User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 241 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 31 out of 241
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  1. Jul 12, 2021
    8
    Pretty alright portable racing game with a bunch of content and the online is pretty fun. The difficulty levels are done to perfection and the game runs well although a lot is happening on screen (I'm looking at you modnation racers
  2. Jul 10, 2020
    10
    This game is awesome! I'm surprised to see this game on my favourite handheld game console! This game is hidden gem for ps vita! I liked it
  3. Aug 16, 2019
    8
    Thought it doesn't have very beautiful graphics on Vita, it's a must-play racing game on Vita. Maybe it's the best racing game on Vita. Vita version got full content which is the same on other consoles versions and PC version, which is very amazing. You gotta know that NFS:MW on smart phones had been changed to a race based game instead of an open world game.
  4. Nov 30, 2015
    10
    One of (if not) the best games to own for a ps vita. Just play it the fun is there, the graphs are there, is all i want for a handheld racing game....
  5. Sep 26, 2015
    9
    A fantastic port of a console game to Vita, showing its true power. Almost identical to the console/PC versions except it lacks the DLC and is let down by one bug that I also experienced in the console version, sometimes the multiplayer ends up constantly saving and the UI is inaccessible, on the PS3 this resulted in the lost of my data after it froze up, this hasn't happened on the VitaA fantastic port of a console game to Vita, showing its true power. Almost identical to the console/PC versions except it lacks the DLC and is let down by one bug that I also experienced in the console version, sometimes the multiplayer ends up constantly saving and the UI is inaccessible, on the PS3 this resulted in the lost of my data after it froze up, this hasn't happened on the Vita port yet and all in all is a fantastic game and well worth the price. Expand
  6. Sep 1, 2015
    9
    Need for Speed for the PS Vita is great racing game and most likely one of the best, however it has flaws like the city buildings look flat in close ups and there is no rain or at least i haven't seen it. But, it also has it's pros like the multiplayer it runs and plays great. overall NFS is a great racing game for PS Vita.
  7. Dec 28, 2014
    8
    A racing game that I really enjoyed. I think the open world and scavenging hunt for hidden cars was the difference for me, as I usually don't enjoy racing games. A good racing game on the vita doesn't hurt,also. The driving in this game was very smooth and responsive, the drifting was very fun to master, and all the cars for the most part feels different to some extent. A multiplayer thatA racing game that I really enjoyed. I think the open world and scavenging hunt for hidden cars was the difference for me, as I usually don't enjoy racing games. A good racing game on the vita doesn't hurt,also. The driving in this game was very smooth and responsive, the drifting was very fun to master, and all the cars for the most part feels different to some extent. A multiplayer that adds longevity to this game, and I will give it an solid 8. Expand
  8. May 13, 2014
    9
    Very fun, easy to grasp with epic races and police chases, however with a few flaws as a result of bringing the game to the Vita. Everything you want in a racing game is almost here, aside from car customization. Pick this one up, and if you can, try out the Marussia B2, my favorite car in the game.

    Positives: +Fun cars +Nicely done races +Large, diverse, open world with lots to
    Very fun, easy to grasp with epic races and police chases, however with a few flaws as a result of bringing the game to the Vita. Everything you want in a racing game is almost here, aside from car customization. Pick this one up, and if you can, try out the Marussia B2, my favorite car in the game.

    Positives:
    +Fun cars
    +Nicely done races
    +Large, diverse, open world with lots to explore
    +Intense police chases
    +Day and night cycle
    Negatives:
    -Rubber Banding
    -Occasional misc. glitches
    -Annoying traffic that can't be turned off
    -Small music soundtrack and repetitive police dialogue
    -Boring and laggy multiplayer
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  9. Feb 20, 2014
    8
    Nearly the exact same as the console counterpart. Great soundtrack, huge car variety, massive map and an insane amount of things to explore. Probably the best racing game I have played this year and it's portable... what's not to love !
  10. Jan 8, 2014
    10
    If this game isn't in your Vita library right now, I am coming over to slap you silly. Need for Speed: Most Wanted on the Vita shows how the franchise can be developed on a handheld console. The game itself contains all the vanilla content the console versions have, minus the DLC. The game is an exact replica of the console version with the lens flare and all the effects the consoleIf this game isn't in your Vita library right now, I am coming over to slap you silly. Need for Speed: Most Wanted on the Vita shows how the franchise can be developed on a handheld console. The game itself contains all the vanilla content the console versions have, minus the DLC. The game is an exact replica of the console version with the lens flare and all the effects the console version has, now I'm not saying there were no cuts, but what I am saying is that they are negligible. These cuts include, no DLC, less appealing graphics (But still very amazing), damage to cars from crashes is less realistic and less cars on the road.

