Need for Speed Payback

 PlayStation 4
User Score
4.3

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1372 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 426 out of 1372
  2. Mixed: 202 out of 1372
  3. Negative: 744 out of 1372
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  1. Craptasticjack
    Nov 15, 2017
    10
    Don't listen to all of the people giving this game zero's 1's, 2's, etc. Need for Speed Payback is a great game! Probably the best in the series since Hot Pursuit, 2010. The story is your typical NFS fare, but the handling, gameplay, and racing is all a major step up from Need for Speed 2015. There are tons of cars to drive, the customization is top quality, and Police are challenging!Don't listen to all of the people giving this game zero's 1's, 2's, etc. Need for Speed Payback is a great game! Probably the best in the series since Hot Pursuit, 2010. The story is your typical NFS fare, but the handling, gameplay, and racing is all a major step up from Need for Speed 2015. There are tons of cars to drive, the customization is top quality, and Police are challenging! Only real downside is no free roam police as police only show up during missions and in bait crates, which activate police pursuits on command. IMO this game is a solid 8/10, but I'm going to be giving it a 10 to help even out the 1's and 0's which are very much undeserved.… Expand
  2. DanteRBT
    Nov 15, 2017
    10
    This game is awesome. Yes, I agree with the complains that people have but this game is great. Reminds me a little of Destiny 1. It plays very very well even if that may be the only thing it excels at but I guess it's a game after all, meant to be played and I can't put it down.
  3. MrBashbory
    Nov 7, 2017
    10
    اللعبه ممتازه لينا احنا كمجتمع لاعبين مش نقاد ودرجه الاستمتاع فيها عاليه جدا انما الطرق اللى بيستخدمها المراجعين الرسميين متناسبناش ابدا ولا تفرق لانهم مش بيستمتعوا بيها على طريقه لاعب عادى اشترى اللعبه لانه بيحبها مش ده لان اكل عيشه كدهاللعبه ممتازه لينا احنا كمجتمع لاعبين مش نقاد ودرجه الاستمتاع فيها عاليه جدا انما الطرق اللى بيستخدمها المراجعين الرسميين متناسبناش ابدا ولا تفرق لانهم مش بيستمتعوا بيها على طريقه لاعب عادى اشترى اللعبه لانه بيحبها مش ده لان اكل عيشه كده
  4. Henrique33
    Nov 10, 2017
    10
    A 10 just to tip the scales on people who didn't played the game but gave a 0 because of micro-transations.
    The game is really fun, it's an solid 8.5 for me. A fun arcade racing where you don't need to do math just to turn a car like most sims. It was clearly inspired on the original Most Wanted wich is really nice.
  5. mobkh
    Nov 7, 2017
    10
    tne new need for speed is a game for the lovers of need for speed kind of games so this ratings isnt true.love need for speed=love it .if ur not a need for speed fan you cant rating the game truly.
  6. Empire_game
    Nov 7, 2017
    10
    I’m not a need for speed fan and I didn’t like the last version but nfs payback is awesome I’ve never seen something like this open world game before I hope you enjoy and rate with justice
  7. Saramacmahone
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    A great map with great cars! One of the greatest racing games I’ve ever played.
    I don’t know how critics can do this I really like the graphics and cars.
  8. Errol1967
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    Cant understand the negativity, this game is awsome. Its defo the way forward.
    I know for sure good patches will turn this negativity into positive reviews.
  9. vinna
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the best racing game with very good customization and the best cars and the best open world map i love it and shame on the people who said this game is bad or ...… Expand
  10. Apacz
    Nov 11, 2017
    10
    This game is surely one of the best NFS in history! Hell, even one of the best racing game to ever exist! These guys that are leaving 0,1,2 etc. reviews are the people that only watched a ign review, and now they think that they know everything about the game. When you play it, you know it's an excellent game! The Ghost Games really listen to their fans, and we basically got a game thatThis game is surely one of the best NFS in history! Hell, even one of the best racing game to ever exist! These guys that are leaving 0,1,2 etc. reviews are the people that only watched a ign review, and now they think that they know everything about the game. When you play it, you know it's an excellent game! The Ghost Games really listen to their fans, and we basically got a game that NFS 2015 should be. Also, people are bashing the game for it's microtransactions, these are TOTALLY SKIPPABLE, and they only give you some "misc" items, such as: neons, horn sounds, nitrous colour, tire smoke colour, some money, and tokens. The speedcards are getting hated on too, and I don't know why. They are just a normal upgrade system (if not better) that is called cards becuase after finishng a race you can choose one of 3 cards that will give A FREE CAR PART! (and I'm talking about car parts like: engine, ecu, nos, etc.). You don't have to grind really hard either. The grind system is similar to what we've got back in 2005 when NFS MW dropped out. If you don't want to race for better car parts, you can just go to the "Tune Up Shop" which allows you to BUY PARTS FOR YOUR CAR BY INGAME MONEY! YEAH! INGAME! YOU DON'T NEED TO GET YOUR REAL MONEY GET THROWN IN THE SCREEN TO BE ABLE TO TUNE UP YOUR RIDE! Like I said earlier, the real money will get you these "misc" parts (neons, tire smoke colour, etc.) only. These car parts aren't available for "a small loan of million dollars", they are for like 15K-30K which you can easily get after finishing 4 races even from the start of the game! And later you get better money so there is barely any grinding. It's a VERY SOLID GAME that I enjoy every milisecond of playing it! If you don't believe, then just go buy it and try it for yourself. There's no way you'll not enjoy this game, unless you're blind or something! Solid 10/10.

