Need for Speed Payback

 Xbox One
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 32
  3. Negative: 6 out of 32
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  1. TheXboxHub
    Nov 23, 2017
    90
    It’s safe to say that Need For Speed Payback is a return to the glory days for the series, able to mentioned in the same breath as Underground or Most Wanted.
  2. Areajugones
    Nov 7, 2017
    90
    Need for Speed comes back stronger than ever with an open-world game that has a great story mode and gameplay mechanics adapted to every player.
  3. Xbox Tavern
    Dec 16, 2017
    83
    The gameplay is tight, responsive and surprisingly accessible whilst remaining challenging throughout. The story may well indeed be basic in its delivery, but the plot does prove to be energetic and exhilarating nevertheless, however it is sadly held back slightly by a poorly voiced cast of forgettable characters.
  5. Generación Xbox
    Nov 8, 2017
    80
    The Need For Speed formula seems to be a little worn out, but Payback tries to get all the good stuff from the franchise plus some new additions to renew it, even if it doesn't get to be the best game in the series.
  6. Stevivor
    Nov 7, 2017
    80
    Need For Speed Payback represents EA’s answer to where most racers are headed -– massive worlds, large car lists, extensive customisation options and plenty of things to do.
  7. Atomix
    Nov 7, 2017
    80
    Need for Speed: Payback is a great fun open world with a story campaign that works well. Racing is exciting and all of the car modifications are interesting, besides lacking from its technical side.
  8. SomosXbox
    Nov 7, 2017
    80
    Need for Speed ​​Payback is a good arcade game that moves the action and speed of Hollywood movies to the videogame, adding to challenge of urban bands and five clearly differentiated driving styles with totally customizable cars and a small open world. Enjoys very good ideas and gives us a well-rounded game, but it lacks a bit of genius to make it essential.
  9. God is a Geek
    Nov 7, 2017
    80
    Need For Speed: Payback may not do anything new, but it brings together elements of Forza Horizon and Burnout Paradise to create a fun and explosive racer.
  10. MondoXbox
    Nov 14, 2017
    75
    A solid arcade racer with some very nice environments, but it feels a bit too weak in the technical department and with a too marked rubber-banding effect during the races.
  11. GamingTrend
    Nov 7, 2017
    75
    With some excellent improvements to car control, customization, and cinematic moments, Need for Speed Payback delivers on the promise of a better racing game. That said, it occasionally has a few engine knocks with chunky dialogue and invisible walls barring your path in the vast open world they’ve created. It’s a good step for the series, and it should provide a good foundation for Ghost’s next time behind the wheel.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
39
#39 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.1

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 281 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 281
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 281
  3. Negative: 164 out of 281
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Jan 2, 2018
    7
    The Need for Speed series has been up and down over the last few years and this has definitely put a few people off. I’ve always liked theThe Need for Speed series has been up and down over the last few years and this has definitely put a few people off. I’ve always liked the Need for Speed series but there has been too many problems in the last few game’s, which in turn harmed the overall package. The problems are still evident in this instalment, but most of the core ideas have paid off and in the end Need for Speed Payback was pretty enjoyable. The racing in the game feels better than ever and I was very impressed by how fluid and responsive it remained throughout. I was also impressed with the story in the game, and whilst it may not be everybody’s cup a tea I found it to be quite engaging. There is a great deal of variety in Need for Speed Payback and that’s evident when it comes to the different driving styles and races. I must admit though that the game did frustrate me quite a few times and that was mainly down to the AI and the high difficulty curve the cheating AI brought with it. If you like customisation then this game has plenty for you to sink your teeth into. There is one problem with this though and that’s the micro-transactions that are present in the game, and unfortunately if you’re not prepared to pay for certain items then you will spend a lot of time grinding to get them. The presentation side of the game is pretty good, but I can’t help feeling that it could have been a little better. Visually the game can look stunning at times, but unfortunately the sound design is not as good and is lacking in certain areas. At the end of the day fans of the Need for Speed series will definitely enjoy what’s on offer here, but I don’t think this new addition will bring many new fans to the table. Don’t get me wrong it gets a lot of things right and it can be very fun at times, but the added micro-transactions and little niggling problems here and there will make some people stay away, which is a shame because the core ideas are well done and these ideas just do enough for me to recommend the game to you.… Full Review »
  2. Nick98
    Nov 7, 2017
    10
    I think the critics or reviewers need to stop giving this game negative reviews it looks fun to play and I grew up playing this series and theI think the critics or reviewers need to stop giving this game negative reviews it looks fun to play and I grew up playing this series and the reboot of need for speed (2015) has horrible physics, cheesy cut scenes with the worst acting I've seen and the graphics are okay but not that great as Payback. Need For Speed Payback looks better and has a better story than the reboot of Need For Speed and has better physics that that game. I think its going to be a surprise for people that grew up playing need for speed like me and appreciate that ghost at least did what the fans request and e.a. helping with the project. I think its worth the pre-order of this game and I think I'm in for a treat for Need for Speed Payback… Full Review »
  3. Tenacidad963
    Nov 7, 2017
    0
    Nuevamente quieren obligar al jugador a pagar para poder avanzar rápido y ganar el juego con micropagos. Este juego no lo recomiendo. No seNuevamente quieren obligar al jugador a pagar para poder avanzar rápido y ganar el juego con micropagos. Este juego no lo recomiendo. No se puede disfrutar mucho ya que se tiene que repetir lo mismo hasta el cansancio para acumular puntos para poder avanzar, aunque sea la desarrolladora hubiera puesto más carreras distintas para compensar, pero no, debes pagar. La EA busca que su mercado sea ya no el de vender juego, sino la de micropagos que posteriormente debes pagar después de comprar el juego. O sea que al final pagas mucho más en total de lo que esperabas.

    In English
    Again they want to force the player to pay to be able to advance fast and win the game with micropayments. This game I do not recommend. You can not enjoy much because you have to repeat the same thing until you get tired to accumulate points to move forward, even if the developer would have put more different races to compensate, but no, you must pay. The EA seeks that its market is no longer that of selling games, but that of micropayments that you must later pay after buying the game. So in the end you pay much more in total than you expected.    … Full Review »
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