Need for Speed: Most Wanted

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 179 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 151 out of 179
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 179
  3. Negative: 11 out of 179
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  1. M9ki
    Jul 8, 2013
    9
    This is one of the best racing games out there,every thing about this is very Amazing you must try it.It deserves more then a 8.2...... Open world racing game think how skyrim.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. JeffB.
    Jan 2, 2006
    8
    Pretty descent game. definately worth the money and the time playing. It has great grahpics and an interesting storyline to keep things moving smoothly. I would definately recommend this game as it is fun and keeps you coming back for more.
  5. BryanMcCann
    Sep 18, 2007
    8
    it is a pritty good game if you have no other games you have not played yet. I have four diffrent ones Burnout revenge, test drive unlimited, Moto gp 06, and Need for speed carpen. this is my second fav out of them. the one that is better is burnout. if you like street racing with japan cars then this is the game to get. don't wast $50 more dollors on the new need for speed game. whenit is a pritty good game if you have no other games you have not played yet. I have four diffrent ones Burnout revenge, test drive unlimited, Moto gp 06, and Need for speed carpen. this is my second fav out of them. the one that is better is burnout. if you like street racing with japan cars then this is the game to get. don't wast $50 more dollors on the new need for speed game. when you can get this one for around 25 dollors new. I have also rented a few and still this is the 2nd best one. good graphics, alright controls. but don't get the Ds one it sucks.… Expand
  6. ElwindS.
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    The best racing game on the 360 so far!
  7. 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 - 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
  8. 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
  9. 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!
  10. 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 youI 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
  11. 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 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
  12. 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 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
  13. 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 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
  14. DME
    Dec 16, 2010
    8
    The cop chases are amazing fun, making this game worth a buy. But actual racing is very repetetive. Customization is great, graphics rock, music selection is okay if you like rap. The speed & control on your car is pretty cool. Buy this for the cops! Better than the new Hot Pursuit.
  15. 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'sWhat 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
  16. TheCheese33
    Nov 30, 2010
    8
    This is one of the best examples of what a racing game should be. Fast, intense, and engaging. I would play this any day over the later entries in the series until the newest Hot Pursuit came out.
  17. 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 aJust 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. ShogunTBone
    May 2, 2015
    9
    Quite possibly the most heralded Need for Speed in the franchise (certainly in recent memory), Most Wanted is worth all the hype that it's given. The game shines on all platforms, but being as the 360 version looks the best with it's gritty, yet pretty surroundings and graphics, I recommend getting it there if possible.

    The gameplay itself is reminiscent of the arcade style racer that    Quite possibly the most heralded Need for Speed in the franchise (certainly in recent memory), Most Wanted is worth all the hype that it's given. The game shines on all platforms, but being as the 360 version looks the best with it's gritty, yet pretty surroundings and graphics, I recommend getting it there if possible.

    The gameplay itself is reminiscent of the arcade style racer that the NFS series has been associated with for a little over a decade now, and it takes all advantages of such. The handling of the vehicles is varied, yet accessible enough to create a unique experience for each one driven. The races are indeed fun and won't be quick to bore the user, however, the insane chases and clashes with police make up the bulk of the ability to enjoy this game. Even the most simple pursuit can quickly turn into a Federal matter, with twenty plus cops swarming all over the racer while they dodge heavy SUVs, highway-covering roadblocks, and a persistent copper chopper calling out your ground location if within viewpoint.

    Story modes within racing games are often overlooked or dismissed, and the story in NFS:MW isn't anything to rave about, but indeed it isn't half-bad; cheesy, yes, but not terrible. The acting is subpar, but not cringe-worthy. The voice overs with the various SMS and voicemail systems are as expected with the career mode, but the dialogue with the police is actually quite intriguing: the officers correctly call their shots and use codes to show their next planned move in stopping the car carnage that the player is inevitably causing, and surprisingly, it arrives right on time as they say so.

