Review Supplemental: Need For Speed: Rivals (PS4)

New Gamer Nation has already reviewed Need For Speed: Rivals, and you can read that review here.  This review supplemental will focus on the differences between the PS4 version and the PS3 version.

Overall, there really is no huge difference between the two versions, gameplay-wise. The only differences emerge when comparing the two games graphically. This is nothing shocking to hear, and I’ll explain in detail what it actually means, but first, let’s get the numbers out there. The Playstation 3 version runs at 720p and 30 frames-per-second, while the Playstation 4 version runs at 1080p, but is still locked at 30fps. This is a little upsetting to discover when you have spent all this money on a high-powered next-gen system only to find out it still runs at 30 fps. The reason that developer Ghost gives is the AllDrive system. NFS: Rivals is always online with other people, so for the game to be as smooth as possible, the developers decided to lock the frame-rate at 30 fps. The frame-rate does seem to be more stable on the PS4 naturally, so those instances where two gamers’ races collide on one road and all hell breaks loose can now be fully enjoyed in the 1080p resolution. When it comes to straight visuals, there is no comparison: the PS4 looks a lot better.

The picture above does a good job of showing the differences, but what it all comes down to is the extra stuff that doesn’t really effect gameplay, yet we all still care about. The PS4 version has things like more vegetation, a crisper look, a warmer and more vibrant color pallet, and overall greater detail. The cars may look only a little better, but the landscapes have a noticeable difference. The game is brighter while simultaneously carrying deeper colors, and the better scenery makes driving around more enjoyable.

This means that if you already have a PS4, then you’ll probably buy it on that system anyways. For those of you that have a PS3, plan getting a PS4 in the future, and aren’t sure if you should wait or not, the answer is that if you care about graphics, then wait. There is no real difference in the gameplay between the two versions, especially when the frame-rate is locked at 30 fps, so if you don’t care about graphics, then go ahead and grab it on PS3. Simply put: the game looks better on the PS4, but that’s about the only difference.

This review is based on a review copy of the PlayStation 4 version of Need for Speed Rivals published by EA.