket League world. Weapons are too unbalanced as everyone is fighting over the one kill weapon. Like a good PS+ game you have some fun and are glad you didn't pay money for it.… Expand
  15. GreenMachineG
    Jan 10, 2016
    4
    Hardware: Rivals is an exciting car combat game, with a lot of issues. The game is fun for a short while, but lack of vehicle depth and very few maps makes the game get old after only a few matches. I always find when a game has no single-player they tend to be harder to enjoy at length, but this game isn't great in the multi-player department either. The game was pretty much just okay allHardware: Rivals is an exciting car combat game, with a lot of issues. The game is fun for a short while, but lack of vehicle depth and very few maps makes the game get old after only a few matches. I always find when a game has no single-player they tend to be harder to enjoy at length, but this game isn't great in the multi-player department either. The game was pretty much just okay all around. The physics were weird; for example when two cars crashed into each other they always land back on their tires for some reason, which felt like a cop-out to avoid ramming damage. This is a very basic car combat game, and if you are a fan of them, such as Twisted Metal, then why not give this a shot, especially for free with Playstation Plus, but otherwise I would stay away.

    6.2/10    … Expand
  16. viel09
    Jan 10, 2016
    7
    The game will soon lose players for its lack of content. The idea is great. Too bad players out there will play COD black ops or star wars instead of this. Thought this one was gonna be another rocket league
  17. hacc_resistence
    Jan 10, 2016
    10
    For me the game I loved , Bring Variety but not quite complete it takes more content , the game allows us to enter the online battle mode frantic para con un UN wonderful environment Working together or alone to win the games.
  18. fandango89
    Jun 14, 2016
    4
    Just a not very good game. The sensitivity and control of gun and aiming is terrible. Control of cars is bad. You usually never know where you're getting hit from and can't avoid due to lock on guns. People lock on auto kill you from 300 feet away and nothing you can do about it. Can't see anyone's health or if you're actually damaging or hurting them. There's basically 2 types of cars andJust a not very good game. The sensitivity and control of gun and aiming is terrible. Control of cars is bad. You usually never know where you're getting hit from and can't avoid due to lock on guns. People lock on auto kill you from 300 feet away and nothing you can do about it. Can't see anyone's health or if you're actually damaging or hurting them. There's basically 2 types of cars and tank just seems better. There's a few maps and basically 2 modes. Just a bare bones game. Got repetitive and boring after 3 matches and there's nothing more to do than keep grinding to change color and what you put on your car. But its a driving combat car game with bad combat, aiming, and car driving. No thanks… Expand
  19. mikepango
    Feb 15, 2016
    4
    Is This game that bad? No but there is not much game to play in the first place. You'll play this game for no more then 30 min and get tired of this. It's just so bare bones you wonder how or who is really calling this a game. Yes it's cool driving around shooting trucks up but you can do that in twisted metal and thats a real game. Yes you can have fun in this but not for long.
  20. homer4president
    May 3, 2016
    5
    The cons definitely outweigh the pros in this game unfortunately. Bland graphics, bland gameplay that gets boring after 10 minutes. Even the controls are a bit funky. The only redeeming quality for me is that it was free.
  21. josesueiro
    Aug 6, 2016
    6
    Hardware: Rivals is an online multiplayer vehicular combat game developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment.

    + Fun to Play
    - No Split Screen
    - No Single Player Mode
  22. Nel
    Feb 2, 2017
    2
    Hardware rival is an online exclusive game. There is some local matches that can be played. The overall experience is poor if you are new to the game you are still going to be fighting players with better armor, and veteran players at the start, which immediately takes the joy out of it.
  23. seriimac
    Aug 5, 2016
    8
    This game seriously need DLCs, but in rest is very ok. I must say, the best game to play with tanks since Battle City! Online is fun, competitive, a nice combo of good parts of Rocket League and COD :D
  24. SuperDuck23
    May 28, 2017
    6
    Hardware: Rivals is enjoyable enough for a while (particularly with friends), but with its lack of content and awkward vehicle controls this game can’t help but feel unfinished.
  25. CocaineSunsets
    Jan 22, 2016
    5
    This game is completely forgettable. VERY few maps, vehicles, modes and weapons and the control scheme is awkward. If you've played any other vehicular combat game, such as Twisted Metal, you've already experienced everything this game has to offer. It's so incredibly dull and bare bones that you'll probably only get 10 minutes or so into this before you won't want to play anymore. There'sThis game is completely forgettable. VERY few maps, vehicles, modes and weapons and the control scheme is awkward. If you've played any other vehicular combat game, such as Twisted Metal, you've already experienced everything this game has to offer. It's so incredibly dull and bare bones that you'll probably only get 10 minutes or so into this before you won't want to play anymore. There's such little variety and lack of any innovations here that it's just painfully boring and mediocre.… Expand
  26. XxJoseManuelxX
    Aug 16, 2016
    6
    Hardware: Rivals is an online multiplayer vehicular combat game developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment.

