Need for Speed: High Stakes Image
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

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  • Summary: It doesn't really mess with the formula of the last game, but adds enough new features and options to keep its fans excited.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. 100
    Between the hot cars and tracks, in-depth Tournament mode, and thrilling cop chases, this excellent racer's got depth and style to spare. It's worth every cent.
  2. The graphics are absolutely stunning, but lose a few points for a quirky frame rate and lack of spectacular lighting, but damn they sure are perdy!
  3. The overall graphics, gameplay and realism are as good as any racing game I have seen for the Sony PlayStation, and it’s a lot of fun too.
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    86
    Put your high-priced cars on the line in this racing sequel. [Jan 2004, p.188]
  5. The game slows down when the track is full of cars. Plus, you might find your attention distracted by an over-detailed landscape that washes out the course ahead.
  6. It's more evolutionary than revolutionary, really.
  7. It seems almost threadbare in places due to the lack of attention in the physics, design, and multi-player aspects. Casual racing fans will probably get a kick out of it, but the hardcore gamers will be left wanting more.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Dec 27, 2013
    10
    The best money can buy as it is for a racing game for ps1. Test drive 6 is a close 2nd. I spent hours on celtic ruins avoiding the policeThe best money can buy as it is for a racing game for ps1. Test drive 6 is a close 2nd. I spent hours on celtic ruins avoiding the police spike strips and road blocks. Driving around at more than 100 mph and driving great looking vehicles. Porche's lamborghini's, ferrari's, and the awesome orange mclaren what a prize it was to win it all. I would even go as far to say that this is the most important need for speed ever created. Expand
  2. May 25, 2023
    10
    This game is something truly special. Classic Need for Speed flaunting its best characteristics: fancy cars, good progression system, exoticThis game is something truly special. Classic Need for Speed flaunting its best characteristics: fancy cars, good progression system, exotic tracks, brilliant soundtrack and pissy cops. Good stuff and great addition to a PS1 library! Expand
  3. Jul 30, 2023
    10
    The best game in the history of the Need for Speed ​​series. The variety of cars amazes the player with the graphics and gameplay of the carsThe best game in the history of the Need for Speed ​​series. The variety of cars amazes the player with the graphics and gameplay of the cars along with competitive and realistic races. Exceptional voice acting along with various maps and masterpiece music make this version a work of art. Expand
  4. Jul 1, 2020
    9
    Este juego ofrece esa única experiencia característica de la saga en los años 90, y aunque no tenga una historia de trasfondo el juego se lasEste juego ofrece esa única experiencia característica de la saga en los años 90, y aunque no tenga una historia de trasfondo el juego se las ingenia para promover al jugador a conseguir tan complicados logros.
    A nivel gráfico hay que destacar que dio más de lo que debería, con detalles inusuales en los juegos de la época (como referencia tomemos en cuenta que además de las luces especulares y los detalles del interior del coche, incluyendo movimientos del manubrio, está los paisajes que incluso a días de hoy se conservan frescos a diferencia de las dos primeras entrega).
    Los efectos sonoros están bien ambientados para la ubicación geográfica de cada pista (sonidos ambientales que incluyen animales, cascadas, entre otros).
    La música es perfecta para el contexto gracias al trabajo que hizo rom di prisco en el campo del techno, música ideal para un juego de carreras en los 90.
    En cuanto al contenido creo que es alucinante, pues es el primer juego que incluye un sistema de personalización y mejoras representados en un esquema básico. El juego incluyó un sistema monetario en el que compras un auto, lo vendes o lo mejoras, reparos cada vez que terminaba una carrera y a lo mejor tenías que tener cierto presupuesto para avanzar, con las mejoras sacrificando la rapidez con la que vas avanzando, y aún más genial su técnica, haciendo que el jugador tenga que pasárselo para desbloquear pistas y coches. Y si creen que el juego es monótono, pueden irse al diablo, puesto que a pesar de la reducida cantidad de coches tenemos a los mas representativos y queridos del momento. Los circuitos con lugares diferentes, incluyendo Europa, América e Inglaterra.
    La jugabilidad es única y firme, requiriendo de una gran habilidad para el dominio de cada coche para obtener el éxito, es una extraña simulación fuera de lugar, pero es comoda y perfecta para un sistema competitivo.
    Las físicas también son peculiares debido a que se siente como un cartón pesado, generando colisiones subreales en los que el golpe le da vueltas al coche, insitandote a nunca estrellarte, y el otro dato que también te da una advertencia al momento de competir son las colisiones que afectan el rendimiento en la competición (motor, suspensión y carrocería) además de que las reparaciones cuestan dinero, lo cual varía del coche y el nivel de daño.
    Los modos de juego son varios, en caso de haber completado los campeonatos puedes echarte un buen rato probando competiciones individuales organizadas en tus pistas (pudiendo configurarla a tu gusto) usando tus coches personalizados para batir records. Y si no es eso, está el test drive, para conducir con trafico en una sola vuelta, o el hot pursuit en el que puedes ser un patrullero o un fugitivo apoyado con las diferentes patrullas que puedes desbloquear.
    CONTRAS:
    *El diseño de los coches no son fieles al mismo en su totalidad, obteniendo medidas erróneas al comparar uno con otro.
    *En el modo multiplicador la cámara no es cómoda para promover la mejor experiencia.
    Expand
  5. May 25, 2023
    9
    Third best racing game on the system by far after the two Gran Turismo games. Phenomenal graphics and physique, great car selection and newThird best racing game on the system by far after the two Gran Turismo games. Phenomenal graphics and physique, great car selection and new damaging model and easy to pick up and play. Expand
  6. Sep 2, 2022
    9
    Need for Speed: High Stakes[a] is a 1999 racing video game developed by EA Canada and EA Seattle and published by Electronic Arts for theNeed for Speed: High Stakes[a] is a 1999 racing video game developed by EA Canada and EA Seattle and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation. It is the fourth game in the Need for Speed series and a follow-up to Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit. The game features more realistic elements than its predecessors and introduced a damage system that allows cars to take damage when colliding with objects, affecting their appearance and performance. It also introduced a series of economy-based tournaments, awarding players with a cash prize that can be spent on repairing, purchasing, or upgrading cars for subsequent races. The game's Hot Pursuit mode, which was introduced in Hot Pursuit, was expanded with more options, allowing players to control police pursuits attempting to stop racers. Expand
  7. DanielleY.
    Nov 30, 2003
    0
    This game has many interesting cars. Its graphics don't work well on my computer, but it is still a fun and cool game!!!!!

See all 13 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

16
21
#21 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1999
19
#19 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1999