    These cuts are so small to be used against buying this game. The controls are amazing, the graphics still look great and the whole game is a bang for your buck. I recommend to buy this for your Vita immediately and since the price has been reduced since launch, there is no reason not to get this amazing game.
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  11. Dec 29, 2013
    9
    This game is literally a copy and paste of Burnout Paradise.
    Which is a good thing honestly, especially when compared to other terrible games such as NFS Rivals.
  12. Oct 21, 2013
    10
    I know that most of kids like racing games especially for 7 years old to 10 because some of the kids like cars even in the toys... So some of the kids when they have a gadget they always want a racing game this is the best game that can suit them... I think so it is greater than the first one because it is open world so you can travel around I really really liked this game even i don'tI know that most of kids like racing games especially for 7 years old to 10 because some of the kids like cars even in the toys... So some of the kids when they have a gadget they always want a racing game this is the best game that can suit them... I think so it is greater than the first one because it is open world so you can travel around I really really liked this game even i don't have one on the vita but when i watched it is so awesome... So thank you EA for such having great racing games. Expand
  13. Sep 22, 2013
    8
    This review might be coming a bit late, but since the price drop, it might prove useful to someone who was waiting for it to be within their budget. And now that it's only $20, it's certainly worth a go around.

    If you've been a fan of the previous Criterion games such as Burnout Paradise, you'll feel right at home with this open world racer. The cut scenes, crashes and game mechanics
    This review might be coming a bit late, but since the price drop, it might prove useful to someone who was waiting for it to be within their budget. And now that it's only $20, it's certainly worth a go around.

    If you've been a fan of the previous Criterion games such as Burnout Paradise, you'll feel right at home with this open world racer. The cut scenes, crashes and game mechanics are virtually the same except licensed cars are being smashed around instead of your generic look-alikes. Graphically, it's about as detailed as you can hope for in a portable racer. The textures are nice with only a few anti-aliasing issues with headlights and far away buildings. There were some graphical glitches that I couldn't overlook such as clipping right through a mountain side when my car caught a little too much air or my car looking like it's having a seizure if it lands awkwardly on the ground. Those were rare, so it was rather excusable. The game is beautiful. Because it's the full version of the console equivalents, sometimes the fonts were a bit too small to read on the loading screen and during dialogue captions.

    The gameplay is definitely on the arcade side of things with the cars driving and handling relatively the same across all makes and models. Tap the brake while accelerating through a corner and your car is sure to drift. Since the obvious formula the developers were going for was the Burnout style of racing, this didn't feel entirely disappointing. Although you would hope that there would be a larger difference in handling when comparing a rear wheel drive powerhouse muscle car like a Z01 and a rigid compact cornering machine like the Ariel Atom. Sadly, this was not the case. The only real notable differences were changing to off-road tires to boost handling in the dirt. All in all, it's still a blast to zoom past on-coming traffic as they look like nothing but blurs on your screen.

    The sound is definitely compressed and the crashing sounds are more reminiscent of a thunderclap than metal colliding. From the Vita speakers, it's not very noticeable as they can't produce low decibels very well, but once you put on a good pair of headphones, these details all come to light. Overall, it's nothing overly distracting and doesn't take away from the gameplay and only audiophiles would truly penalize the game for it.