    EDIT:

    The visual customization system is hated by some people too! That's also completely iditotic to hate it, becuase it makes you drive, and spend more time on the game, which is good. You unlock these by doing car stunts, such as: "Drive at 282 Km/h for 3s", or "Get a 2x bonus" (from doing car stunts).    … Expand
  11. rasa139
    Nov 11, 2017
    10
    come on gays whats wrong with you
    you speak and act like professional criticism but you always forgot we are gamer if you didn't like the story it doesn't mean you have to give a zero
    come be honest to your self its a great game
  12. genericname53
    Nov 13, 2017
    10
    Can't believe how many people were actually conned into thinking the loot boxes had anything to do with the upgrade system in the game. There is a slight grind, but nothing like reviews are alluring it to be. I've gotten 4 fully upgraded cars within the 10 hour trial in the game just by smart managing all my money and resources.

    What can I say, it's the best nfs game in a decade and    Can't believe how many people were actually conned into thinking the loot boxes had anything to do with the upgrade system in the game. There is a slight grind, but nothing like reviews are alluring it to be. I've gotten 4 fully upgraded cars within the 10 hour trial in the game just by smart managing all my money and resources.

    What can I say, it's the best nfs game in a decade and while it needs some improvements like online free roam, the dev team have already acknowledged them and are working to fix these issues. It's not anything legendary status but at the rate we're going, we're finally starting to get back to the glory days of the old nfs games    … Expand
  13. MrNexus
    Nov 14, 2017
    10
    Game isnt perfect, but it certainly does not feel like it deserves below a 7. This game not only improved on certain aspects of 2015 but gave a lot more with its map, events and story. Only main complaints should be about no freeroam cops and no online freeroam and in a way the upgrading system. This game is a solid 8/10. Reason im giving it a 10 is because of unfair scores on this game.
  14. cmckeown
    Nov 15, 2017
    10
    Lots of reviews complaining about the loot boxes not to many that actually review the game some people saying its play to win , they are lying, sorry you have to grind like every other game, and just because they put in a system so you CAN buy packages, does not mean its play to win, you can play the whole game without buying anything, and to the people complaining about about grindingLots of reviews complaining about the loot boxes not to many that actually review the game some people saying its play to win , they are lying, sorry you have to grind like every other game, and just because they put in a system so you CAN buy packages, does not mean its play to win, you can play the whole game without buying anything, and to the people complaining about about grinding shut up and get out of video games, this is the way games are now , just like any other game there going to try and make more money then just off the purchase of the game, now enough ranting of those idiots, If your looking for a need for speed game then its here , go out and try the game !… Expand
  15. dickman12
    Nov 15, 2017
    10
    I have had an absolute blast playing this game so far. I've the most fun in a Need For Speed game in years. I like this new take on the series and i hope the developers continue to build upon this. I love the wide variety of cars and the introduction of derelicts. It's extremely fun to rip through the canyons in a souped up 65' Mustang
  16. BatmanL_O_L
    Nov 22, 2017
    10