    + Fun to Play
    - No Split Screen
    - No Single Player Mode
  27. Fostero1993
    Aug 23, 2016
    5
    The game is fun for a while. It's a good game for Playstation+, but there are better games to spend your money on. Game for a while, too small content, and difficult to control the car and shooting to the target. Game despite the cool graphics doesn't stand out from others games.
  28. TatsMcGee
    Sep 8, 2018
    5
    Was it fun?

    Yes and No. I downloaded this game because it was a free to download playstation plus game. I didn’t look anything up about this game so I knew nothing about this game going in. All I knew is it had something to do with vehicles. I got playing it and realized its a shooter but you’re in a vehicle. So I drove around shooting at people, blowing up cars (getting more blown up    Was it fun?

    Yes and No. I downloaded this game because it was a free to download playstation plus game. I didn’t look anything up about this game so I knew nothing about this game going in. All I knew is it had something to do with vehicles. I got playing it and realized its a shooter but you’re in a vehicle. So I drove around shooting at people, blowing up cars (getting more blown up even more) but after about an hour. I lost interest in the game. Its fun game for short periods of time.

    Are there any similar games?

    Its similar to online shooters where you run around, shoot and try to kill them. The big difference is that this game, everyone is in a vehicle. Which means there are a lot more explosions but I don’t know if that means its better.

    Would you play it again?

    I might yes, maybe every once in awhile if I’m looking to kill an hour. As I said, its a fun game in short spurts.

    Any Complaints?

    No, it goes out and does exactly what its suppose to do. Its suppose to be a fun casual game where you just run around blow things up.    … Expand
  29. banganimator
    Oct 6, 2019
    9
    Hardware: Rivals, for me personally and until now, has been THE game on PS4. It's not perfect by a long shot, but the type of game and the community made it the most played game for the last 4 years.

    I play a lot of Apex Legends now, but that game can not compete with it on the level of intensity. Sadly the game is mostly played by veteran players now, so for a new player it's almost    Hardware: Rivals, for me personally and until now, has been THE game on PS4. It's not perfect by a long shot, but the type of game and the community made it the most played game for the last 4 years.

    I play a lot of Apex Legends now, but that game can not compete with it on the level of intensity.

    Sadly the game is mostly played by veteran players now, so for a new player it's almost impossible to get into the game.

    The biggest reason that it never became a bigger title is the fact that it's not an independent title. Sony just dropped support for it after 1 year. A smaller studio would've continued support and listen to the players (like Rocket League).

    Yet. Because it was a smaller title you ended up knowing the players better. So, the social aspect of the game has been great. I made some best friends abroad who I even met a few times. And some have visited me.
    I even got in contact and met a few of the developers of the game in Ireland and the UK

    ---

    The game can be difficult to master, because of the high level players in it. There's no ranked play whatsoever. Also, the driving and aiming/shooting at the same time takes practice. Lots of practice....

    But, the intensity of a full 10-players game is hardly matched by any other PS4 title I played. It's big fun and gives a huge rush. Especially plyaing on headphones or when playing on a well positioned surround system.

    So, if you decide to give it a chance, then try to hang on for a month or so and don't give up after a week.

    You can always contact me on the game. Just send a message to my PSN account: Banganimator.    … Expand
  30. LG_Fox_Brazil
    Aug 5, 2020
    2
    Hardware Rivals wanted to be the next Twisted Metal, but it failed. Failed miserably. The lack of couch multiplayer and the blandness of so many aspects make it a generic game that tries a few things, and doesn't succeed in any department. A shame. It could be something really special if the game had a more original look and original cars, weapons and scenarios.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 24
  3. Negative: 3 out of 24
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 31, 2016
    80
    Hardware: Rivals is a fun and fast vehicle shooter. Needs more arenas, though. And what's with the automatic vertical aiming? That's just stupid and completely unnecessary. [March 2016]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Mar 7, 2016
    60
    The mechanics just can't rival other PS Plus freebies for depth. [March 2016, p.94]
  3. Play UK
    Feb 24, 2016
    50
    Amazingly bland and perfunctory vehicular action, with seemingly no-one online to play with. Instantly forgettable. Our advice: just keep playing Rocket League. [Issue#266, p.68]
See all critic reviews »