Need for Speed: Carbon

 PC
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
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  1. mclure
    Aug 23, 2014
    10
    I liked it, it is more modern than Underground and newer than Most Wanted 1 but it is all during the night with a continuation from where NFS MW left off.
  2. 09Ymmit07
    Apr 28, 2016
    10
    This game is absolutely a gem of a game. I started playing it when I was 7, and I still play it now. The graphics were great for it's time, and are still acceptable. The story is great, full of characters but just enough to remember. The cop chases are fun, with good AI. The escaped-busted bar system is one of the most innovative ideas in the racing series. The drifting is made very easy,This game is absolutely a gem of a game. I started playing it when I was 7, and I still play it now. The graphics were great for it's time, and are still acceptable. The story is great, full of characters but just enough to remember. The cop chases are fun, with good AI. The escaped-busted bar system is one of the most innovative ideas in the racing series. The drifting is made very easy, but still enjoyable. I also really liked the idea of capturing territories and racing against the 4 main bosses. The game is quite easy for standards nowadays but gets harder along the way. There is a good variety of cars and customization. You can edit the parts you put on your car with Autosculpt, which I also like because it is another way to make your car more personal. If you liked Most Wanted you will most likely like this too. The map is big enough and nicely distributed. This game is so good, I give it a 10/10. One of the best games out there on the market.… Expand
  3. BreakingAwesome
    May 13, 2016
    10
    Самая лучшая классическая гонка когда-либо сделанных. Физика машин явно лучше, чем в Мост Вантед. Очень обширная прокачка и тюнинг автомобиля. Всё идеально!
  4. GreenSkullRider
    Jan 29, 2017
    10
    Este fue el juego final de la saga Underground de la Need For Speed, Wow que magistral juego para la época fue este Carbono, La sensación de velocidad y los gráficos fue increíble para cuando salio a la venta. La historia de lo mas cañera, La posibilidad de escoger a nuestros aliados con los pro y los contras que eso significa, Plantilla de vehículos excelente. La música como todos los deEste fue el juego final de la saga Underground de la Need For Speed, Wow que magistral juego para la época fue este Carbono, La sensación de velocidad y los gráficos fue increíble para cuando salio a la venta. La historia de lo mas cañera, La posibilidad de escoger a nuestros aliados con los pro y los contras que eso significa, Plantilla de vehículos excelente. La música como todos los de la saga sublime. Perfecto… Expand
  5. shoma-
    Apr 4, 2021
    8
    Хорошая игра, графика не режет глаз, карбон не затянутый, проходится быстро. Тюнинг хороший, физика аркадная и приятная
  6. 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 the autosculpt feature. The online play is set up good, and the amount of cars for the PC version is great. 10/10.
  7. Boretobrine
    Nov 15, 2015
    10
    whats with all the negative reviews? i honestly don't get it, not to sound like a fanboy or anything, but this game is pretty damn awesome. first of all, customization is really good, however they did remove neon lights, but oh well. the paint styles are awesome (the styles look better on pc, because candy actually looks like candy paint, and chrome is a lot more reflect-ant on pc) andwhats with all the negative reviews? i honestly don't get it, not to sound like a fanboy or anything, but this game is pretty damn awesome. first of all, customization is really good, however they did remove neon lights, but oh well. the paint styles are awesome (the styles look better on pc, because candy actually looks like candy paint, and chrome is a lot more reflect-ant on pc) and also the body kits are great and u can manually sculpt different parts. the storyline is pretty awesome as well. its a sequel to most wanted (which you should stop praising because this game IS better and you are all just being a bunch of fanboys) and you pretty much return to palmont, your bmw gets wrecked, so you start from scratch and build your reputation up and gain more territory. Eventually you will fight one of the four bosses in the game and once he is defeated in a race, you will fight him in a canyon duel, which by the way is one of the most heart racing events in nfs history. and its just a great attempt. Sadly this was the last nfs game to have extreme customization and a good storyline, however it is fairly short, but it has really high replay value. Also, if you are bored, there are a ton of secrets and extra races to do, and you can even find hidden things by doing glitches (they are hard to do however because this isnt a very glitchy game) and its just a mess load of fun. there are still people making mods for the game as well. i still play this game to this day, and i hope the new nfs game comming out will be just as good.

    or even better!    … Expand
  8. XDavidX
    Nov 17, 2015
    10
    Need For Speed: Carbon is amazing game. For me all the things in this game is perfect. The story is also amazing. Still playing this. Buy this game now, its absolute worth to do this.
  9. spartan-117
    Oct 2, 2010
    10
    For me the best NFS.Very awsome soundtrack races cars.I like even the bosses.Say hello to my little friend.
  10. Zee
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    Need For Speed Has always been my favorite games of all time, This one was one of those NFS that blew me away! Tons of fun with crazy police after you crashin into stuff and the way you can feel free to design your car in a crazy way with flames, add nitro-boost, sweet rims, tint your windows, flash those neons under the car, and those crazy upgrades!! 10/10 for sure!!
  11. morfil
    Nov 1, 2013
    8
    I thought overall the game was just a bit better than most wanted.