    This game is brilliant. As a racing game it has all the bells and whistles and it excels as a need for speed as the story complements the gameplay, not the other way round. It adds dirt, drag, runner and drift specific cars alongside suvs and pickups. The map would replace Las Vegas on a map of America. There are some graphical errors in cutscenes and the likes, but it has just beenThis game is brilliant. As a racing game it has all the bells and whistles and it excels as a need for speed as the story complements the gameplay, not the other way round. It adds dirt, drag, runner and drift specific cars alongside suvs and pickups. The map would replace Las Vegas on a map of America. There are some graphical errors in cutscenes and the likes, but it has just been released so that is to be expected. It has a blockbuster plot in a regular story. It has derelicts which work like forza's barn finds or the crew's hidden cars and are early throughout the story progression. It has a wild variety of cars, from muscle cars to suvs. Overall a great purchase. The only thing I find wrong with the game is the multiplayer, which lacks online free roam with pals (temporary system in place) and the lack of drift drag and runner events, it also has a level restriction of 275. By the time most players have completed the story the problems will probably been amended. Completion of the story requires a level 350 car in off-road and race anyway, so the level restriction doesn't affect you if you play the story first. The part 'roulette' system allows players to upgrade the car with specific bonuses or attributes to each part without spending standard currency. The shipments are in the game for the sole purpose of spin tokens and vanity items (tire smoke, horns, underglow, nos colour, air suspension) but also give some money to sweeten the deal. The reason the money in shipments feels like a lot is because they are usually opened in bulk. 10/10… Expand
  17. RedNek
    Jan 23, 2018
    10
    It does have some flaws but for the most part it is a very good racing game. Gritty, rough, and challenging. I don't know what the fuss about the "loot" or bait crates is. I have gotten them and haven't spent any money, though I did get the "deluxe" edition. I am over halfway through the main game have 13 cars ( all derelicts and abandoned so far released) 5 of which have maxed outIt does have some flaws but for the most part it is a very good racing game. Gritty, rough, and challenging. I don't know what the fuss about the "loot" or bait crates is. I have gotten them and haven't spent any money, though I did get the "deluxe" edition. I am over halfway through the main game have 13 cars ( all derelicts and abandoned so far released) 5 of which have maxed out upgrades. Story/mini movies are pointless and boring but game play is amazing once you get the hang of it.… Expand
  18. UltragamingX
    Mar 14, 2018
    10
    The game is amazing I recommend it,its better spent 50 dolars then FH3.the game is great,just bring back the old tuning system. I love that they did the most requested feature,Online-Freeroam.The game is underrated by forza fanboys. Forza is a good game but its not THAT good as they say.
    Forza can release any game which can be good or terrible it will get better rewiews than NFS.
    They    The game is amazing I recommend it,its better spent 50 dolars then FH3.the game is great,just bring back the old tuning system. I love that they did the most requested feature,Online-Freeroam.The game is underrated by forza fanboys. Forza is a good game but its not THAT good as they say.
    Forza can release any game which can be good or terrible it will get better rewiews than NFS.
    They say pay or grind,but they are talking nonsence.I finished this game without spending a dollar and I was better then the "pay to win squad". Its easy to be good at it and people talk like they need 100 hours to finish the story cuz they are used to playing Forza in which u get TOO much money for a race. I had a Regera in the 2 hours I played it and in Payback I needed 6 hours to get it. People also speak about the player needing to grind on old missions to get money so you don't need to pay,well mate its always been like that.The game is great just people underrate it. IGN and Metacritic don't even look at the customizatio.Did you know that you cant spell ignorants without IGN,well its true in every aspect. The loot boxes don't ruin the game,its the people that rewiew it.There are exactly 0 rewiewers that know their job! So conclusion