    Overall, this is a solid game that warrants you spending your hard earned $20, especially since this game doesn't lack anything that its console counterparts have. All the cars, all the races (and even some nice exclusives), and all the options are here. Although, I will say that there is no DLC available for this version so you'll have to settle for the normal versions of each car instead of your ever so slightly tweaked versions you can buy in the DLC. No complaints here. They're fine for me. As a final remark, for all those who continue comparing this version to the console version, it would be like comparing Little League baseball players and MLB players. You just can't do that. The hardware just can't produce the same amount of detail, so just judge it for what it is; a beautiful and full spectacle on a completely portable platform. So just stop ragging on the kid for not being able to hit 30 homeruns a year.
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  14. Jul 1, 2013
    8
    BEST RACING GAME FOR VITA. If that was all my review, I wouldn't be helping anyone. This game is very similar to the PS3 version, because all the cars, races, billboard locations, map are all the same on the vita. There are less cars on the road, but who cares! I did not have a lot of lag when playing multiplayer, and the single player is where this game shines. You can go do some races,BEST RACING GAME FOR VITA. If that was all my review, I wouldn't be helping anyone. This game is very similar to the PS3 version, because all the cars, races, billboard locations, map are all the same on the vita. There are less cars on the road, but who cares! I did not have a lot of lag when playing multiplayer, and the single player is where this game shines. You can go do some races, find new cars, try and beat your friends scores on some billboards, or even get into a cop chase. The options are great. I wish they had added cross play or cross save onto this because its very annoying to beat the challenges on both ps3 and vita. If you want the ps3 version and have a vita too, just save your money and get the vita version, because they are the same. Overall 8 out of 10

    PROS: PS3 quality on the go, many options of what to do, multiplayer is enjoyable, great graphics for a portable, easy to control, gameplay is great, no drop of framerate
    CONS: Would have liked to see cross save and cross play considering they are the same game.
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  15. Feb 13, 2013
    9
    The best portable racing game ever made. It is as close to its console brother as you can get. Graphics aren't as good and there is less traffic. To be able to get everything else in a handheld s just amazing. You need to own this game, it has hours and hours of enjoyment. The best overall game to date on the vita.l
  16. Feb 2, 2013
    8
    This game is an excellent racer. it has good graphics for the vita and an sturdy framerate. it can get boring when you have done the most wanted races however it will take very long to achieve 100% completion
  17. Dec 8, 2012
    8
    What Need for Speed: Most Wanted does for the PSVita is exactly what Burnout Legends did for the PSP, it shows off what the console is capable at this point. Which appears to be bringing a whole console game to the Vita. The whole thing! Except Legends was the best of all the console games in one. Most wanted was just the whole game on the Vita. Travelling around Fairhaven, Most Wanted'sWhat Need for Speed: Most Wanted does for the PSVita is exactly what Burnout Legends did for the PSP, it shows off what the console is capable at this point. Which appears to be bringing a whole console game to the Vita. The whole thing! Except Legends was the best of all the console games in one. Most wanted was just the whole game on the Vita. Travelling around Fairhaven, Most Wanted's massive open world, is a joy. The game is very much like Burnout, people have called it Burnout 2, which is not a problem. The cars swing around, the take-downs feel heavy, it's a pure arcade racer right down to its heart. I really can't stress how fun this game is. Every aspect of this is the same as the console version, but its even more suited to the Vita. The fact that a whole console game has been perfectly put into the form of a PSVita card, is awesome. And it's true, every race, bit of the world, every car e.t.c. The gameplay is perfect for the Vita. This game is addictive. Expand
  18. Nov 29, 2012
    9
    NFS Most Wanted Vita is a direct port of the console versions, and save for some graphical downgrades and lesser traffic, is the exact same game we're presented on consoles, only on the go. The game is generally consistent in terms of looks, cars are sleek and beautiful to look at and while the environments aren't the best out there, they get the job done. My only complaints are that drawNFS Most Wanted Vita is a direct port of the console versions, and save for some graphical downgrades and lesser traffic, is the exact same game we're presented on consoles, only on the go. The game is generally consistent in terms of looks, cars are sleek and beautiful to look at and while the environments aren't the best out there, they get the job done. My only complaints are that draw distances aren't quite so great, and car headlights in the distance can look like a blob of pixels, which require some getting used to before being able to correctly judge where exactly the cars are at. Also, the game suffers from a lack of any story. Non, zero, zilch. This can get boring quickly for players who don't care so much for the cars, as there is a lack of motivation for players to continue playing. However, the game generally looks stunning, and races are fun and thrilling to play through. There are a ton of cars to find and drive through and while the lack of any real customization is disappointing, the races and sheer amount of cars keep the game from getting boring too quickly. Multiplayer is also a blast where you race in a multitude of different events with up to 3 other players. The races are relatively stable and i've only encountered some connection issues and lag once or twice since i've had the game. Overall, need for speed most wanted vita is the go to game currently for any racing title on the vita, and fits perfectly in your pocket for on the go gaming. Expand
  19. Nov 26, 2012
    10
    I love racing games - so i may be a bit biased but this is a game I constantly go back to more than any other game on my vita. I love playing with headphones because of the sounds of the engines and the screams of the tires on asphalt. This is a high class game. Its a bit like a pig with lipstick. Its still a pig, albeit a pretty one. The game looks great, its not current gen 'consoleI love racing games - so i may be a bit biased but this is a game I constantly go back to more than any other game on my vita. I love playing with headphones because of the sounds of the engines and the screams of the tires on asphalt. This is a high class game. Its a bit like a pig with lipstick. Its still a pig, albeit a pretty one. The game looks great, its not current gen 'console quality' but it still looks great. Graphics alone i'd give it a 7.5/10. When you are stopped and really start to stare at the screen, the visuals start to fall apart. Foliage is a bit spares, the detail is a bit lame, and the textures are small. The cars themselves are beautiful, and they integrate damage in an interestingly optimized way. But where the visuals soar is when you're moving at 100+ MPH through the city and highways. The game flies beautifully and this is how the games was meant to be seen.

    The online connectivity of the games is amazing. Coming back a few days later to find a friend beat your track time or had a better launch through a billboard keeps you engaged in new ways. I find it so much fun to find a car I like and try to beat all the races with that car. I have only done 2 of the 10 most wanted races but there's so much content in this game. I love it! I can't recommend this game more highly if you like racing games. I was a huge fan of Ridge Racer - which had awesome online multiplayer. I loved the Rockstar Midnight Club series, and played the PSP version quite a bit on my vita, but with this racing game - I need no other right now.
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  20. Nov 25, 2012
    10
    First off, I have only played the game for a few hours so far and have not tried it on PS3. I am highly impressed with the game so far, the graphics and content have exceeded my expectations by far. I still can't believe what I am playing is on a handheld device, I think it looks better then most games on my PS3. My only problem is that the turning can be a bit sloppy at times but otherFirst off, I have only played the game for a few hours so far and have not tried it on PS3. I am highly impressed with the game so far, the graphics and content have exceeded my expectations by far. I still can't believe what I am playing is on a handheld device, I think it looks better then most games on my PS3. My only problem is that the turning can be a bit sloppy at times but other then that fantastic game! Expand
  21. Nov 25, 2012
    10
    I am rating this game 10/10 like everybody because after having an account banned for giving it a low score (moreover, I didn't use any insulting words - just wanted to give my honest opinion - which I thought was the point of Metacritic), it seems you can't give NFS Vita a bad rating...Don't know if EA is paying Metacritic to ban accounts or not, doesn't matter to me anymore...this gameI am rating this game 10/10 like everybody because after having an account banned for giving it a low score (moreover, I didn't use any insulting words - just wanted to give my honest opinion - which I thought was the point of Metacritic), it seems you can't give NFS Vita a bad rating...Don't know if EA is paying Metacritic to ban accounts or not, doesn't matter to me anymore...this game is awesome and totally deserve its perfect score ! 10/10 all the way! Best game I've ever played - people are right! The VERY definition of gaming. Now, I will still mention this interesting fact: Metacritic user scores for "Need for Speed: Most Wanted": PC Version - 4.4/10 (for 284 people), 360 version - 5.5/10 (for 123 people), PS3 Version - 5.4/10 (for 210 people), PSVita Version - 8.1/10 FOR ONLY 61 PEOPLE --- The same game (same gameplay), minus the graphics - proof of biased opinions coming from owners of the VITA version...It instantly became a 10/10 for everybody because it's a technical achievement on handheld. But I'm sorry graphics alone don't make a great game. PLEASE don't think about being honest and give it a lower score, because fanboys will use the "Report Abuse" button... Enjoy your 10/10! Expand
  22. Nov 16, 2012
    9
    I was dissapointed in this game at first because I was expecting it to be equal to the console version...Criterion developed both versions of this game side by side. I knew right off the bat that the graphics wernt even close to the console version, some claim they are really good and the best on the console but this is not true. Wipeout has far better graphics, and this game looks goodI was dissapointed in this game at first because I was expecting it to be equal to the console version...Criterion developed both versions of this game side by side. I knew right off the bat that the graphics wernt even close to the console version, some claim they are really good and the best on the console but this is not true. Wipeout has far better graphics, and this game looks good but it just looks kind of bland...you can tell they took out a lot of the cool particle effects, reflection, and hi-rez textures from the console edition. Despite the dissapointing graphics, I was loving this game. It plays so good and it does look pretty impressive at time. Then I read somewhere that not only did they cut down the graphics, they cut down cops and traffic! I was furious, the games roads did seem kind of barren, and it was kind of weird only having 2 cops at a road block....I hated this game for a day because not only was I not getting the same visuals, I wasnt even getting the same GAMEPLAY! Well after a couple days and after I took a stick out of my ass, I began to reassess this game again. Despite hating on it for not being equal in graphics and content on screen(I know the vita can do more, it has same ram as ps3,4 3ghz processors, and loads faster), I came to the consclussion that the game experience I had with this on my Vita was some of the best I had all year. Reanalyzing this and not comparing it, I came to the conclussion that this game is superior to any other Vita racer by far. Even though its not the same as the console version, it is close enough! It is also $40 instead of $60, so I pretty much would have paid $20 more just to see increased traffic and reflections. Also I am getting a really cool "gotta catch em all!" vibe with this game on my vita.....you find cars in the game world, touch them, then they are yours to keep! You also can unlock and upgrade gear indivually with each car. Normally I dont care about these things, but for some reason since it is on my Vita it seems much more personal! Kinda like how with pokemon, you viewed your gameboy as this machine that captured little pets, or a tomagachi,. When I carry this game around in my Vita I get the sense that the cars I've unlocked are MINE, they Belong to ME, it is my OWN LITTLE COLLECTION of cool little things! I wouldnt feel like this on the console, I would just be like "Pshh just another car like with the other 10 racing games I own"

    Overall very good game. Runs smooth most the time....The framerate does drop sometimes in multiplayer when lagging and it will make your crash but this is rare. If this game had all the things the console one did, I would give it a perfect score instead of a 9

    Graphics = 9
    Sound = 8
    Gameplay = 9.5
    Originality = 8
    Replay = 9
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  23. Nov 13, 2012
    9
    Very fun game, controls and gameplay are excellent. Well thought out multiplayer which is thoroughly enjoyable. No bugs or lag from my play through, probably played around 20 hours so far. Highly recommend to anyone with a PS Vita,
  24. Nov 13, 2012
    9
    Excellent racing game for the vita. I think the graphics and decent and game play sublime. Huge amount of cars to find and race with good online multiplayer. There has been some comments about lack of traffic however I find that there is fair amount of traffic around especially on the highways to negotiate. NFS MW is perfect on the VIta and is a must buy for fans of racing games.
  25. Nov 13, 2012
    9
    I' ve been playing this game for a few days and the only thing I can say is: wow!!! Good graphics, addictive gameplay and gorgeous online (no lag, fast...). How can this little device handle the whole map??? As I dont own a Ps3/xbox, the game suits perfect for me. Another question is which version you would pick up if you have both, home and portable consoles...
  26. Nov 13, 2012
    9
    Loving this game! I loved the sandbox layout of Burnout Paradise and Criterion have done an excellent job recreating that on the Vita, with EA's blessing. Most negative comments I've seen were around it not being exactly like the ps3 version, which I find ludicrous. The fact they have a mini metropolis with no lag or reloading on a handheld is absolutely outstanding, and people of thatLoving this game! I loved the sandbox layout of Burnout Paradise and Criterion have done an excellent job recreating that on the Vita, with EA's blessing. Most negative comments I've seen were around it not being exactly like the ps3 version, which I find ludicrous. The fact they have a mini metropolis with no lag or reloading on a handheld is absolutely outstanding, and people of that opinion should perhaps compare to psp/ds instead to get a reality check. This is a phenomenal effort on a handheld, bring on the dlc! Expand
  27. Nov 12, 2012
    8
    It was better then expected, its have its faults like when you are driving really fast the Lightning from other upcoming cars gets low pixelated frames, or that its few cars on the road every time. But i was hoping for full game experience and the feeling of speed. Criterion delivered that and only that make it a 8 for me.
  28. Nov 9, 2012
    9
    Awesome racer. Ive never really been a fan of the NFS series, but this game blew me away. Stunning graphics and console quality that i never expected. A must buy for any racing fan.
  29. Nov 9, 2012
    9
    I was undecided whether to pick up this game because i was pretty disappointed with NFS games released past years (only one i liked was Hot Pursuit , also created by Criterion). But im glad i tried this one on PS Vita. First of all , the game is the same as PS3/X360/PC version, only with worse graphics and sound but they are still pretty enjoyable ! Game runs silk smooth , with someI was undecided whether to pick up this game because i was pretty disappointed with NFS games released past years (only one i liked was Hot Pursuit , also created by Criterion). But im glad i tried this one on PS Vita. First of all , the game is the same as PS3/X360/PC version, only with worse graphics and sound but they are still pretty enjoyable ! Game runs silk smooth , with some loading while you go fast through the city but it doesnt slow down the game in any way (at least i didnt noticed). Main positive i see in this game is the fun factor. Everything i do is very entertaining , every race has its own difficulty and rewards you get when you finish the race which you can apply to your car immediately after the race using the in-game menu. This menu is simply accessible through the d-pad anytime , if you are currently not in a race. What can i say, if you liked the classic Most Wanted or Hot Pursuit released in 2010, then buy this game you will not regret it. At last a solid Need for Speed game and luckily also for PS Vita :) Expand
  30. Nov 7, 2012
    8
    I wish this game was exclusively designed for PS VITA. The Console version n Pc version are just god in graphics, the overall gameplay is not satisfying at all compare to other racing games. It sounds a remake of BurnOut Paradise with the name of NEED FOR SPEED . However despite of my dissapointment on the other versions i think this game is pretty good for handheld ! The vita graphics inI wish this game was exclusively designed for PS VITA. The Console version n Pc version are just god in graphics, the overall gameplay is not satisfying at all compare to other racing games. It sounds a remake of BurnOut Paradise with the name of NEED FOR SPEED . However despite of my dissapointment on the other versions i think this game is pretty good for handheld ! The vita graphics in city are good, out of town has lack of details. Frame rate is pretty good, excitement is a bit less due to less traffic in streets. but the other part the design of cars is shiiny. Gameplay is similar to console ! overall i think criterion can do better than this, but this is a good approach like assassins creed Expand
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Jan 21, 2013
    78
    The new Most Wanted is no real "Most Wanted": It's an adventurous trip into the wide area of open world games without any string of story. For a quick drive the game is fun, but for a longer stay in Fairhaven it's missing a story and some guidance (apart from ongoing online matchmaking arenas).
  2. Dec 7, 2012
    85
    It really is a well-realized effort and serves a suitable replacement to the home experience. I'd highly suggest checking it out; it's certainly high on my list of Vita games that are worth owning.
  3. Dec 4, 2012
    80
    Many features are toned down in the Vita version, graphics, traffic and online functions for example. But that doesn't mean that the rest of the game is not good - in fact it's great. Especially due to the fact that it's designed around the portable format.