Take vengeance to the streets
Need for Speed: Payback is one of the latest installments in the long-running Need for Speed racing game series. Explore Fortune Valley and compete in illegal races. Win prizes to obtain newer cars, escape law enforcement, all while taking down The House - a vicious and powerful cartel.
NFS series
The Need for Speed series is published by Electronic Arts (or EA) and designed by many developers throughout Need for Speed’s 20+ mainline games.
The Need for Speed series is unique among racing games. Its premise is built around participating in illicit street races, unlike the Gran Turismo or Forza Horizon series. Need for Speed’s most exceptional feature is the implementation of police chases.
Payback
Need for Speed Payback was released in 2017 on PS4 and Steam as the NFS series’ 23rd mainline game. It doesn’t stray too far from the premise set by its predecessors but does add its own flavor to the experience.
Like most games in the series, Payback focuses on competing in races or completing related challenges to win materials and upgrade your ride. You can also collect various cars from an extensive list of over 50 kinds of motor vehicles. The list includes a variety of vehicles like the Plymouth Barracuda, Volkswagen Golf GTI, SRT Viper, and many more.
Unlike Payback’s predecessors or Need For Speed Heat, Payback also features an expansive storyline. You can play as one of three characters as you seek revenge against The House, the ruling criminal syndicate of Fortune Valley’s underworld.
Gameplay modes
Payback—like NFS Heat and NFS Rivals—boasts an online multiplayer mode, allowing you to play against other racers in both casual and ranked races.
In both Payback’s offline and online modes, you can explore Fortune Valley and gain experience points through various events and races. Unfortunately, like Heat and Rivals, Payback lacks any sort of offline multiplayer mode.
Our take
Many players dislike Need for Speed Payback’s progression system, which is more like an RPG than Heat or Rivals. Races are more about what you customize your car with rather than how well you can drive.
Along with its lack of split-screen multiplayer, Payback leaves us slightly deflated. However, it’s a beautiful, functioning, and enjoyable game, bringing a new and creative spin to the series. It’s worth experiencing despite it’s slight faults.
Should you download it?
Yes. If you’re a racing fan and don’t mind the lack of offline multiplayer, you’ll enjoy this game.
