Although a solidly good game, the pedigree of those behind its creation and the precedent set by previous games makes Tropical Freeze more than a little disappointing.
When the story is this abysmal and the multiplayer is this stagnant, there's really no reason to buy what basically amounts to a $60 multiplayer map pack, even if it does come with fifteen maps.
It is a grand game in its own right and deserves its place alongside the best in its franchise.
Need For Speed Rivals is decently fun, but marred by underwhelming presentation, an insanely stupid story, unfair AI, and repetition.
Don't play this if you're not a puzzle-game enthusiast, but if you are you won't find many more engaging, rewarding titles.
Overall this is a fun package and it is worth your time and money, but it has its frustrations and there's no denying where its inspiration quite clearly came from.