Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Why is this version so much different than the Playstation 2 one? I understand there were different developers, but the games are so much different and the Playstation 2 version is so much better.
  2. The biggest disappointment of Hot Pursuit 2 comes in the multiplayer. There is no way to have one player be the speeder and the other player be the cop. Either you're both racers, or you're both cops. This is a terrible omission.
  3. A good game that would've been great if it ran as fast as the PS2 version. [Nov 2002, p.300]
  4. Killer aerial shots, intense chases, and a rock-infused soundtrack make for a heart-pounding ride. [18 Oct 2002, p.124]
  5. Should be one of the best racing games available, yet on the xBox it just comes off as slow and clunky.
  6. 80
    The graphics are decent, good enough on the PS2 but lacking somewhat on the Xbox.
  7. The fuzz and Need's sense of speed are what kept me playing. However, many of the modes are the same rat race in disguise. [Nov 2002, p.141]
  8. 90
    The Xbox version varies from the PS2 edition in several key ways—different challenge structure, no look-ahead mode, more police chatter, darker colors, and a points-based system for unlocking cars and tracks—but it’s no less fun.
  9. The [PS2] game is easily one of the best games in the series, whereas the sloppy controls, floaty cars, and average graphics of the [Xbox] game make it simply OK.
  10. 68
    Pales in comparison to the PlayStation 2 version.
  11. If you want a game to be realistic but not so real you need an MOT, buy this game. If you feel that games should offer boundless enjoyment and make you smile like a ten year old at Christmas, buy this game.
  12. A great multiplayer mode. Playing by yourself could use some work, but if you don't mind the unintelligent cops, or the racers that seem to ignore everything around them, there are 33 cool levels to enjoy.
  13. If you own an Xbox, however, "Project Gotham Racing" and "Sega GT 2002" take advantage of the hardware's capabilities far better than NFS: HP2.
  14. 71
    Neither the police-chasing aspect nor the brand name are enough to help elevate this game into the upper-echelon of Xbox racing games.
  15. It's not the best racing game on Xbox, but every racing fan should try it just for its unique approach and tense chase action. [Dec 2002, p.92]
  16. The visuals at work here are arguably the best ever in high-speed, open-highway gameplay, especially considering the self-induced slow motion and course study, which is wicked cool. [Oct 2002, p.84]
  17. But the worst crime of all is the dynamics – or rather, lack of them. You can plough into a police car at top speed, and mostly come to a grinding halt.
  18. Outrunning the cops while racing on gorgeous international tracks is damn fun... [but t]he intense sense of speed found in the PS2 version is missing. [Winter 2002, p.103]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Negative: 4 out of 9
  1. DaneB.
    9
    When I got my Xbox this was the first game I bought and I was not disappointed. Hours of gameplay, cars are responsive and fun to drive, learning curve exists so the game gradually gets harder, lots of fun. Easy enough to finish so you probably won't get bored before you unlock all the cars. Overall a very good buy in my opinion. I still play it two years later. Full Review »
  2. ScottB.
    4
    Bottom line....not good.
  3. BenD.
    10
    This is actually my favourite game on X-box. Sure the cars don't handle realisticly compared to the Project Gotham Games but NOT having to slow down for corners is a lot more fun. Hardcore racing fans might not enjoy it but i feel this is the best racing game on offer. And i also think its alot better than the newer NFS-UG which has a lot of missing options. But that's just my opinion. Full Review »