Need for Speed Payback

 Xbox One
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
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  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 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 SpeedThe 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.… Expand
  2. Needles
    Nov 24, 2017
    0
    Stop supporting this horrible company. They keep making bad games until you stop buying them. EA symbolizes everything that is wrong with the video game industry.
  3. Rundusol
    Dec 11, 2017
    4
    This could be a good game were it not for the completely broken way in which you upgrade your vehicles. A card based system that is essentially very similar to that within Battlefront 2.

    I can't be bothered banging on about the positives and the negatives because for me quite simply it is a broken mess full of grinding or purchasing the aforementioned cards with real world money. Yes EA    This could be a good game were it not for the completely broken way in which you upgrade your vehicles. A card based system that is essentially very similar to that within Battlefront 2.

    I can't be bothered banging on about the positives and the negatives because for me quite simply it is a broken mess full of grinding or purchasing the aforementioned cards with real world money. Yes EA have tried to fix it and make it easier however it still simply doesn't make any logical sense. it makes the previous re-boot actually look a lot better!

    Avoid unless you are a die hard fan of the series.    … Expand
  4. Chipbubble
    Nov 10, 2020
    2
    Grey in grey level design makes it horrible to play. Pay to win. Boring story. Everything is wrong with this game.
  5. DesNukem
    Mar 12, 2018
    4
    The unconscionable money-grabbing aspect has been addressed by several reviewers so I'll just mention a couple of other things that Ghost Games and other developers need to learn:

    1. Don't try to appeal to the youth market by imitating their language and mannerisms – it just looks contrived. If you make a game like a teen-movie and players don't like your movie, they're not going to    The unconscionable money-grabbing aspect has been addressed by several reviewers so I'll just mention a couple of other things that Ghost Games and other developers need to learn:

    1. Don't try to appeal to the youth market by imitating their language and mannerisms – it just looks contrived. If you make a game like a teen-movie and players don't like your movie, they're not going to enjoy your game no matter how it plays. Make games for mature adults and you will capture the youth market.

    2. Don't substitute unnecessary cut scenes for actions that players could perform themselves.

    NFS Payback is a perfect example of how not to make a game – racing or otherwise. As far as racing goes, another flaw in this entry is the obtrusive arches and directional arrows which completely break the immersion in an otherwise beautifully rendered open world. You especially don't need directions in places where there is only one possible route. I give it 4 points for the graphics.    … Expand
  6. Skptc
    Nov 22, 2020
    3
    Еле прошел! Раздражало в игре все: сюжет, озвучка, тюнинг, персонажи, а главное гонки.
  7. Mr_G
    Apr 17, 2018
    0
    You see, driving games and card games don't mix. Then there's microtransations in a full price game. No thanks.
  8. khron
    May 18, 2018
    0
    Bought second hand copy, played through weekend, got to the completely anti-climatic end, uninstalled.

    If someone thought NFS2015 cutscenes were bad (were fine actually), then try Payback - it has probably most dumb, uninspired quotes I have heard in AAA video games. NFS2015's cutscenes at least conveyed something and you can actually see some effort someone took to create them. None of    Bought second hand copy, played through weekend, got to the completely anti-climatic end, uninstalled.

    If someone thought NFS2015 cutscenes were bad (were fine actually), then try Payback - it has probably most dumb, uninspired quotes I have heard in AAA video games. NFS2015's cutscenes at least conveyed something and you can actually see some effort someone took to create them. None of this happens in Payback, cutscenes and voiceovers took literally zero effrot.

    Story is bad, it's practically non-existent. Whole chapters and missions are just lists with checkboxes on them. There is some verbal interaction between your character and whomever during and after missions, you learn like literally one or two full sentences which are obvious or unimportant (like "I'll tell you next time").

    As for character's quotes, those are even worse. Characters are completely overconfident, arrogant, and still can say something like "Come on, I can do it!" while I have already left ai drivers in the dust and have like almost a minute of advantage on them during long race!

    As for rubberbanding, ai racers seem to have next to none, but police... no matter you are going 350km/h, police is even faster. And this is not rubberbanding anymore, they are literally superglued to you. But then, magically, during last 1.5km they just retreat. You can hear on radio that "no one is continuing pursuit" even if there were like 10 of them aroun you moment before. Oh, and they are spawning out of thin air too.