    This game gets a solid 9, for all the good about it shining brightly as one of the best racers of such a generation. One only major detriment is the nauseatingly-apparent AI rubberbanding, which can at times hinder the playing experience but mostly is used to keep races close and not automatically shoving the opposition in front (which some games abuse such a rubberband tactic), but it's nowhere near enough to warrant anything other than a purchase and playthrough. I highly recommend this title.    … Expand
  22. gamingisgreat
    Aug 18, 2016
    8
    Need For Speed Most Wanted is a great game,and a modern classic.

    The game's story is actually good,yes it is a bit cheesy,but it's developed well,and the game has a good sense of humour. The gameplay is solid,with an emphasis on police chases etc.The cars are very responsive,and handle well.The car customisation system is incredible,allowing you to make everyday cars into fully-bred    Need For Speed Most Wanted is a great game,and a modern classic.

    The game's story is actually good,yes it is a bit cheesy,but it's developed well,and the game has a good sense of humour.

    The gameplay is solid,with an emphasis on police chases etc.The cars are very responsive,and handle well.The car customisation system is incredible,allowing you to make everyday cars into fully-bred racing machines.

    The graphics haven't aged well at all.The game looked good for it's time however.The framerate does suffer from an occassional drop,but normally it stays at 60.

    Sound design is OK,but soundtrack is AMAZING.

    Overall,Need For Speed Most Wanted is a great game,and will be an iconic title forever.    … Expand
  23. Lilmanike
    May 9, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Need For Speed Most Wanted is in my opinion the best Need For Speed game with excellent graphics that have aged a decade well, lots of crazy f***ing s*** with the police, and an excellent story where character development is deep. Even though NFS 2015 is my favorite game in the franchise, I don't think it could beat the classics.

    The game starts out with antagonist "Razor" who cheats and steals your car. In order to get your car back, you need to go through 14 other bosses in which you can take there car fair and square. Characters are in-depth and usually call you through SMS and FMV cutscenes. The game never feels repeatative and you always have something to do.
    Pros:
    Excellent Aged Graphics
    In-Depth Storyline
    Fun Driving
    Intense Police Chases
    Over the top action
    Just Plain Fun    … Expand
  24. FeerFrikazus
    May 23, 2017
    9
    Un juego de conducción excelente, tiene un tamaño de mapa muy bueno, una cantidad de autos normal, gráficos excelentes, conducción buenísima, buena duración de juego y gran variedad de tuneado.
    Si te gustan los juego de conducción no te lo podes perder, y si no estas en este genero este juego es el indicado para entrar, lo recomiendo al 100%.
  25. SenorKoquonfaes
    Dec 13, 2019
    10
    This is arguably the greatest Need for Speed game ever made. Everything they could've improved upon in Need for Speed Underground 2, they did with Most Wanted. Better graphics, improved driving mechanics, a larger car list, more customization options and well-designed police chase sequences.

    The fact that I could drive around in a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Dodge Viper or an Aston Martin    This is arguably the greatest Need for Speed game ever made. Everything they could've improved upon in Need for Speed Underground 2, they did with Most Wanted. Better graphics, improved driving mechanics, a larger car list, more customization options and well-designed police chase sequences.

    The fact that I could drive around in a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Dodge Viper or an Aston Martin BD9 was absolutely exhilarating. The police chase sequences are intense! Having to watch out for spike strips or search for a weak spot in a road block before smashing through it at top speed is insanely fun. The bullet time sequence when you see your car smash through a road block or jump it off a ramp is just the icing on the cake.

    Introducing The Blacklist as the career mode, with the incentive of pink slips made me all the more motivated to climb the list and potentially get that driver's car.

    That BMW M3 GTR that you get to drive briefly in the beginning of the game and after you finish the game has become an icon. I see that design pop up in other video games like Forza Motorsport all these years later. It's a microcosm of the lasting impact Need for Speed Most Wanted has had on the gaming world.    … Expand
  26. erik240sx
    May 21, 2020
    9
    One of the best games in the Need for Speed catalog. Very good graphics for the time (and they still hold up today), great car selection and customization, fun driving physics, good story mode, and the police chases are second to none.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2005
8
#8 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2005
4
#4 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

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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