Need for Speed: Carbon

 PC
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. GamingTrend
    90
    This is a solid racing game that has evolved the need for speed series and just tightened and improved upon many of the things that were left unfurnished in the last game.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    86
    The Canyon Duel and the returning Drift Race, which has been absent in recent years, are both exciting and engaging additions to the already impressive list of race types carried over from "Most Wanted."
  3. GameZone
    85
    Need For Speed lives up to its heritage staying at the forefront in the evolution of racing simulations. Although I wish there was more revolution I can’t deny its status of a rock-solid racer.
  5. IGN
    82
    The drifting is an acquired taste (but it's good), the canyon duals are decent changes (though not great), and the crews...well, they suck. Of the myriad new features, the addition of muscle cars and the online functionality are the best.
  6. GameBrink
    80
    A great addition to the series for fans and probably a decent rental for most. While things have been upgraded and new elements added on, it’s still NFS and it still gets repetitive and boring after awhile. It’s like EA’s "Madden" of racing.
  7. GamesRadar+
    80
    So what if Carbon isn't redefining the street racing genre - really, at this point, what could? It hits a sweet spot of intensity, danger, and style.
  8. PC Gamer
    79
    These niggles aside, Need For Speed Carbon delivers an entertaining blend of racing, performance tuning, and professionally acted FMV storytelling. [Feb. 2007, p.64]
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  9. ActionTrip
    78
    EA tries to do a lot with NFS: Carbon, but that still doesn't help me shake the feeling that the accelerated pace of NFS releases is in many ways pointless and counter-productive. It dilutes the overall impression of the franchise, rather than make it more appealing to the fans.
  10. PC Format
    78
    Engaging enough, but where's the innovation that the franchise so badly needs? [Christmas 2006, p.93]
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  11. PC Zone UK
    78
    Fans of the series will still find it entertaining, and newcomers will have plenty to see and do, but there's simply not enough new content to recommend it over "NFS: Most Wanted." [Jan 2007, p.90]
  12. Gamer 2.0
    76
    A solid racing game. It might have a few rough edges and frustrating spots, but overall it’s a fun game.
  13. GameSpot
    74
    Even though the wingman mechanics and canyon races don't quite pan out, it's still a stylish and enjoyable street racer.
  14. Computer Games Online RO
    73
    With many games supporting widescreen out there, it’s a shame that EA’s games still ignore it.
  15. PC Gamer UK
    72
    Carbon manages to look uniformly bland. [Christmas 2006, p.82]
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  16. VideoGamer
    70
    Regardless of that feeling of déjà vu, Carbon is another solid racer from EA, and the Auto-Sculpt feature is absolutely fantastic, not to mention the impressive car roster and functional online component.
  17. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    70
    What the series needs is not useless gimmicks and badly rehashed game mechanics, but good, old-fashioned racing fun. We don’t need customisable bells and whistles; what gamers really want is a Need for Speed that uses its strengths, and doesn’t try to shoe-horn in its weaknesses for the sake of bullet points on a press release.
  18. Boomtown
    60
    A lazy effort.
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Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best PC Game of 2006
18
#18 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
22
#22 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 561 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 320 out of 561
  2. Mixed: 200 out of 561
  3. Negative: 41 out of 561
  1. TTWR
    Apr 20, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best Need for Speed Games out. The story is realistic, and it tightened loose ends from the previous game, such as theThis is one of the best Need for Speed Games out. The story is realistic, and it tightened loose ends from the previous game, such as the autosculpt feature. The online play is set up good, and the amount of cars for the PC version is great. 10/10.… Full Review »
  2. pukkenr1
    Jul 27, 2013
    2
    worst nfs street racing game ever this game for those who dont have any driving skills graphics pure gameplay boring car's customizationworst nfs street racing game ever this game for those who dont have any driving skills graphics pure gameplay boring car's customization menu sux game for 10 YO babys...… Full Review »
  3. Macmillan
    Aug 28, 2011
    7
    i like the concept of canyon racing.the way ea has detailed car visuals is also good.the bad thing is races are way too easy n cop chases arnti like the concept of canyon racing.the way ea has detailed car visuals is also good.the bad thing is races are way too easy n cop chases arnt nessescary.rivals are very few too bt i must say scenary of palmount is good bt ea dosent utilised it in a good manner.it is a good game.bt most wanted is a lord of racing.… Full Review »
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