Need for Speed: Most Wanted - A Criterion Game Xbox 360
User Score
5.2 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 215 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 215
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 215
  3. Negative: 97 out of 215

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  1. huffnat890
    Oct 31, 2012
    10
    Do yourself a favor and buy Need for Speed: Most Wanted right now. Criterion's last reboot of the popular Hot Pursuit series left many fans wanting, including myself. This new entry also by Criterion lends its hand to another famous entry from like 7 years ago. This is the best entry in the Need for Speed series in a very long time and is one of the best arcade racers ever made. Just like Hot Pursuit there is no story and the only goal you have is to reach the top of the Most Wanted list. How do you do that? Well, it's entirely up to you. There is often so much to do that it is mind boggling. You move up the Most Wanted list by earning speed points which you get by drifting, driving in oncoming traffic, near misses, air time, completing races, and of course pursuits. The only one of these you can't do free roam is the race and if you don't want to tackle races you don't necessarily have to. It is strongly encouraged though and every race can give you upgrades to your cars. Did I mention how many cars there are? because there are over 100 and once you find them in the world they are unlocked and you can switch at any time. Each car has their own set of challenges to complete. The entire game encourages competition with your friends via leaderboards too. Who has the fastest time on a race? on a speed camera? who has the highest jump for a billboard? You're job is to knock your friends off that list and conquer the leaderboard yourself. The new iteration of Most Wanted should be a most wanted title and is some of the most fun I've had with an arcade racer. Period.… Expand
  2. MAINEiac4434
    Oct 31, 2012
    9
    While some (including myself) may question EA's decision in naming this "Most Wanted", one cannot deny that Criterion (as usual) produced a stellar, addicting racing game. Sure, it's not the same as 2005's Most Wanted, but it's still a fun, gorgeous, fantastic racing game, easily one of the best of the year.
  3. Monstr92
    Nov 2, 2012
    9
    NFS: Most Wanted is a superb game that blends fun, and high octane action together seamlessly. The game's single player may be short if all you do is chase after the "top-10" but, the real play value and the variety of areas to drive around is what gives this game literally limitless longevity. Coupled, with the high-speed adrenaline styled multiplayer. This game is a a 9/10. Reason being, is that firstly this game does right with making the multiplayer as wacky as possible, with mods such as "Takedown", "Highest-Jump", and "Racing", with other various mods. NFS: Most Wanted feels similar to Burnout, and has some Split Second multiplayer for those who are die-hard racing fans. The game this time around isn't more so a racing game for the casual racing game, but more so a game for anyone who wants to pick up a game for short too long bursts of gameplay. Whether, or not you're an experienced racer gamer, this game is meant for everyone and does well with its gorgeous scenery, the off-road ramps, and the games gameplay over all. The game falls short though in a lackluster storyline, there is no real depth, and this time around there's only two views when driving. Third person, and first-person with just the road and no view this time around with the front view of your cars bumper. Overall, this game is stellar, and is worth buying for both the online aspects, and the single-player aspects aside.… Expand
  4. El_Gamer
    Apr 10, 2013
    10
    Cuando la locura al volante y la velocidad extrema se hacen querer

    EA lleva haciendo saltar a la comba entre desarrolladora y desarrolladora a una de las sagas de conducción arcade más emblemática del mundo gamer y parece que al final ha dado en el clavo con la mejor: Criterion Games.

    Tiene gracia que un estudio que trabaja para EA y que realiza otra saga de conducción arcade, Burnou    rnout, sea la encargada de hacer renacer de las cenizas cual ave Fenix a un Need for Speed que parecía haberse salido de la carretera.

    El resultado hay que reconocer es una obra maestra del mundo quema llantas donde no hay un momento de respiro gracias a su nuevo sistema llamado “Easy Drive” con el cual tendremos acceso a todas las carreras, los coches, el tuning y demás opciones a un par de golpes de la cruceta del mando, todo un acierto.

