Release Date: January 5, 2016
A sequel to Hardware: Online Arena - a PlayStation 2 game. It is a multiplayer action racing game developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. The gameplay is based on online duels between the players who control different, armed vehicles. The game offers a wide variety of vehicles that fall into several main categories - each machine has its own different strong and weak spots.
Hardware: Rivals for PS4 is a multiplayer-focused action game that belongs to a genre known as vehicular combat. The game is a spiritual heir to Hardware: Online Arena released in 2002 on Playstation 2. The older game was one of the first online-only games for that console. Hardware: Rivals was developed by one of the internal teams of Sony Computer Entertainment, comprised of both the older game's fans, and its developers.
The gameplay mechanics are similar to those in the first, installment and other similar games such as Twisted Metal series. Dynamic multiplayer clashes between players sitting behind the wheels of armed vehicles is the essence of the gameplay. The game offers a large number of vehicles divided into categories. Each category has its strong and weak sides - that requires the player to switch between different tactics. For instance, quick and agile rovers are capable of moving swiftly across the map, but these vehicles are more vulnerable in open combat against better-armored vehicles. Conversely, heavy tanks are substantially more durable and have much more firepower, but their mobility is greatly reduced.
Hardware: Rivals for PS4 features an upgrade system, which is a common mechanism in online games. During the game, the player's vehicles earn experience which can be spent on a multiplicity of upgrades available. The player gradually unlocks the upgrades when progressing in the gameplay.
As an online-oriented game, Hardware: Rivals for PS4 offers a diversity of game modes which come with many maps. The player can seek a solitary challenge, or one requiring a teamwork. Apart from that, there are plenty of in-game events being organized regularly. These offer different kinds of challenges, which often stand out with some original, unusual rules.
In terms of graphics, Hardware: Rivals follows into the footsteps of the original game, but the sequel has a more cartoonish stylistics. Of course, the biggest difference between the two installments lies in the graphics quality. The second installment fully utilizes the console's technological capabilities.
Platforms:
PlayStation 4
Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
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System Requirements for Hardware: Rivals Video Game:
PlayStation 4
Supports:
PlayStation Network
Game Ratings for Hardware: Rivals Video Game.
PlayStation Universe: 4.5 / 10 by Neil Bolt
You can see what SCE Connected Content Group was aiming for with Hardware: Rivals, as the car combat genre has long needed a decent revival from somewhere. Unfortunately, far too many of Hardware's ideas are poorly executed for it to be the saviour it might have been. It doesn't do it any favours to see it presented in such a generally unenthusiastic, haphazard fashion. With variety sorely lacking and balancing currently an issue, there's little to suggest a long-term future for Hardware: Rivals in the heaving ball pit that is online-only gaming.
IGN: 5.5 / 10 by Mike Mitchell
The novelty of driving around in this tiny selection of tanks and buggies while shooting at other players wears thin pretty quickly. The lack of any original modes or meaningful progression prevents Hardware: Rivals from having any chance at longevity. Aside from the awkward controls, everything works well enough, but nothing is memorable or satisfying.
Eurogamer: by Martin Robinson
Hardware: Rivals is a throwback to a different era of multiplayer, though it's a little too modest to properly pull it off.
Average score from votes.
![[1:29] launch trailer](https://cdn.gracza.pl/galeria/filmy/640x360/5487569.jpg)
