60
MONSTER
A standalone chapter of the career in Need for Speed: Payback. The chapter follows Mac as he enters the Fortune Valley Speedcross Series using an experimental Mini JCW Countryman build by Rav.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
52
Critics are split on Need for Speed Payback's story. Some like the action-packed missions and character bonds, while others criticize the corny dialogue and lack of originality. Overall, most reviewers find the narrative underwhelming, with weak writing and uninteresting characters, making it a disappointment for many.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
52
Positive (80-100)
11%
Mixed (50-79)
44%
Negative (0-49)
44%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics are split on Need for Speed Payback's story. Some like the action-packed missions and character bonds, while others criticize the corny dialogue and lack of originality. Overall, most reviewers find the narrative underwhelming, with weak writing and uninteresting characters, making it a disappointment for many.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
70
Critics have mixed opinions on Need for Speed Payback's gameplay. Positive reviews praise its satisfying arcade handling, sense of speed, and unique Side Bets feature. Some critics enjoy the fun, distinct feel of the gameplay and different car experiences. However, negative feedback includes criticism of monotonous driving, lack of challenge, and oversimplified mechanics like the Speed Card system. Overall, while some aspects fall short, the game offers an enjoyable arcade racing experience with a balance of good and bad points.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
70
Positive (80-100)
48%
Mixed (50-79)
38%
Negative (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics have mixed opinions on Need for Speed Payback's gameplay. Positive reviews praise its satisfying arcade handling, sense of speed, and unique Side Bets feature. Some critics enjoy the fun, distinct feel of the gameplay and different car experiences. However, negative feedback includes criticism of monotonous driving, lack of challenge, and oversimplified mechanics like the Speed Card system. Overall, while some aspects fall short, the game offers an enjoyable arcade racing experience with a balance of good and bad points.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
72
Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Need for Speed Payback. Some praise the visuals, especially the open world and car customization, for their detail and immersive experience. However, others criticize the game for technical issues, inconsistent graphics, and lack of creativity in design. Overall, while some aspects impress, there are concerns that prevent the game from standing out in terms of graphics and visual design among other racing games.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
72
Positive (80-100)
26%
Mixed (50-79)
74%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Need for Speed Payback. Some praise the visuals, especially the open world and car customization, for their detail and immersive experience. However, others criticize the game for technical issues, inconsistent graphics, and lack of creativity in design. Overall, while some aspects impress, there are concerns that prevent the game from standing out in terms of graphics and visual design among other racing games.
Music and Sound Design
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63
Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Need for Speed Payback. While some praise the car engine sounds and vehicle physics, others criticize the repetitive sounds and underwhelming soundtrack. Positive comments focus on the customization options and fitting dialogue acting. Overall, the consensus leans towards disappointment with the soundtrack and a lack of standout elements in the sound design.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
63
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
63%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Need for Speed Payback. While some praise the car engine sounds and vehicle physics, others criticize the repetitive sounds and underwhelming soundtrack. Positive comments focus on the customization options and fitting dialogue acting. Overall, the consensus leans towards disappointment with the soundtrack and a lack of standout elements in the sound design.
Voice Acting
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55
Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Need for Speed Payback. Some appreciate the likable characters and fitting casting choices, adding depth to the game. However, many critics criticize the dialogue for being weak and one-dimensional, lacking appeal and strength. Overall, the consensus is negative, with disappointment in the voice acting quality and lack of immersive experience for players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
55
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
80%
Negative (0-49)
20%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Need for Speed Payback. Some appreciate the likable characters and fitting casting choices, adding depth to the game. However, many critics criticize the dialogue for being weak and one-dimensional, lacking appeal and strength. Overall, the consensus is negative, with disappointment in the voice acting quality and lack of immersive experience for players.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
52
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Need for Speed Payback across gaming platforms. While some praise smooth gameplay on PS4 Pro, others criticize issues like frame rate drops and long load times on Xbox One and PC. PS4 version faces crashes and UI failures. Overall, technical problems overshadow positive aspects, impacting the gaming experience and needing developer attention.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
52
Positive (80-100)
9%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
55%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Need for Speed Payback across gaming platforms. While some praise smooth gameplay on PS4 Pro, others criticize issues like frame rate drops and long load times on Xbox One and PC. PS4 version faces crashes and UI failures. Overall, technical problems overshadow positive aspects, impacting the gaming experience and needing developer attention.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
51
Critics are divided on the replay value of Need for Speed Payback. While some praise its diverse activities and multiplayer modes, others criticize its repetitive tasks, monotonous progression, and heavy emphasis on grinding and loot boxes. Despite offering a variety of race events and open-world activities, the game's drawbacks, such as lack of customization options and tedious progression, make it less appealing for extended play sessions.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
51
Positive (80-100)
16%
Mixed (50-79)
37%
Negative (0-49)
47%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of Need for Speed Payback. While some praise its diverse activities and multiplayer modes, others criticize its repetitive tasks, monotonous progression, and heavy emphasis on grinding and loot boxes. Despite offering a variety of race events and open-world activities, the game's drawbacks, such as lack of customization options and tedious progression, make it less appealing for extended play sessions.
Overall Verdict
60
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
60
Positive (80-100)
15%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
16%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics have mixed opinions on Need for Speed Payback. Positive aspects like satisfying gameplay and nostalgia are praised, but weak story, repetitive open world, and expensive customization options are criticized. Technical issues and microtransactions also dampen the experience. While some find the game enjoyable despite flaws, the overall consensus is more negative, with criticisms outweighing the positives.
60
MONSTER
Reviews
148 reviews found82
Game Over Online
Nov 10, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Need for Speed Payback is a nice step up from prior entries, with exciting cop chases and arcade-style racing action. However, the story and action may not hold up very well.
80
Stevivor
Nov 7, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Need for Speed Payback is a solid racer and a great installment in the franchise. It is considered a sequel to the Underground games and is praised for its nostalgia and character.
Read full review
80
PlayStation LifeStyle
Nov 6, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is described as the natural evolution of the series and ends with a great tease for a potential sequel. The reviewer finished the story in around 15 hours and enjoyed the game.
80
God is a Geek
Nov 7, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is described as fun and explosive, bringing together elements of Forza Horizon and Burnout Paradise.
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80
CGMagazine
Nov 6, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Despite its flaws, Need for Speed Payback is a fine game with more pros than cons.
75
Gamer.nl
Nov 15, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is more enjoyable than the previous Need for Speed game, but lacks originality and focus for a glorious comeback.
71
COGconnected
Nov 11, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Need for Speed Payback is a step in the right direction for the series, but has a few missteps.
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70
GamesRadar+
Nov 7, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Despite its flaws, Need for Speed Payback is an incredibly enjoyable experience with a brilliant story.
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70
Cheat Code Central
Nov 10, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Need for Speed: Payback falls short in terms of story and gameplay. The upgrade system is frustrating and lacks direction. The game doesn't offer a sense of accomplishment or progression.
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65
Forbes
Nov 7, 2017
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Need for Speed Payback fails to stand out in any one area and feels like a game trying to do too many things at once.