Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

 Xbox 360
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Image
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 248 Ratings

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  • Summary: Need for Speed Hot Pursuit players will experience the thrill of the chase and the rush of the escape as they play through full careers as both a cop and a racer – solo or connected. The blistering speeds, brutal busts and heart-stopping getaways are all connected via Need for Speed Autolog.Need for Speed Hot Pursuit players will experience the thrill of the chase and the rush of the escape as they play through full careers as both a cop and a racer – solo or connected. The blistering speeds, brutal busts and heart-stopping getaways are all connected via Need for Speed Autolog. This network not only connects friends for epic head-to head pursuits and races, but also enables players to compare performances and stats, thereby setting the stage for the ultimate in friendly competition.… Expand
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Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Arms Race Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 73
  3. Negative: 1 out of 73
  1. GamesRadar+
    Dec 19, 2010
    100
    With so many modes and diverse rewards to uncover in Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, it almost feels like 2.5 games in one package. Plus, the fact that the online component works so incredibly, and we still can't pick a favorite between playing as a cop or racer speaks volumes to the game's quality. Quite simply, there is no better, more accessible racing game out there.
  2. Gamervision
    Dec 19, 2010
    93
    With the exception of some overly long load screens and a bit of snapback computer AI, there's not much about Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit that's hard to recommend.
  3. AceGamez
    Dec 11, 2010
    90
    Just the simple chance to be able to get behind the wheel of a car that controls like a ballistic missile with cup holders and a stereo, and do all you can to contradict the stern message of TV shows like Police, Camera, Action that high speed police pursuits aren't the coolest thing in the world is worth the price of admission on its own. In fact, the only potential crime that could be committed here would be if you allowed Hot Pursuit to escape your attentions.
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Everyeye.it
    Jan 11, 2011
    90
    Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit bend together the best features of two epic arcade franchise like Burnout and Need For Speed in a game that has an accessible, funny and solid gameplay structure. And then there is Autolog, the best multiplayer system ever made for an arcade game that instantly puts the player in constant challenge with thousand of other racers.
  5. Planet Xbox 360
    Dec 19, 2010
    88
    While Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit's AI issues and lacking soundtrack keep it from racing perfection; it's still well worth your time, thanks to a huge online component and plenty of fast-paced racing action.
  6. GameWatcher
    Dec 19, 2010
    85
    The decision to let Criterion tackle the Need for Speed franchise has paid off massively. They've produced one of the simplest, yet endlessly engrossing racers of the generation, which is all down to their superb ability to balance how each race plays out.
  7. GameShark
    Dec 11, 2010
    25
    It's enough to make a fellow pine for the innocent days of yore, when Activision's Blur may have been a vehicle for Facebook nags, but at least it had the courtesy to include an actual game.

