Rating Summary
Based on 108 critic reviews
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Need for Speed Payback Reviews Summary
Summary: Need for Speed Payback is a roadblock for the franchise. A grindy progression system backs up mediocre driving, a lifeless open world, and forgettable storytelling.
General Information
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Racing
Need for Speed Payback Reviews
View All (108 total)Need for Speed Payback is a big, competent, and confident arcade racer but it's really let down by its linear cop chases, its overwrought and insidious upgrade system, its dreadful dialogue, and its superficial action sequences. It feels fine and it looks flashy, but Payback really went all-in on its direct-to-DVD revenge tale and it was a bust for me.
Need for Speed returns in this, a grossly unremarkable open world racer that marks another step back for the series.
Enjoyable arcade handling packaged within a game that gets monotonous long before it rewards your time investment.
Need for Speed Payback successfully returns to its Fast and Furious roots with aplomb, but a focus on the grind and a beautiful but empty world means it ultimately falls short of greatness.
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