Need for Speed Most Wanted (2005) Xbox 360
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 83
  3. Negative: 9 out of 83

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  1. Mick
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    When the NFS Underground series hit the XBox I got hooked and I loved the last two games. Therefore if like me you just want more of the same for the franchise then you will love this game like I do for its beauty and sheer playable fun. If however you bored of the series and want something different from NFS then don't play this game.
  2. FredS.
    Jun 1, 2007
    10
    I love this game!!! the graphics rock, the way you can custimize your car is awesome, the slow-mo of jumps is soooo sweet, and the entire game Rocks My Socks.
  3. ElwindS.
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    The best racing game on the 360 so far!
  4. Dave
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    Played PGR on the 360 for a day but Most Wanted I have been playing non-stop. A lot more new than PGR3, however, Most Wanted is still street racing. Cop pursuits blow you away. Way to easy in the begining but heat level ramps quickly. Heat level 5 is way to much fun! The Rhinos (SUVs) are punishing but fun. I've completed career and the end pursuit is crazy fun and the bridge jump - best ending I have played in racing game, however, the reward is a little weak. Graphics - 10 - Beautiful city, cars look awesome, cool visual treatment and effects (pursuit transition is awesome - gets my blood going each time). AI - 9 Audio - 9 - cop dialogue and the interactive music is awesome. The audio director (Charles I think his name is) needs to pick better music though - 3 years of bad music.… Expand
  5. JobA.
    Nov 7, 2006
    9
    A terrific game! The cop chases are awesome and I really have alot of fun with this game - I give it a 9.2
  6. TimB.
    Apr 13, 2006
    9
    This is one of the best games i have in my game library, and believe you me, thats big, and even after i'd completed it i still cant stop playing!
  7. maxseitz
    Oct 11, 2009
    9
    I am not a racing fan at all, in truth i didn't even like burnout revenge( please no hate mail). I got this game as a christmas present almost 3 years ago and I still have a blast in the pursuits. The car custimization features are awesome, and the graphics on the gam eare very nice for an early 360 game. The best part of the game are the pursuits: I can not describe the fellings you have when you blast through a roadblock or run straight at a rhino( suicidal SUV). The only problem I have with this game is that the level 1-2 pursuits are way to eay, but other than that, I think this game is perfect.… Expand
  8. JonnyS.
    Nov 27, 2005
    9
    Graphics: Beautiful. City looks great and realistic. The cars and buildings all look beautiful and gritty thanks to great lighting. Game runs smooth. Lots of different parts and upgrades for your car help give you a personalized feel for your car. It's just plain fun. Sound: Excellent. Cars sound soo beautiful it feels like I'm actually behind the wheel. Music is good you got everything from screamer type stuff to hip hop n rap. Story: The game has a nice set up with some really halarious cinematics. I love them so much my only complaint is that there aren't more of them. The game progresses mostly through text messages and stuff as you work your way through racing 15 of the citys best racers. Getting away from the cops is awesome too its soo addictive the best part of the game easily. Verdict: Go out and get this game if you're a fan of Need For Speed or any other arcade racer. Its single player is pretty decent in length and stuff and there is multiplayer for you Live junkies. I'm gonna go play some more c-ya.… Expand
  9. ChanceR.
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    Amazing game. Best racing game on 360, period. The graphics are beautiful, motion blur, depth of field and gorgeous lighting. Not a flickering pixel to be found.. (unlike PGR3..blah).. The control is arcade in style, like all the ND4SPD titles, (which you either love or hate) and the game is just plain fun. Racing, running from the cops, destroying all kinds of targets, upgrading and customizing your cars, free roaming..etc.. etc.. The game is full of things to keep you entertained. There are 2 games out now on the 360 I'd reccomend, this one and CoD2. That's it.… Expand
  10. MikkoP.
    Nov 29, 2006
    9
    Normally, I would hate driving games. Nothing is more boring than a driving game, well, maybe a golf game. But NFS Most Wanted is different from ALL driving games I've tested. It's not so god damn serious, I love it. Escaping the cops in totally open enviroment is totally mindblowingly fun! Graphics are better than they usually get credit for, especially the lighting effects, no framerate issues. I have PGR3 and Burnout Revenge, but I hardly ever play them ´cos this is simply more fun! For me, PGR is too serious and Burnout is too tongue-in-cheek. I hope they release a sequel or work on the idea of running from cops more, there is a lot potential in that.… Expand
  11. Jobadkins
    Feb 6, 2011
    9
    What a game,honestly all the versions of this game are all awesome but of course the 360 version looks amazing.This version is smoother then the other ones.The other two on the xbox and ps2 twitch throughout the game and this doesn't.For 2005 it's the best street racing game ever made and it trumps midnight club 2 and 3.I would say to whoever is reading this to skip "carbon" cause it's very disappointing.Wow this is bringing back memories let me pop it in to play now,great game 9.… Expand
  12. v3norick
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    Just so fantastic. Corny dialogue, sub par acting, and cars are a somewhat good selection. However, the AI for this game when the cops are chasing you is great! and you completely forget about the lack luster car options because you pick from fantastic cars just not an epic amount selection I love cop chasing games and this is one of the best game like that, that I've played. This is not a PGR3 or Burnout...this is a chase and getaway game. If you want strictly racing this is not the game for you, there are better ones....if you want chasing and escape then its an A+.… Expand
  13. MegWhiteley
    Mar 22, 2012
    10
    Amazing title, this game is amazing, the cars, graphics, all is amazing in Need For Speed Most Wanted, the gameplay is funny and addictive. This title is fantastic.
  14. anmvsht
    Apr 4, 2012
    10
    loved the cartoony nature of the racing physics. first played it on ps2. nothing changed from there onto the 360 but i honestly didnt feel any need for anything more for my money. repetition? sure. but its been years since it has come out and im still down to roll out my chevy cobalt and play cat and mouse with the c6 cops
  15. JwGaming
    Apr 22, 2012
    9
    Most Wanted is one of the first Xbox 360 games ever and it was awesome, Personally i think Underground 2 is the best NFS game but Most Wanted is the second best, nice story, fun gameplay, limited but great tuning and lot of new awesome cars for the era. Def. the best NFS on the console.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Aside from the high-shine gloss, though, a few extra pursuers in the cop chases are about all that differentiates this version from the current-gen game. My main beefs--the repetitive race events and not-very-challenging cop chases (especially earlier in the game)--are still here.
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  2. Play Magazine
    90
    Driving through the alleyways and suburban sprawls...rain pouring down, thunder clapping, music up; this is (virtual) living. [Dec 2005, p.54]
  3. Next Level Gaming
    86
    The Xbox 360 version is where the biggest jump should have been, but fell a bit short. In fact, even in 720p/1080i High Definition, there only thing you gain over the Xbox and PS2 games is the clarity of the in-game textures. And clarity isn't strong enough a word! Borderline photo-realistic is probably a better word to use.
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