See all 73 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 77
  3. Negative: 20 out of 77
  1. xlegend-killerx
    Nov 18, 2010
    10
    Well first off,the game DOESN'T beat Gran Turismo or Forza 3 but does give a comeback in years.. Hot Pursuit thumps and wrecks Shift in evryWell first off,the game DOESN'T beat Gran Turismo or Forza 3 but does give a comeback in years.. Hot Pursuit thumps and wrecks Shift in evry possible way.. The game has brought back the originality of the Need for Speed series and it really deserves recognition in every way necessary.. EA has crashed and burnt with this series but now they are croosing on the high way well done EA!!! It's an adrenaline rush from when you crash into an incoming car or use you speed boost to go to first!!!! If EA stuck with this who knows where they could of been right NOW!!!!… Expand
  2. Zelda_Racer
    Jul 16, 2012
    10
    Take Need for Speed's beautiful exotic cars, the Hot Pursuit series' signature stunning locales, full Cop and Racer campaigns and Criterion'sTake Need for Speed's beautiful exotic cars, the Hot Pursuit series' signature stunning locales, full Cop and Racer campaigns and Criterion's mastery of arcade-racing controls and what do you get? One of the best racing games ever made. I have a few minor gripes like how the Hyper series selection is of lower quality compared to the other series and the level 3 weapons can get pretty ridiculous, especially the nearly impossible to avoid lvl 3 roadblocks. However, they're a microscopic blemish on an otherwise perfect racing game.… Expand
  4. Japster
    Mar 21, 2011
    9
    Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is the definitive racing game of this generation, and a successful reboot of the franchise. EA has handed over theNeed For Speed: Hot Pursuit is the definitive racing game of this generation, and a successful reboot of the franchise. EA has handed over the reigns to Criterion Games, the developers of the popular Burnout series. However, this is not a Burnout game, it is nowhere near, in fact. Hot Pursuit allows players to take behind the wheel of over fifty licensed cars. There are no "in between" vehicles here. The game cuts to the chase by including world renowned exotics from manufacturers such as BMW and Bugatti. In terms of visuals, this is a beautiful game, lighting, textures, and the amount of detail in the environment has pushed the Xbox 360 to it's limit. This is apparent in the frame rate, which has been locked at 30fps. This comes across as disappointing due to fact that racing games generally maintain a solid 60fps during gameplay, particularly in the Forza Motorsport franchise. Nonetheless, this is a minor gripe, it should not deter anyone from the game. The gameplay is fantastic, players have the choice to play as the cop or racer throughout the career. I still have not decided which is better, since being a cop or racer is just too damn fun. Regardless of who you play, you will have access to various weapons such as nitrous and turbo, which gives you a boost in speed for a short period of the. My favourite in particular, is the use of EMPs, which flatlines electronics and causes a significant amount of damage to your target. The game has also introduced the Autolog system, which keeps track of your online progress. It also acts as a social utility where you can compete and communicate with friends. All in all, this is a fantastic, yet addictive racer. I found myself playing hours on end. The career will span anywhere between twenty and thirty hours, and along with a robust multiplayer , Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit will keep you coming for more.… Expand
  5. MrAstonOne-77
    Jan 13, 2012
    8
    I love this game. It is not a simulator but "arcade racer" is probably most accurate. While it plays very fast and loose, it is arcade in theI love this game. It is not a simulator but "arcade racer" is probably most accurate. While it plays very fast and loose, it is arcade in the sense that it is easy to just pick up and play once you adjust. Drifts are long and the nitrous is plentiful. The cars you get are all dream cars, which is great considering those are the cars I want to drive, not some s2000 or Honda fit that I'm forced to drive to get to the Koenigseggs and Paganis. An online pass is required to play online. Online is really great especially if you race with friends. "Autolog" is addicting as well, beating a friend's time and boasting about it feels pretty great. A personal high point for me is the sound, the engine and exhaust noise is exaggerated and makes driving fast more engaging. Minor annoyances however: The balance between cars is sometimes questionable mainly because of the boost, but that makes the races interesting. Takedowns also provide frustration at times, if you are in front of a car, don't try and stop so they hit you, it does nothing; again probably to prevent cheap wins but still annoying. Free Drive is pretty pointless, but still fun to pass time occasionally. Music is bad. 2/3 DLC packs are worth getting. Lamborghini pack is great but easy. Super Sports Pack is a necessity for those that want challenge, a great set of super-exotics and really challenging/fast-paced races. Porsche Pack is pointless unless you really need more Porsche. Overall: A great game, fun to play if you want something fun and fairly easy to get into once you adjust to the loose controls. Great for that 15-30 minutes of adrenaline a day after you beat it.… Expand
  6. idleline
    Jan 2, 2011
    6
    I've been comparing this game to the other two made and I believe it doesn't live up to the other two. My biggest problem with this game isI've been comparing this game to the other two made and I believe it doesn't live up to the other two. My biggest problem with this game is that it's nearly impossible, even in the beginning, to stop racers without completely wrecking them. I'd prefer the tools I have (EMP, Spikes) to put the racer into a position that would allow me to "pull them over". Pros: Awesome menu of cars
    Graphics are beautiful
    Switching from cop to racer & vice versa is easy
    Progressing is quick


    Cons:
    No chases in freedrive
    Can't stop racers, gotta wreck them
    Map in HUD isn't very helpful
    Would trade helicopter for 'backup' unit
    When racers crash in your roadblock they warp ahead instead of being 'caught'    … Expand
  7. ThomasB1627
    Nov 22, 2011
    5
    When the game was released, I was sceptical about it and if it would match up to NFS Undercover (which I really liked). I only decided to buyWhen the game was released, I was sceptical about it and if it would match up to NFS Undercover (which I really liked). I only decided to buy the game 2 months ago from my local 2nd hand video game and DVD shop.

    It' had so much potential but it just didn't deliver for me, the car handling was slow and sluggish and differed massivly from the usual arcade style NFS car handling.

    The whole concept of it was good, but the game let it self down really badly with poor car handling and too many races and not enough other types of events e.g. road rage and pursuits    … Expand
  8. sublm128
    Jul 24, 2011
    0
    OK. This game is RIDICULOUSLY HORRIBLE. The graphics are the only good thing about it. HOW DO U MAKE A RACING GAME WITHOUT MANUALOK. This game is RIDICULOUSLY HORRIBLE. The graphics are the only good thing about it. HOW DO U MAKE A RACING GAME WITHOUT MANUAL TRANSMISSION? SERIOUSLY?

    I was so unbelievably disappointed when i bought this game. If there was a way to give a negative rating, i would give this game a -500. Not only is there no manual transmission (as if that wasnt enough) it doesnt even have an adequate rating system for each car. The physics engine sucks. If you want a racing game, you need a good physics engine with MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I dont understand how difficult it would be for them to provide a patch for manual transmission. F**K EA and CRITERION. They shouldve used Most Wanted as a template.    … Expand

See all 77 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
24
#24 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
17
#17 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010