    Forza Horizon 3 is great but it is overrated
    NFS Payback is massively Underrated

    You want NFS back on its feet but you say Rivals Hot Pursuit and MW 2012 are great!?!

    Like are you joking m8?

    they ARE THE WORST!

    So stop underrating Forza FANBOYS!

    FM7 is OVERRATED as hell to be honest,It is glitch as hell and......there is 0 progression!

    So rewiew honestly DO NOT rate it what you think is not that bad is anything OVERRATE it because if NFS goes down...Well the racing game history is DEAD.NFS is more important then Forza,NFS is History!

    So this is for now and play the game properaly!    … Expand
  19. gerg2012
    Mar 14, 2018
    10
    Absolutely love it! Played almost all NFS games and this is one of the best.
  20. TheSora4K
    Oct 17, 2019
    10
    La historia es de las mejores que hay en la saga, y tiene a personajes muy carismáticos como Tyler Morgan, Jess o Mac, que le dan un buen enfoque en la historia ya que tener un personaje que no habla ni nada como en Need for Speed 2015 deja mucho que desear. La expansión de Speedcross ayudó a ampliar la experiencia de juego. Pasando a lo malo tenemos las horrorosas Speed Cards y que elLa historia es de las mejores que hay en la saga, y tiene a personajes muy carismáticos como Tyler Morgan, Jess o Mac, que le dan un buen enfoque en la historia ya que tener un personaje que no habla ni nada como en Need for Speed 2015 deja mucho que desear. La expansión de Speedcross ayudó a ampliar la experiencia de juego. Pasando a lo malo tenemos las horrorosas Speed Cards y que el juego te obliga a derrapar. Por si fuera poco, hay curvas ciegas que sí o sí te la vas a pegar y cómo no... de nuevo el coche a veces se vuelve loco, a ver si en Heat la cosa mejora.… Expand
  21. skandiy
    May 20, 2019
    10
    Отличная игра, лучшее что вышло после nfs most wanted. Правда сюжета маловато, но все что есть сделано максимально эпично и захватывающе.
  22. abeyface
    May 4, 2020
    10
    Only NFS game I could get into since original PSX ones. It’s a brilliant game. The drifting is my favorite though took lots of practice. So many race modes, it super fun. Lots of missions and gameplay. Sweet music and tense moments. I’ve been super impressed with all aspects and balance of this game. Very well rounded. One of best games I’ve played ever really. Thanks to creators for this.
  23. Maxbalahurak
    Mar 19, 2020
    10
    After all the patches it became easier to get in-game money. The vehicle customization is amazing. The derelict thing where you can cars from 60s-80s and upgrade them is also really enjoyable. The storyline is a little bit short and silly, but it’s really interesting and full of action. I love participating in off-road contests with my derelict Chevrolet Bel Air! I think you should giveAfter all the patches it became easier to get in-game money. The vehicle customization is amazing. The derelict thing where you can cars from 60s-80s and upgrade them is also really enjoyable. The storyline is a little bit short and silly, but it’s really interesting and full of action. I love participating in off-road contests with my derelict Chevrolet Bel Air! I think you should give this game a try!… Expand
  24. Mr1
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Не знаю что было с грой на старте, но на момент моего прохождения это классная гоночная аркада!
    Из минусов тюнинг карточками, невидимые стены в гонках по бездорожью и онлайн трофей.
    Клевый сюжет в стиле форсажа, куча разнообразнейших режимов, тюнинг, реликвии, очень интересно было проходить!    Не знаю что было с грой на старте, но на момент моего прохождения это классная гоночная аркада!
    Из минусов тюнинг карточками, невидимые стены в гонках по бездорожью и онлайн трофей.

