Underplayed Gems

Need for Speed™ Payback (2020)

Need for Speed™ Payback cover
Developer
Ghost Games
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Platforms
Windows
Genres
Action, Adventure, Racing, Sports, Strategy
Rating
4.3 of 5, 31,666 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 16 hours
Where to get it
Steam

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The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A fast-paced, over-the-top arcade racer with cinematic cop chases and vehicular combat in a neon-lit, gritty underworld.

arcadefast-pacedadrenaline-fueledaction-packedcustomizableurbanintenserepetitive

What players say

Players praise the derelict car system and offline mode, but are split on the rest. Many dislike the slot-machine upgrade system that incentivizes microtransactions, some call the driving mechanics and police chases dull. The story is seen as a Fast and Furious pastiche that works for some, while quest repetition and save-file bugs frustrate others.

Screenshots

Need for Speed™ Payback screenshot 1Need for Speed™ Payback screenshot 2Need for Speed™ Payback screenshot 3Need for Speed™ Payback screenshot 4Need for Speed™ Payback screenshot 5Need for Speed™ Payback screenshot 6

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This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.