80 January 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com downtimecomputergames Need For Speed: Rivals (Xbox, PlayStation 4, PC) RATING: WHAT IS IT? Gaming giant EA brings one of their most popular franchises back into the limelight with the return of Need For Speed. In comparison to the other driving games available on the market, Rivals gives you so much more freedom when it comes to racing and challenges. You can take control of your environment and can choose whatever you want to do. GRAPHICS: If any game is able to demonstrate the power of the new consoles, Need For Speed: Rivals is one of them. The landscapes and every little detail are so spectacularly realistic. The cars are designed so fantastically that each race, jump and even crash looks great. GAMEPLAY: The best aspect of Rivals is just how open ended it is. Once you’ve completed the tutorial, you take charge. There’s a seemingly never-ending amount of races and challenges that keep this game feeling fresh and dynamic. This open world feel means you can choose which races to do and how you wish to upgrade your cars. You can also choose who you want to play as — the cops or the racers. F1 2013 (Xbox 360, PS3) For all the Formula One fans out there, this is a dream come true. Take part in an F1 race with a fantastic array of cars and classic maps. It’s a shame that the next gen consoles don’t get to take advantage of the game. Those who still have the old ones will be delighted with this release. Gran Turismo 6 (PS4) It’s true that the latest Gran Turismo series is one of the most graphically spectacular games in a long time. The handling has been greatly improved but the general feeling of the game is rather lacklustre when compared to Forza. Forza Motorsport 5 (Xbox One) One of the first releases for the Xbox One, Forza Motorsport 5 showcases the graphic potential of the console. However, in terms of gaming, it can get rather repetitive. GAME OF THE MONTH Enjoy the Ride This month, get your engines ready for some of the best automotive games available. VERDICT: Of all the new automotive releases, Need For Speed: Rivals is one of the best. It fully shows the potential that the new consoles possess.
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