    Клевый сюжет в стиле форсажа, куча разнообразнейших режимов, тюнинг, реликвии, очень интересно было проходить!
  25. BartiXuss
    Jan 8, 2021
    10
    Good game with good story . Better than NFS Heat. I was complete this game in 1 week. I love this game.
  26. Bagheera051
    Mar 8, 2021
    10
    8/10 8/10 8/10 8/10 8/10 8/10 8/10 8/10 8/10 v8/10 v8/10 8/10 8/10 8/10
  27. julic
    Sep 15, 2022
    10
    unas de las mejores sagas de carros que hay por el momento y hecha por la mejor compañia videojuegos electronic arts
  28. Lilmanike
    Nov 8, 2017
    9
    Pros:
    Extremely Pretty Looking
    Larger World Offline Play Much Larger Customization A more serious storyline A larger car list Cars are more balanced Actually likable characters One of the best Soundtracks in the series (Most Wanted is still the best with the soundtrack) More activities to do Neons, Airbags, Tire Smoke, and Horns were added Physics are fixed Cons:    Pros:
    Extremely Pretty Looking
    Larger World
    Offline Play
    Much Larger Customization
    A more serious storyline
    A larger car list
    Cars are more balanced
    Actually likable characters
    One of the best Soundtracks in the series (Most Wanted is still the best with the soundtrack)
    More activities to do
    Neons, Airbags, Tire Smoke, and Horns were added
    Physics are fixed

    Cons:
    Multiplayer is broken
    No Police in Freeroam
    No Online Freeroam
    IGN's and Gamespot's reviews
    Vanity Items exclusive to

    P.S. The microtransactions people, ONLY HAVE VISUAL CUSTOMIZATION!!! IT'S NOT PAY-TO-WIN!!!    … Expand
  29. Lucasbr313
    Nov 12, 2017
    9
    O jogo é bom, melhor que o último, vejo gente reclamando atoa do game com motivos bestas.O jogo tem quase tudo o que os antigos ofereceram, as micro transações de como estão reclamando são opcionais, tem como pegar as remessas de graça, a polícia do jogo foi melhorada, te busca a quase 400km, estilo most wanted 2005.
  30. ZakoNBy
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    1 of best need for Speed for me. There has chases (not ree-roam, but in future is will be has), cars, and most important that game feels like NFS, true NFS, atmosphere is cool, Open-world is big, Upgrade system, if you are not a dumb (IGN, Game-spot) Easy give chance to make good build for every car. Loot-Boxes had and in FH 1 (in '12), but nobody in past and nowadays don't said any words1 of best need for Speed for me. There has chases (not ree-roam, but in future is will be has), cars, and most important that game feels like NFS, true NFS, atmosphere is cool, Open-world is big, Upgrade system, if you are not a dumb (IGN, Game-spot) Easy give chance to make good build for every car. Loot-Boxes had and in FH 1 (in '12), but nobody in past and nowadays don't said any words about dat, What the hell. Where your objectivity? I Played in NFS Payback about 12 hours and i enjoyed every second of the game… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
24
#24 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 59
  3. Negative: 9 out of 59
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Feb 6, 2018
    70
    Ticks all the boxes and delivers a decent, playable experience, but it's hugely derivative and feels far too familiar, especially if you've played The Crew. [Jan 2017, p.92]
  2. games(TM)
    Dec 31, 2017
    40
    An infuriating slog hurt by its own structure. [Issue#195, p.80]
  3. The Digital Fix
    Dec 15, 2017
    60
    If you stick with it you'll find a decent racer here but getting past the inane narrative, broken progression systems and longing for racers past takes some doing.
    Read full review
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