    The customization was better, allowing ride height to be changed and more performance customization details. Autosculpt was a great feature and also you can move the vinyls, skew, rotate, and change colors. I was disappointed though that many things in the game had to be unlocked by completing challenge series or    I thought overall the game was just a bit better than most wanted.

    The customization was better, allowing ride height to be changed and more performance customization details.

    Autosculpt was a great feature and also you can move the vinyls, skew, rotate, and change colors.

    I was disappointed though that many things in the game had to be unlocked by completing challenge series or reward cards, where in most wanted you had to beat bosses.

    Also, most wanted had a bigger focus on police pursuits which I thought was much better than carbon, where you didn't even need to engage in a single pursuit to finish the game (although sometimes you had no choice; they sometimes show up in the middle of races).

    The ending was rather weak, but I won't give it away.    … Expand
  12. DreamStalker
    Jun 1, 2014
    8
    This was the first game i played in my life, it was the game of my childhood, I've played almost all the nfs, and this one is one of the bests, i have an extremely affection to this nfs it reminds me a lot of memories, it puts me very nostalgic. I just love it, now in the 2014, i want to have it again...
  13. dimike
    Jan 10, 2021
    8
    Graphics - ok
    Handling - ok
    Music - bad
    story - ok
    gameplay - good
    autosculpt - weird
  14. LuanGamer
    Jun 12, 2015
    10
    Por mim melhor need for speed , investiu muito mais muito bem na sua historia , carros tops , trilha sonora muito boa , e grafico realmente bom pra época , por mim rolava nfs carbon 2 '-'
  15. omar456321
    Feb 22, 2016
    9
    The game is very good:Pursuits are just like in NFSMW '05,races are fun,and having a crew is the best idea EA could ever have!
    The cars are awesome and unlocking is more.
    People say they liked NFSMW '05 but they didn't like Carbon because it has sh*tty graphics.But let's be serious,NFS Carbon has better graphics!
    Buy the game,I give it a 9!
  16. Luka1998010
    Jul 6, 2018
    10
    One of my personal favorites!
    The car list is awesome !
    Great storyline (sequel to the Underground series and MW)
    Nice customization
    Great job on the AI
    The map !
    Canyon drift and duels !
    Challenge series !
    Reward cards !
    Music !
    Everything is in place!
  17. KingJailson
    May 10, 2018
    10
    Meu segundo NFS favorito, até por que o jogo é bem semelhante do NFS Most Wanted (2005), o que me faz amar o NFS Carbon
  18. Moonknight64
    Feb 26, 2021
    9
    The game is in my opinion super underrated. To me, it like one of these games that are infinite replayable. The classsystem provides a cool challenge, the cars are all cool and the customisation is good. The drifts are terrible, but can be completly skipted, what by the way, every nfs game should do. Palmont City is very interesting and the story is the best we saw until this point. TheThe game is in my opinion super underrated. To me, it like one of these games that are infinite replayable. The classsystem provides a cool challenge, the cars are all cool and the customisation is good. The drifts are terrible, but can be completly skipted, what by the way, every nfs game should do. Palmont City is very interesting and the story is the best we saw until this point. The challenge series is very cool and quick races are very fun… Expand
  19. Samuel5000
    Feb 12, 2021
    8
    The game was great, races were pretty fun, only issue was the muscle cars & frustrating bosses as well.
  20. AravindhanK.
    Feb 25, 2007
    9
    Awesome game... the career option is really great... your crew will be racing against other gangs to control the territory... really adrenaline pumpin... the types of races , circuit, checkpoint, sprint, speedtrack, drift , boss race all are awesome... a really worthy buy.
  21. iddqd4
    Jan 20, 2018
    8
    Этот текст здесь для того что бы оценка отобразилась в моем профиле.
  22. SarifJKane
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Awesome Love it. little to short and so who has a lot of time. Absolutely fantastic atmosphere and style.
  23. Tigran
    Feb 2, 2018
    9
    This is one the best (probably the best) NFS games for me, I just really enjoy playing it even after so many years from its release. The night races, the music, the scripts, everything contributes to getting the Fast&Furious style racing fun. The story is very good, although a bit short, but you can dive into the challenges and drive all flavors of cars. The drifting and the cop challengesThis is one the best (probably the best) NFS games for me, I just really enjoy playing it even after so many years from its release. The night races, the music, the scripts, everything contributes to getting the Fast&Furious style racing fun. The story is very good, although a bit short, but you can dive into the challenges and drive all flavors of cars. The drifting and the cop challenges on high difficulty are the best parts for me.… Expand
  24. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good legend nfs 3
  25. gold
    Jul 14, 2019
    8
    Игру можно описать так: не уравновешенная, атмосферная, 2 сложная игра в серии ( 1. по моему мнению; 2. это не значит что она реально сложная, это я описал словом "не уравновешенная", а значит что в некоторых моментах пытается показаться сложной.). Есть крутые нововведения. каст-сцен стало больше, чем в оригинале, так же и их качество на высоте. Годных песен я не нашёл совсем, но музыкаИгру можно описать так: не уравновешенная, атмосферная, 2 сложная игра в серии ( 1. по моему мнению; 2. это не значит что она реально сложная, это я описал словом "не уравновешенная", а значит что в некоторых моментах пытается показаться сложной.). Есть крутые нововведения. каст-сцен стало больше, чем в оригинале, так же и их качество на высоте. Годных песен я не нашёл совсем, но музыка работает на атмосферу. Хорошая часть.
    Итог: 8.756/10    … Expand
  26. vikingo12
    Dec 27, 2018
    10
    good graphic,gamemodes,dlc to mw 2005,the canyon gamemode is a new feature which fits the game so well
  27. PrdPak
    Aug 19, 2020
    8
    The canyon racing mode was the main highlight of the game for me. The car handling feels snappy and responsive for a NFS game. The drifting mechanics are decent. The graphics look half-decent, the cars look a bit low quality, but the environment and the scenery are one of the best I've ever seen from a game of that era. I don't like racing games which put more emphasis on story thanThe canyon racing mode was the main highlight of the game for me. The car handling feels snappy and responsive for a NFS game. The drifting mechanics are decent. The graphics look half-decent, the cars look a bit low quality, but the environment and the scenery are one of the best I've ever seen from a game of that era. I don't like racing games which put more emphasis on story than gameplay, but the story in carbon is acceptable, its not great, but it's not bad as Payback. One thing I hate about the game is the police chases, once you finish a race, there is a 30% chance that you will get the police, and evading them is very hard. If a race lasts for about 3 minutes and you got the police on you in it, then you are going to spend the next 10 minutes evading the police. The game had its fair share of compatibility problems on PC, the HUD didn't fit on my screen. After trying several "fixes", which didn't work, I almost gave up on trying to get the HUD to fit on my display. The game released in 2006, and the PS2 version had widescreen support, but for some reason, PC lacked proper widescreen support.

