Metascore
72 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 21
  2. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. The handling is remarkable, and the fact the tracks are littered with obstacles that bounce and crash realistically makes it all the more fun. Throw in excellent damage modelling and it's plain to see that this game has nailed the core mechanics of an addictive racer perfectly.
  2. The AI of the other drivers is extremely good and can almost have you believing that you are racing against other humans.
  3. I'd like to thank BugBear for finally spending the time to deliver a fantastic damage model in a racing game.
  4. A solid bit of destruction derby/road racing hybrid madness that's well worth picking up. Bugbear has the tools and talent to make the next game even better and I'll definitely be along for that ride.
  5. The 'instant gratification' test from Flatout is very high which is always a good marker. Flatout does not profess to be anything but an out and out 'revving foot on the pedal and try to waste the opposition' game.
  6. I haven't had this much fun with a driving game since the first "Driver" game was released for Playstation 1.
  7. The racing's solid, but the AI needs work and the lack of internet play is inexcusable.
  8. A fun racing title with excellent graphics, good music, and a novel use of rag-doll and environmental physics that work quite well during races and bonus games. Its tracks are challenging and varied.
  9. FlatOut doesn't have nearly enough variety in its tracks. Though the layouts will change (sometimes only slightly), there are only a few landscapes, and they do get repetitive. This minor complaint aside, FlatOut is a great arcade-style racer.
  10. For those who just want to race fast, wreck hard, and look good doing it, FlatOut fits the bill.
  11. It's a shame, because the action can be hugely entertaining, but without a satisfying structure to hold it all together, FlatOut is at best a fun diversion. [PC Zone]
  12. An unapologetic arcade smash-'em-up that gets the important stuff right. [Aug 2005, p.70]
  13. Fast, fun, and tasteless, but too many misfires to make it a winner. [Christmas 2004, p.108]
  14. This is a game that's as riotously entertaining as it is viciously random... It's gleeful automobile slapstick, but not for anyone who values skill and achievement more than taking a wrecking ball to their opponents' racing lines. [Dec 2005, p.114]
  15. 70
    Multiplayer is the business and the bonus modes will be played for months to come. Too bad full online isn't in this PC version.
  16. Upgrades on the variety of cars gradually up the speeds and intensity. [Aug 2005, p.50]
  17. A respectable weekend time-waster. It's got enough going on to fill a late night or two, and not so much that many gamers will pine for it when it's gone.
  18. 60
    FlatOut basically feels like a slightly more frustrating successor to the original "Destruction Derby" series on the PlayStation 1 (well, the first two games).
  19. 60
    Like a miniature fashion model: short, quite pretty, and as insubstantial as it is fun.
  20. FlatOut has all the makings of a great budget games, except that it's not great and that it's not budget priced.
  21. Unfortunately, when it comes to actual racing, FlatOut is about as interesting as a public service announcement for seatbelts.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. CliftonM.
    10
    This is a very fun game to just screw around in and bust stuff up.
  2. 7
    Demolition derby style racing game. I've played countless hours of this on the XBOX and had a blast. The car handling on the PC version works well. Make sure you wear your seatbelt! Full Review »
  3. JamesJ
    9
    Good fun, light hearted entertainment. Great bonus levels too. The damage is superb, everything can be smashed up :)