    http://www.elgamer.es/need-for-speed-most-wanted-analisis/    … Expand
  5. wasd0109
    Oct 31, 2012
    10
    This is how Criterion think Need for Speed could and should be. I must say they have definitely freshen up the entire series with revolution in gameplay and a tribute to one of the best racing game ever, Most Wanted.
    This might not be the Most Wanted sequel you have been expecting for a long time, but this is really a masterpiece. A open-world that worth exploring, customization on-the-fl    y. Even without the customization system it's still a really great NFS.
    Criterion, you're the man.    … Expand
  6. kshastry
    Oct 31, 2012
    9
    unbelievable game, the game Need for Speed game ever released. It got a 9 instead of 10 due to lack of dual screen mode. The best NFS game ever released, love it
  7. Ericmcc2
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    All I can say for this game is that it was fantastic. The graphics are superb and the racing is intense. Has one of the best soundtracks found in games and the most wanted board is really cool. Also the speed wall is great for competition. A 9.5 in my opinion.
  8. CHACALO
    Nov 5, 2012
    10
    Sin duda Criterion ha dado una vitalidad que NFS necesitaba... esta REIMAGINACIÓN de Most Wanted les ha quedado increíble!! quizás lo que se le puede reprochar es que el mapa es un poco pequeño, pero que va... el juego es fluido, entretenido y eso es lo importante... quizás falto algo de customización visual pero no rompe con el esquema de juego.... altamente recomendado… Expand
  9. kaiser_alucard
    Nov 2, 2012
    10
    Spectacular. This game was sensational EA got hit once again recreating a classic. The passing system for instant repair was very good and practical cars around the scene was also found to be an excellent idea. Ramps, persecutions, good gameplay, beautiful graphics and great; fun make this game be right purchase.
  10. LFClegend
    Jan 19, 2013
    9
    This game is brilliant yes it has need for speed on the cover but this is not need for speed but this is an overall great racing game. I have saw people say that the handling is poor although they are wrong that is the new type of handling in these racing games nowadays it just gets a little bit of getting used to. Also the graphics are brilliant I feel like I am immersed by this big gorgeous city where you can explore anywhere anytime. As with every game though there are a couple of problems like you can't buy and unlock the cars anymore you have to find them which does not give me as near as much satisfaction as unlocking them. Another point is that the most wanted leader board is just something there for you to look at when you take out the car and capture of the most wanted driver it feels good but moving up the leader board does not make you feel like it was enough of a challenge or immersing enough into the the story. There are no cutscenes meaning that you do not find out about the characters which means you get no motive to actually beat them on there are cutscenes they are gorgeous but they are just creating the car and introducing the track nothing more nothing less. Overall I think this game is absolutely brilliant and any serious racer or a person who wants to get into racing games this is indeed a must buy I will just say I want a need for speed like underground 2 which I think personally was the best.… Expand
  11. Jimbob131190
    Nov 4, 2012
    9
    The latest Need for Speed game in series is developed by Criterion, and has had much hype and received many awards at E3.

    The latest NFS game has gone back to its roots of Police chase racing and I've got to say Criterion have done an amazing job, with a huge free roam style game, it may seem like it's a bit too much for the average player to take in but those who love to explore will n    ot be disappointed with this game, all cars are unlocked straight from the start of the game, the only catch...You got to find them! Visuals: Using a modified chameleon engine, this game runs sweet with outstanding visuals, and it shows that Criterion are very proud of their game with the intros to each race showing off the visuals of the game, I've got to say i'm very impressed, all cars looks stunning, the shading, the dirt coming off the back of the car in front of you when you take the game offroad superb. 9/10

    Sound: As with all Need For Speed games it comes with a huge variety of music, ranging from Skillex to We are the ocean and the who, and if none of the tracklist are what you fancy you can always set up a playlist from your computer and play that as you're playing, all cars sound like how you'd expect them to, just try and find a tunnel and listen to those engines purr!! 10/10

    Gameplay: The game is played to how you like it, want to explore no problem go explore, there is tonnes to explore to this massive sandbox racer, cars to find and explore, the police chases are very immense you'll find yourself spending hours just trying to annoy the police just by causing trouble, with the ability to take down cops and other players the game has a very burnout feel with licenced cars, The multiplayer I've not done a whole lot as I was more trying to focus on the SP side of the game, but the gameplay of the MP I've played is a very party mode arcade racer which you shall not be disappointed with 10/10

    Playability/Control: With the standard racing controls the game is definitely a pick up and anybody can play, with the added autolog 2.0 it makes the game VERY easy to navigate and for you to try and beat your friends time! 9/10

    Overall: I've got to say this is one of the best racing games I've ever played and is my racing game of 2012, if you're a fan of Need For Speed, Burnout or Arcade racing games you NEED this game for your collection you shall not be disappointed! 9/10    … Expand
  12. Ak1504
    Oct 31, 2012
    10
    I like the new Most Wanted so much... It have the best Gameplayparts from Burnout Paradise with the Need for Speed Police Chase... But i think the Games Title is a Fail... I call it "NFS Burnout" :D The graphics are amazing and the Cars sound is unbelievable good... The best Arcade Racer in a long time (maybe since Burnout Paradise :D)
  13. beonefree
    Nov 1, 2012
    10
    One of the best NFS game since original Most Wanted! Awesome city, good picture, interesting tracks. What else do you need?! Show me another one racing game with track in airplane graveyard! And lighting! God, it awesome! And one more thing - this is intro for each race, EACH RACE INTRO IS DIFFERENT!!! Again one of the best NFS since MW and of the best racing game in recent years. But, have minuses too, for example boring upgrade system.… Expand
  14. horacio
    Nov 8, 2012
    10
    e muinto bom em comparaçao com forza e a mesma coisa mas need e um pouco melhor pois os carros ja vem no jogo nao precisa comprar por isso acho que para os consumidores brasileiros forza esta melhor pois todo o jogo esta m portugues dublagens ingresos de corrida radio tuuuudo por isso passa a frente de need mas neeed esta melhor em termos graficos

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
  1. GameCritics
    Jan 11, 2013
    60
    Need for Speed: Most Wanted is caught between two worlds. The game can't quite decide if it wants to be an arcade or a simulation racing game, and it takes a lot to get used to this in-between zone it occupies. That said, once the adjustment period is over, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had when it's not being frustrating.
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  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Dec 12, 2012
    85
    A technically sound and entertaining sandbox for arcade racers. The name should be Need for Burnout, though. [Dec 2012]
  3. Level7.nu
    Dec 4, 2012
    70
    An open world street racer set in an interesting city. There's a lot of things to do, but they get pretty repetitive after a while. The autolog for online competition is brilliant though.
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