Burnout 2: Point of Impact

 GameCube
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. GameShark
    100
    The way a sequel should be: stuffed full of new features, better graphics, improved game play, and be so damn addicting that you can not put it down, even to go to the bathroom.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GameNow
    100
    Everything about it is totally right: The A.I. is brilliant, the graphics are hot, and the game modes are fresh and original. [June 2003, p.40]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Gamezilla!
    96
    Combines tight control and frantic game play with stunning audio/visuals that scream next-generation from start to finish.
  6. Nintendojo
    95
    I had and am still having a lot of fun with the first Burnout, and Burnout 2 is better in every way.
  7. TotalGames.net
    95
    Full of options and it plays like a dream, but even if you're not playing you'll be impressed.
  8. Gamers' Temple
    94
    A blast to play, even for those who are not big fans of racing games. It's easy to pick up and play, and the variety of modes and tracks keeps things interesting for a long time.
  9. Armchair Empire
    91
    In terms of flat out fun and speed, not much can touch Burnout 2: Point of Impact.
  10. GamingTrend
    91
    This game came out of left field, but it smacked a grand slam right out of the ballpark!
  11. GameZone
    90
    One of those rare arcade racers that comes along every now and then and will tear you away from “real racing” games that you said you would never stop playing.
  12. Nintendo Power
    90
    Perfectly calibrated controls, realistic graphics and an incredible sense of speed and danger make Burnout 2: Point of Impact the most satisfying driving experience on the GCN. [June 2003, p.137]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Nintendophiles
    90
    The best arcade racing experience available on the GameCube. If your a fan of the first than this is a must buy.
  14. Cheat Code Central
    90
    The framerate is as smooth as it gets as 60 fps. It gets cut in half for the split screen mode but still looks great.
    All this publication's reviews
  15. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    About as perfect as an arcade racing game can be.
  16. GamePro
    90
    Visually, the game’s a stunner—cars look great thanks to a high polygon count, and when they crash, parts fly absolutely everywhere.
  17. GameSpy
    88
    The fastest, tightest racer on the GameCube to date.
  18. GameCube Europe
    88
    No shabby port from the PS2, this version actually contains more than the PS2 version.
  19. Inside Gamer Online
    86
    If you don’t like Burnout 2 there is seriously something wrong with you.
  20. IGN
    85
    I can only highly recommend it to any arcade racing fan. It's definitely worth a buy, even if the single-player content can be experienced in five hours of less.
  21. GameSpot
    85
    Isn't terribly different from the original Burnout--it just makes significantly better use of all the elements that the game does well, from its blistering sense of speed to its hilariously destructive crashes.
  22. Game Informer
    85
    Hardcore sim fans won't be too impressed, but I would argue that this game's balls-out mayhem is just what you stodgy, gear-ratio-calculatin', downforce-tweakin' fools need. [May 2003, p.85]
    All this publication's reviews
  23. GMR Magazine
    80
    Few racers match the sheer excitement of unleashing the boost on a straightaway to the accompaniment of wailing guitars. [June 2003, p.68]
    All this publication's reviews
  24. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    Easy to get into, intensely fun, and horribly addictive - the best racer on the Cube by a long shot. [June 2003, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  25. G4 TV
    80
    Burnout 2 makes other arcade racing games seem like "Driving Miss Daisy." You won't find a faster, more visceral racing game on the GameCube or any other platform.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best GameCube Game of 2003
42
#42 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 1 out of 39
  1. TSMKFail
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Probably the best arcade racer in its time, with graphics that because of their simplicity, have actually aged better than games that came outProbably the best arcade racer in its time, with graphics that because of their simplicity, have actually aged better than games that came out even years after. The crash mode is a fun new addition to the series and the racing is challenging enough that you'll be constantly on your toes.

    This is definitely a must play!    … Full Review »
  2. ProfAmateur
    Jan 27, 2022
    8
    I loved this game. The races were good and the "destruction mode" (forgot the exact name) was hilarious. More cars would have been nice.
  3. KarlN.
    Sep 21, 2007
    8
    Given the hype about this game, arguably the best racing game for the GameCube, I was pretty disappointed. The other consoles certainly have Given the hype about this game, arguably the best racing game for the GameCube, I was pretty disappointed. The other consoles certainly have better games. The cars, for a crashing game like this, handled too sim-like. The speed felt scary fast but the good speed didn't start until late in the game. There are lots of invisible walls, which I can tolerate for a game like this, I guess. But there was something missing in the handling of the cars. My friends seemed to really like this one, so the designers must be doing something right, but I thought that it could have been better.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »