Need For Speed Rivals PS4 Review: Frustrating Gameplay and Bugs

Data basis: This report analyzes dozens of user reviews and multiple video game critique segments collected between 2015 and 2023. Most feedback came from written reviews, supported by gameplay videos and player forums.

Why does the gameplay often feel disruptive and glitchy?

Players frequently experience bugs and glitches that interrupt gameplay, such as freezing or unexpected crashes. This frustration is persistent during both first use and extended sessions.

This is more disruptive than typical racing games where bugs are rare or minor, making the experience feel unreliable.

• Early signs: crashes often happen minutes into play.
• Frequency tier: among the most common complaints across reviews.
• Cause: incomplete patches and poor optimization.
• Impact: breaks immersion and progress loss.
• Attempts: players tried updates but issues remain.
• Fixability: no permanent fixes reported.
• Hidden requirement: stable internet needed even for single-player.

Illustrative excerpt: "Game crashed twice in my first hour, completely killing the fun" – primary pattern.
Illustrative excerpt: "Random freezes make it unplayable sometimes" – secondary pattern.

What makes the controls frustratingly unresponsive?

• Persistent lag: input delays noticeable even in calm moments.
• Usage context: especially bad during high-speed chases.
• Category contrast: worse than typical racing games with tight control.
• Cause: poor frame rate and input processing.
• Impact: difficulty in executing precise maneuvers.
• Frequency: commonly reported by mid-level and advanced players.
• Fix attempts: adjusting settings offers limited relief.
• Hidden need: requires patience and tolerance for control hiccups.

Illustrative excerpt: "My steering feels delayed, ruining races" – primary pattern.
Illustrative excerpt: "Controls are sluggish when it should be responsive" – secondary pattern.

Why is the multiplayer mode unstable and disconnects often?

• Recurring issue: disconnections break sessions repeatedly.
• When: most apparent during longer multiplayer matches.
• Impact: frustration due to lost progress and time.
• Category comparison: less stable than similar games’ online modes.
• Cause: server reliability and game code instability.
• Frequency tier: frequent for active multiplayer users.
• Fixability: no consistent workaround available.

Illustrative excerpt: "Dropped connection in the middle of every race" – primary pattern.
Illustrative excerpt: "Multiplayer is a gamble if you'll stay connected" – secondary pattern.

Who should avoid this

• Players expecting smooth and stable gameplay will be disappointed by frequent bugs.
• Gamers requiring responsive controls for competitive play should avoid due to input lag.
• Those wanting a reliable multiplayer experience should look elsewhere because of common disconnects.

Who this is actually good for

• Casual players who tolerate occasional glitches and just want a quick racing fix.
• Fans of the franchise willing to accept control quirks for game content.
• Players preferring single-player with patience for technical hiccups.

Expectation vs reality

Expectation: A racing game that offers responsive controls and stable multiplayer sessions is reasonable for this category.

Reality: Need For Speed Rivals PS4 delivers laggy controls and frequent multiplayer disconnections, falling short even by mid-range standards.

Safer alternatives

• Choose titles with verified stable multiplayer servers to avoid disconnect frustration.
• Look for games with responsive control reviews to prevent lag issues.
• Prioritize games with robust patch histories addressing bugs and glitches.

The bottom line

The main regret trigger is the persistent gameplay bugs and control lag that undermine the racing experience. These issues are more severe than typical mid-range racing games, especially frustrating during multiplayer and competitive play. Buyers seeking a smooth, reliable racing game are better off exploring other options.