    Overall, I give the game a solid 8 out of 10.    … Expand
  28. gsbastos
    Oct 1, 2019
    9
    My favorite nfs, the mechanics lacks, but customization and the continue of most wanted history are awsome!
  29. SrCre
    Mar 10, 2020
    10
    [x] Perfect
    [ ] Awesome
    [ ] Good
    [ ] Good Bad
    [ ] Fail

    Não vejo necessidade em escrever um longo texto falando sobre um jogo, a nota é apenas um conselho para saber o quanto vale o jogo para sua vida.

    I see no need to write a long text talking about a game, the note is just a piece of advice to know how much the game is worth in your life.
  30. Luisma
    Jun 23, 2020
    8
    This game has a lot of possibilities for car customization, especially with the Autosculpt section and adding a lot of vinyl layers to your car, the bad part comes with its history, since it is a bit short, but it is decent, A good point of this is that there is the return of the drift mode, with amazing physics that are controllable and also the canyons races are somewhat challenging.
  31. Saxon_ZXZ7
    Oct 30, 2020
    10
    this game really good i can give 8.0/10 nice atmosphere and story (BLACK BOX Please come back) For me best NFS it's Undeground 2
  32. FacuML
    Jun 15, 2023
    10
    NFSC es, de lejos, el MEJOR juego de carreras jamás hecho. Variedad de carreras, defensa y conquista de territorios callejeros, persecuciones policiales espectaculares, variedad de vehículos, versatilidad al momento de tunear, 3 clases de vehículos para escojer, nuevas mecánicas como tener una crew o las carreras del Cañón... Todo con una estética nocturna y neon que le dan el broche deNFSC es, de lejos, el MEJOR juego de carreras jamás hecho. Variedad de carreras, defensa y conquista de territorios callejeros, persecuciones policiales espectaculares, variedad de vehículos, versatilidad al momento de tunear, 3 clases de vehículos para escojer, nuevas mecánicas como tener una crew o las carreras del Cañón... Todo con una estética nocturna y neon que le dan el broche de oro. Carbon toma todo lo de su antecesor, Most Wanted (otra joya junto con la saga Underground), y lo lleva a un enfoque más oscuro.… Expand
  33. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    9
    Моя любимая часть nfs. Тут появились некоторые способности машин, всё тот же отличный сюжет, и запутанный ночной город и тюнинг
  34. R-FIK
    May 1, 2022
    8
    After finished playing NFS Carbon, I think this is one of the most underrated NFS than the other previous series like NFS: MW 2005. It has unique features such as "Wingman", "Canyon Race", and "Autosculpt Modification", it has awesome soundtracks ( not EA Trax), and every boss cutscene is badass but it has short & cringy lines.