    After you finish the game, there is text message "hey, you completed the game, now for the fun part you can spin wheels of fortune to tune your cars and find all wrecks". What?! Seriously?! I found all wrecks in 5 minutes each and you can gimp your way through spinns (just spin for the same part brand each time). "Tuning" is nonexistent. You cannot set anything that have any influence on handling. You just raise level of your cars and each car has type (like race or drift) set in stone. You want to try your race car in drifting? Too bad, but you can buy another one and make it drift spec. WTF?! And you must upgrade your car, because if your car does not meet certain level, no skill is able to get you to the first place. One ai car (or all of them) would get to cosmic speed and it is technically impossible to win the race then.

    So, I have finished game in 2 days and I am selling game back (or throwing it away, it's garbage). It's probably first game where I am so let down, that I don't even want to find all billboards.

    Game world may be big, but it is literally empty. You are cruising seeing road, empty road sides and sky. There is one city in the game, nothing to do in it, and hidden paths leading to jumps for billboards. Once you finish "main plot" you have seen everything and that's it. Yes, it has drift zones etc. but other games have that too (NFS2015 even better).

    Offroad is strange in the game because you are actually penalized for going offroad by limiting your max speed (sic!). Then what's the point of offroad build? And drag build is apparently used to speed through city corners to actually get on timer to the place where you are drag racing... what.

    And paid dlc... I have no words, a few list-with-checkboxes missions and that's it. Such "dlc" was free for NFS2015 with on of the patches, just like that.    … Expand
  9. Rapida716
    Oct 4, 2018
    0
    Nothing changes, everything is the same. I do not understand why we need a series of NFS, when there is a Forza Horizon 3/4.
  10. EaglEBeKA
    Jul 14, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Муср чистый данатная помойка муср и ещё рпг в гонках бляяяч… Expand
  11. TechnicalN9ne
    Dec 24, 2019
    4
    Let's be honest, this game franchise has evidently been falling down since the last 10 years. Prostreet was the last well made title, otherwise it's clear to see the decline. Ever since then, it's confused about what it truly wants to be. One minute it's a street racer, then a track racer, and then a high speed police chase. It's evident that this game is confused, and both single andLet's be honest, this game franchise has evidently been falling down since the last 10 years. Prostreet was the last well made title, otherwise it's clear to see the decline. Ever since then, it's confused about what it truly wants to be. One minute it's a street racer, then a track racer, and then a high speed police chase. It's evident that this game is confused, and both single and multi player modes are very poor, preferably avoid. The whole upgrade system is also just retarded af.… Expand
  12. SrCre
    Mar 10, 2020
    0
    [ ] Perfect
    [ ] Awesome
    [ ] Good
    [ ] Good Bad
    [x] Fail

    Não vejo necessidade em escrever um longo texto analisando sobre uma arte, a nota é apenas um conselho para saber o quanto ela vale para sua vida.

    I see no need to write a long text analyzing an art, the note is just a piece of advice to know how much it is worth in your life.
  13. didierdrogba11
    Sep 16, 2020
    3
    It's the worst NFS game that I've ever played. The story is very cliche. And when you ride a car, you don't feel like you are riding a car. You feel like riding a boat or something. I love racing games. But this is the worst racing game that I've ever played...
  14. Tmattom
    Nov 17, 2017
    0
    Unfortunately. I was waiting for this game, the general concept behind it is nice, I don't really care that the plot is cheesy - it's just a racing game. Oh no, sorry. It's not a game. It is a slot machine, a gambling application with a possibility to play the game hidden behind this. At least there are lots of other racing games out there, that don't work like this, including older NFSUnfortunately. I was waiting for this game, the general concept behind it is nice, I don't really care that the plot is cheesy - it's just a racing game. Oh no, sorry. It's not a game. It is a slot machine, a gambling application with a possibility to play the game hidden behind this. At least there are lots of other racing games out there, that don't work like this, including older NFS installments.… Expand
  15. Kennet0508
    Nov 16, 2017
    0
    Dont own the game, but making a statement on EA's microtransaction and card malpractices, buying a AAA title does not warrant me having to double up to get all the content. so instead of a 60$ game its a 120$ game
    check out Angry Joe's video on the subject on youtube -> ****
  16. beast89
    Nov 10, 2017
    0
    I give it 0 Because the games is boring is pure fast and furious and looks like forza Horizon 3 It is not like the need for speed underground 2 that for me was the best and now everything is DLC And Micropayments I will not buy a need for speed more
  17. Mutt233
    Nov 16, 2017
    1
    I bought ps one becose nfs and i was stuned
    I lovde nfs sice then
    And 2017 paybacy hapend wtf...... Payng for full aaa game and then payng once more for playng fun.
    Is the ae are so greede that the try to f... Players for every posible way?
    Nfs R. I. P. 2017
    WHAT A Shame.
  18. BumFrontMan
    Nov 21, 2017
    0
    I just finished watching Angry Joe playing this game where he gave it a 2/10, which confirms to me as well, why couldn't this game just be fun? instead of ruining the core gameplay with stupid cards. What does collecting cards and levelling them up have to go with a car game? Just, terrible....
  19. Hoerli
    Nov 8, 2017
    4
    Die Story ist langweilig, aber besser als beim Need for Speed (2015).
    Dafür ist die Grafik ganz akzeptabel.
    Die Steuerung ist von NFS 2015 übernommen und etwas verbessert. Vorallem beim Drifen ist sie aber immer noch total mies und langweilig. Autos lassen sich sehr einfach steuern, denn diese versuchen aktiv, euch auf der Strecke zu halten. Dabei kommt ein extrem schwammiges Fahren    Die Story ist langweilig, aber besser als beim Need for Speed (2015).
    Dafür ist die Grafik ganz akzeptabel.
    Die Steuerung ist von NFS 2015 übernommen und etwas verbessert.
    Vorallem beim Drifen ist sie aber immer noch total mies und langweilig.
    Autos lassen sich sehr einfach steuern, denn diese versuchen aktiv, euch auf der Strecke zu halten.
    Dabei kommt ein extrem schwammiges Fahren zu stande, was nach 3-4 Stunden kein Spaß macht.

    Performance? Ha! 30FPS bei 900p ist echt nicht hübsch. Da sieht es auf dem PC doch besser aus.

    Der Multiplayer ist jetzt mehr ein Matchmaking-System, welches Spieler zusammen wirft, gegen die man dann fahren kann.
    Oft erwischt man aber Chaoten, die nur auf Rammen aus sind. Das macht kein Spaß.

    Tuning ist dafür wieder besser geworden. Endlich kann man Fahrzeuge besser anpassen.
    Vorallem der Leistungsbereich ist aber komplett unübersichtlich gestaltet worden.

    Wer das Spiel mal ansehen möchte, schaut einfach auf meiner HP vorbei. Dort hab ich neben Videos auch noch mehr Bilder und Text hinterlassen :)

    Empfehlenswert?
    Nein!
    Wer das Spiel mit mehr als 6 (60) oder 7 (70) bewertet, hat noch nie die alten NFS gespielt. Das waren noch gute Spiele. Nach Pro Street kam nichts gutes mehr.    … Expand
  20. Lukecali97
    Nov 17, 2017
    0
    this games micro transactions are so bad that critics like angry Joe couldn't even bear to finish this poor excuse of a game ea can take their p2w crap and shove it up their ass
  21. PurelyMac
    Nov 9, 2017
    4
    Two years in the making!: yup, it's taken two years to develop the most boring NFS yet. Not only that, but where all other franchise keep going forward, NFS is still stuck in reverse. It's like they learned nothing from the 2015 attempt except, there is far more daylight and a lot less rain [infact, I dont think i've seen rain yet]

    They replaced the duff-actors of the past with animated    Two years in the making!: yup, it's taken two years to develop the most boring NFS yet. Not only that, but where all other franchise keep going forward, NFS is still stuck in reverse. It's like they learned nothing from the 2015 attempt except, there is far more daylight and a lot less rain [infact, I dont think i've seen rain yet]

    They replaced the duff-actors of the past with animated stereotypical characters with the most cringeworthy dialogue you ever heard in any form of entertainment and a storyline that's permanently stuck in first gear [I say that because when there is any sight of any excitement, the game takes over and you can only watch; you have no input]

    Gameplay is very routine and repetitive, almost boring; collectibles are there but pointed out to you so not hard to find those; we have the usual speed traps/zones, drift zones and jumps, nothing new there then. We do however have 'derelicts' cars to find parts for and build .. so there ya go something new .. to NFS .. but hardly new. Currency is hard to come by, you need to grind over races you already did to make the money for parts to upgrade your cars .. you do get awarded an upgrade card after a race win, it's a random card so again luck is involved; you can gamble some of your 'tokens' in a fruit-machine style app for more parts or you can simply buy them with real cash [not forgetting you already spent 60/80 or whatever of your local currency to buy the game in the first place.]

    I say now; it may get better but I have abandoned the game after about 12 hours play; so checkout other reviews.

    It's most annoying because again, the NFS developers have turned a potential masterpiece into an actual turkey by their game-play choices; they have again delivered 'average' and not 'awesome' and frankly 'average' doesn't cut-it these days.

    A few key words on the actual racing; messy .. erratic .. rubberbanded .. clunky .. random.

    In a nutshell, 2 years in the making for a second-rate attempt at including something for everyone … well almost, because horror of all horrors, you can't free-roam in multiplayer, you cant hang out with your mate, do car-shows, take nice group photos, form a drift train … bait a cop? .. nope, no cops in multiplayer.

    I will give a mark of 4 for the fact this time there is daylight.    … Expand
  22. 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 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 mercadoNuevamente 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.    … Expand
  23. justmkomsk
    Nov 16, 2017
    1
    I'm completely disappointed in progression system. Once i got first challenges with racing gangs I was pushed to replay older missions to get some money to get at least necessary upgrades. Or, of course, there was another way: to pay real money in the fullpriced game to get... money in the game. That is freakingly bad and I will try to refund the game.
    Worst racing game progression system    I'm completely disappointed in progression system. Once i got first challenges with racing gangs I was pushed to replay older missions to get some money to get at least necessary upgrades. Or, of course, there was another way: to pay real money in the fullpriced game to get... money in the game. That is freakingly bad and I will try to refund the game.
    Worst racing game progression system ever. Worst NFS ever, despite of good handling and graphics. In the current state game should be named NFS: Refund.    … Expand
  24. King_o_Spice
    Nov 22, 2017
    0
    pay 2 win, automatic 0.

    I really shouldn't be required to get a cracked version and a hex editor for a somewhat satifying game progression.

    Save your money for a better game or any other NFS title.
  25. HelpMePls
    Nov 15, 2017
    7
    I know this is going to get downvoted to death, but here it is anyway. Let me start by explaining that the loot boxes aren't pay to win by any means. Last time I checked, neons and horns don't make your car faster. Not to mention the fact that you get a box every time you level up (a la Overwatch, which happened to get GOTY last year). The game itself is pretty good. The car list isI know this is going to get downvoted to death, but here it is anyway. Let me start by explaining that the loot boxes aren't pay to win by any means. Last time I checked, neons and horns don't make your car faster. Not to mention the fact that you get a box every time you level up (a la Overwatch, which happened to get GOTY last year). The game itself is pretty good. The car list is decent, and every car has a lot of customization options on it. The story is ok, but I don't know anyone that expects the stories in any NFS game to be groundbreaking. There are some very interesting missions in the game that are almost reminiscent of heists in GTA which I like and they spice up the gameplay a bit. You can also replay these missions anytime after you unlock them, so they're not a one time only thing.

    The most glaring issues with this game is the lack of online free roam and the strange car upgrade system. The game isn't anywhere near as grindy as Destiny 2, especially if you know what you're doing, the best way to get better parts is to play races and trade in parts for part tokens. Money should never be an issue as the game hands out $10-$20 thousand per race late game.
    The open world is large and contains a large desert, a Las Vegas inspired city, a mountain/forest, and some canyons. There are no cops in free roam which can be considered a good thing if you don't like to be bothered, but for most people its disappointing and makes the world less interesting. You can still get into pursuits, although they have been limited to random locations around the world and missions.

    My final verdict as of now is a 7, as the game for the most part is good, but there are some issues here and there. Keep in mind that Ghost (the developer) will provide free updates and hopefully improve upon the game in the coming months. In my opinion, the loot crates don't ruin the game because you get tons of them just by playing the game, and they give you cosmetic items that don't affect the gameplay at all. If you're considering buying this game, I would wait for a sale unless you're a die hard NFS fan. If you aren't into the series I suggest you consider buying if this goes on sale for $40. Thanks for taking the time to read the wall of text that is my review, I hope it helps.    … Expand
  26. SKSK
    Jul 25, 2018
    7
    The game itself is good. The car list is pretty decent, such as the storyline (for a racing game).
  27. Broyax
    May 4, 2020
    1
    Tiens, le NFS nouveau (chaque année comme le Beaujolais... sauf que c'est de la piquette à chaque fois...) le NFS nouveau, disais-je, s'inspire nettement des Forza Horizon... ce qui n'est pas plus mal, ma foi... On a donc un beau monde ouvert (quoique moins varié que dans un FH) qui utilise très bien le moteur maison de chez EA, le Frosbite : en 4K sur la X et avec un solide 30 im/s, c'estTiens, le NFS nouveau (chaque année comme le Beaujolais... sauf que c'est de la piquette à chaque fois...) le NFS nouveau, disais-je, s'inspire nettement des Forza Horizon... ce qui n'est pas plus mal, ma foi... On a donc un beau monde ouvert (quoique moins varié que dans un FH) qui utilise très bien le moteur maison de chez EA, le Frosbite : en 4K sur la X et avec un solide 30 im/s, c'est vraiment pas mal du tout !

    La partie sonore est toujours à la hauteur, que ce soit les moteurs, les collisions, dérapages etc... on a d'ailleurs de beaux ralentis lorsqu'on fait de "takedowns" comme dans un Burnout ! c'est rigolol et spectaculol. La VF est de bonne qualité également (comme toujours chez EA) mais le souci vient clairement de l'écriture ou plutôt du niveau "caniveau" de l'écriture : on se doutait que ce serait beauf, kévin, jacky touch et débile à la fois... mais à ce point-là, c'est vraiment.. alarmant !

    Heureusement qu'on peut zapper l'essentiel de toutes ces cinématiques et dialogues affligeants, sinon on ne tiendrait pas... La con-duite reste très con et très approximative et clairement en deçà d'un FH, lequel est pourtant très arcade... mais moins con comme conduite. Mais les plus gros soucis concernent le farmage voire même un léger grind des missions et épreuves puisqu'il faut un niveau pour les courses (normal me dira-t-on) mais que ce niveau s'acquiert exclusivement par des "cartes" comme des cartes à jouer, synonymes d'équipement et d'améliorations...

    On peut aussi les échanger et participer à des tirages pour en avoir d'autres... ?! comme au casino (?!). Et ça dans un jeu de bagnoles, c'est vraiment... n'importe quoi. De toute façon, on se lasse du jeu bien avant de commencer un quelconque farmage avec son remplissage d'épreuves chiantes, répétitives et ses missions de campagne plus scriptées qu'un Call of Kevin !

    Donc à part techniquement, ce NFS est (encore) une grosse daube à éviter, évidemment !    … Expand
  28. jobbigtboys
    Dec 27, 2017
    1
    Seriously, don't waste your money on this, the singleplayer is okay (very short) and the multiplayer, oh boy, might actually be the worst game I've ever played, the online playlists require NO skill at all, it's basically who ever gets f*cked with the least.
  29. TheMaverick
    Jun 26, 2019
    9
    Normal game. I recommend to play in version for Xbox One. Localization is normal;)
  30. kdflcl
    Dec 31, 2017
    8
    I just wanted to preface this review with a few things. 1) I've been a big fan of the Need For Speed franchise since I was about 5. Most Wanted is possibly my favourite game of all time. 2) I'm absolutely aware that the EA management is scum, but I want to focus on the merits of each game separately rather than tarring everything with the same brush- and I think the widespread anger andI just wanted to preface this review with a few things. 1) I've been a big fan of the Need For Speed franchise since I was about 5. Most Wanted is possibly my favourite game of all time. 2) I'm absolutely aware that the EA management is scum, but I want to focus on the merits of each game separately rather than tarring everything with the same brush- and I think the widespread anger and scorn against Payback is more than a little unfair.

    Pros:
    - The driving experience.
    You get an exhilarating feeling of speed that no other major racing game releasing in the last few years really fulfils. As you progress through the story and the cars get faster and faster, the feeling only grows.
    - The art and sound design is sensational.
    The world isn't huge, but it's varied and beautiful. From hilly, swirling offroad mountain tracks to stretching desert roads to the bright night lights of the city, it's a joy to drive through. It reminds me of The Witcher 3 in how the game is a joy to traverse, taking in the sights, not just to sprint through until the credits roll.
    - Brilliant sound design.
    The roar of the engines, the stretched 'slurp' of the nitrous and the squeal of the drift sound excellent, no more so than when they reaches a cacophony combined with police sirens chasing you at 190 mph through oncoming traffic. The soundtrack doesn't mean much for a racing game, but it's got something for everyone- a healthy smattering of grime, rap and rock, featuring Queens of the Stone Age, Vince Staples and Skepta. There are a few stinkers, but the good outweighs the bad.
    - The driving experience feels genuinely fresh.
    It's a refreshing break from the racing sims that the market is moving closer towards. Sims are great in their own regard, but often fail to capture the joy of speed, destruction and carelessness a good arcade racer revels in.
    - It copies the successes of its predecessors:
    - Cops are a challenge and fun to battle and escape for the first time in years thanks to smart
    teamwork (due to well-made AI).
    - The customisation (the only real pro in NFS 2015) is taken in Payback with bodykits galore
    (especially on the derelicts you can restore) and a wide set of decals, along with a good
    community tab where you can download popular 'wraps'.
    - A full day and night cycle lets you have both the night gameplay people liked in Underground 1, 2
    and NFS 2015, as well as the sun-baked desert and sunset.
    - This is a controversial opinion, but the story mode is actually alright
    There are issues, but the story is, in parts, wonderfully camp, daft and fun once you get over the hurdle of its exasperating stupidity. It's quite hefty and long too, keeping me busy for at least a good 20+ hours. David Ajala does a brilliant job as Mac, the drifter and offroader of your 'crew', with a carefree joy and lovely British accent and so does Jessica Madsen as Jess- for a few lines, at least.

    Cons:
    - No cops in freeroam.
    Why design them so well and criminally underuse them?
    - Camera issues.
    No cockpit camera. Particularly in Drag-type cars, the camera under nitrous boost zooms back to emphasise the speed, which is a nice effect until you notice it's difficult to see over your car at the oncoming traffic.
    - Cars can only be used in the racing discipline for which you buy them (Drift cars are only usable in Drift events, for example.)
    I could want to use by Race-type NSX for a drag race, but I'd have to spit out the 100,000 credits to buy a Drag-type one then spend around 20 minutes of farming to get it to the right level. Surely there should be a 'remodding' or transformation mechanic to switch the type of previously bought vehicles in the garage?
    - Minor issues with the driving experience.
    Cars drive almost comically different depending on their role. Race-types have steering tuned too 'tight', and this is taken further with Drag-types. In races, the reset after crash mechanic is inconsistent and buggy, once resetting me facing a wall.
    - When the writing fails, it fails hard
    The acting is generally weak. Tyler, Lina, the racing league bosses, and, often, Jess are acted horribly, though it might be more accurate to blame the script. In particularly, the sketch to introduce Mac in the prologue criticises a 'cringy' drifting streamer called "HashTiger" physically hurt to play.
    - Farming
    Upgrading under-levelled vehicles is a chore, waiting for upgrade shops to restock and farming old events for 'Speed Cards', but the game is very liberal with resources, never pushing you to pay a penny for a microtransaction (considering they only buy you boxes containing money, vanity items and cards to 'roll' for more Speed Cards). I'll be the first person to crusade against microtransactions but this is light years away from how egregious Battlefront II or Shadow of War are.

    I'm just so thankful EA have, after all this time, released a game that genuinely lives up to the Need for Speed name, even if it's not a masterpiece.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. CD-Action
    Feb 8, 2018
    40
    For me Need for Speed is dead and buried as a franchise. Yes, Payback offers a large and varied open world and 70 licensed cars, but the driving model is decent at best, microtransactions system resembles free-to-play games, randomized upgrades force you to grind and the story (along with the dialogues) is simply embarrassing. [01/2018, p.44]
  2. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Jan 5, 2018
    40
    Turns out that fighting the machine has rarely been this dull. [Jan 2018, p.78]
  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.
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