Metascore
88 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 100
    It's fast, it's addicting, and it's got Live support. You simply cannot go wrong with this title, and this one is truly the best version.
  2. There's no story line, but Burnout 2 is one of those games that's actually better for the lack of it. [28 July 2003, p.82]
  3. I am completely stunned at how much playtime this game has.
  4. An exhilarating and addicting arcade racing experience wrapped in some great looking graphics.
  5. From the adrenaline-inducing races to the exhilarating crashes, Burnout 2 is a title that you won't be able to put down until everything is unlocked.
  6. 93
    This is the best damn racing game this side of "Gran Turismo."
  7. One of the most exciting and intense racers to date. The speed, action, and crashes are so amazing that it’s mind-boggling.
  8. In terms of pure adrenaline and graphical splendor, there isn't a racer out there that can stack up against Burnout 2. [June-July 2003, p.88]
  9. It looks a hell of a lot better, runs smoother and feels faster. So there’s no confusion here then: this is not a straight port. Got that? Good.
  10. What makes the crashing so addictive is the visual, visceral spectacle of the fully deformable vehicles piling into each other, catching air, rolling, and spinning across the highway. [July 2003, p.82]
  11. 90
    Although the PlayStation 2 and GameCube versions of the sequel have been available for some time, the Xbox version nudges ahead of the other two as the best looking of the bunch.
  12. Hell-bent on destruction psycho drivers finally get a game to meet their rubbernecking tendencies full throttle.
  13. 89
    One of the best arcade racing games I've played.
  14. 86
    The speed is amazing and the crashes are phenomenal. I'll never give up my Crash mode. It's too much fun.
  15. The crash mode alone makes this game worth seeing, and the inclusion of the well-done championship and multiplayer modes makes it the best pure arcade-style racing game available on the Xbox.
  16. A title you should check out. [June 2003, p.113]
  17. It is an arcade racer at heart but a frantic, action packed, total-your-car racer in every other light and it makes its way to Xbox owners sporting improved crash physics, improved AI, more speed, new game modes and custom soundtracks.
  18. Xboxers luck out with the most polished Burnout yet, and a handful of thoughtful tweaks will inspire envy in PS2 and GC vets. [July 2003, p.121]
  19. Any game that has you physically dodging oncoming cars from your television is no ordinary game.
  20. If you want to play against a friend there is a two-player mode but if you want to really squeeze all the fun from this game, hog it and play against the AI. Having no friends has never been so much fun.
  21. Visually, Criterion has gone completely mad, shoehorning entire cities, airports, and back roads into full view. [June 2003, p.66]
  22. Offers very little above the original Playstation 2 version.
User Score

Generally unfavorable- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Uter
    9
    I would say that this is the best arcade racer on xbox. It's better than NFS Underground for sure.
  2. BobU.
    9
    The racing is fun and not insanely difficult or friustrating. The crash mode really sets this title above all others - completely fun and addictive. The only race game I've played that I'm keeping for a while! Full Review »
  3. AndrewM.
    7
    I too am a little disappointed with this title, although the crash sequences are fantastic. Despite the awesome crashes and imense feeling of speed that this game generates, I would never call it the best racing game on the xbox! In terms of game time, the single player missions come and go in the blink of an eye! Around 5 hours of gameplay and it's all over...all cars unlocked etc... difficulty settings need an over haul...yes there is a challenge with the customs cup, but it a simple matter of avoiding on-coming traffic and not much else...there is not much in the way of computer AI...they don't block paths or try and push you into traffic...nothing. The multi-player is fabulous however, and is the only reason this game has any longevity! For mine, Project Gotham is still the ultimate racing game for xbox. Many many hours of game play have gone into that one. (although I would love to see Grand Turismo 4 on the xbox...that would rule. Have you seen the photo-realistic back drops??? You must. It's almost enough to make my buy a PS2!!!) Full Review »