Need for Speed: Rivals was well received by critics at E3 2013 and was awarded with "Best Racing Game" from Game Critics Awards.^]Previewers who had access to Rivals called the game a spiritual successor to 1999's Need for Speed: High Stakes, citing similar gameplay style.Other called it an improved version of Criterion's Hot Pursuit, citing similar gameplay mechanics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need for Speed: Rivals received mostly positive reviews upon release. Aggregating review websitesSteve Hannley of Hardcore Gamer gave the game a 4.5/5, saying "It’s raw, visceral, intense and boasts a ton of replay value thanks to over one hundred events and seamless online multiplayer."