    But in all of that, there are some drawbacks. It has a    After finished playing NFS Carbon, I think this is one of the most underrated NFS than the other previous series like NFS: MW 2005. It has unique features such as "Wingman", "Canyon Race", and "Autosculpt Modification", it has awesome soundtracks ( not EA Trax), and every boss cutscene is badass but it has short & cringy lines.

    But in all of that, there are some drawbacks. It has a short duration of career completion, the story is not that good, it has weak racing a.i + no rubberband, only a few amount of canyon races, no more bounty target (like NFSMW 2005), and the race is kinda repetitive. Overall, this game is still fun to play.

    Sorry about my English is not that good.    … Expand
  35. GHOST17MAN
    May 10, 2021
    8
    Short Most Wanted at night with minimum police. It's can be good for new players, who don't know about Most Wanted, and for those, who want game on 3-4 days. But it has better story, than MW and more cutscenes.
  36. kndr
    May 18, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is like most wanted and ug2 combined. Which are one of the best nfs games ever.

    Canyon events are tense. Drift races are back and there are more customization options.

    Team members makes races harder and easier at the same time. They guarentee the win but can't stop getting in front of you.

    Traffic cars always drive to you. I think they are maniac.

    Bmw we got at the end of mw quickly gets wrecked and we can't use it in story mode anymore. The only way to use it is quick races.

    I loved mw and wanted more and carbon satisfied me.    … Expand
  37. defenz
    Aug 10, 2021
    8
    ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
  38. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 8
  39. Near_Void
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    If you ever want to experience the height of NFS. then this is the one to play!

    Canyons are really fun

    Just a shame EA rushed Blackbox for this release.
  40. Omega212
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    This is a really solid nfs game in my opinion. It's a good sequel to nfs mw and it has some cool new features like the territory acquisition. I really recommend this game if you like nfs games
  41. ErixKing
    Jul 2, 2023
    8
    La continuación que nunca llego a superar a su predecesor, pero aun asi un gran juego de la época dorada de NFS
  42. chaisiijaa
    Mar 13, 2022
    9
    Game is amazing but the game is atleast 10 - 12 hours to beat the game but it's still a good game
  43. The_D4RknesS
    Jul 3, 2022
    9
    The graphics of this version to this day I think it's beautiful! The biggest problem with this game is the unbalanced difficulty and some police chases that the police never stop respawning, I already spent 1 hour and 40 minutes with her behind me and I without be able to evade or enter the cooldown
  44. AkifM2009
    Jul 20, 2022
    8
    This Game is Not a Most Wanted but it's enjoyable :) . Story is not very good but i think cinematics are better than Most Wanted. Graphics are good for a 2006 game. Idk why but i like carbon more than Most Wanted. But It's too short :(
  45. putinzdohne
    Oct 7, 2022
    10
    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.
  46. xcale
    Mar 6, 2023
    10
    Another magnificient game from the golden era of Need For Speed. First time introduction of teammates with benefits :)

    Another masterpiece within the golden quartet of Need For Speed.
  47. Giero
    Jan 4, 2023
    8
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  48. VeuxVIP
    Jan 25, 2023
    10
    there were small details that were not used correctly, but otherwise it was incredible, and many thanks to black box for destroying that stupid kit car
  49. wojtulace1
    Jan 30, 2023
    8
    The best Need for Speed game by far. And a huge mod is on the horizon that will improve the game in every aspect - NFSCO.
  50. Silv3rGT
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Admit it, Carbon is an amazing game. If Blackbox had a year to make this game, then it would have be the best the series has to offer.
  51. endergunayu
    Aug 25, 2023
    10
    My first race game . Insane graphics and story compare to it"s time .Jammer

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    74
    Even though the wingman mechanics and canyon races don't quite pan out, it's still a stylish and enjoyable street racer.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »