Need for Speed: Most Wanted - A Criterion Game

 PC
User Score
4.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1020 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 254 out of 1020
  2. Mixed: 249 out of 1020
  3. Negative: 517 out of 1020
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  1. Taiark
    May 28, 2023
    8
    If youre expecting this game to be like the 2005 one, move on, this is not it. If youre looking for a decent NFS game, this is for you. Most of these reviews are because of its name, if the name wouldve been diffrent this game wouldve probably been positively rated.

    This game reminds me a lot of burnout, so if youre a fan of that, this is your game. I really like the game, ive played    If youre expecting this game to be like the 2005 one, move on, this is not it. If youre looking for a decent NFS game, this is for you. Most of these reviews are because of its name, if the name wouldve been diffrent this game wouldve probably been positively rated.

    This game reminds me a lot of burnout, so if youre a fan of that, this is your game. I really like the game, ive played every nfs from 2003 to 2022 and this one is one of the most enjoyable ones, atleast for me.

    Pros:
    Engine sounds
    Soundtrack
    Summer feeling (especially with the soundtrack)
    Car list (nice balance)
    Grapics
    Small detail but the realistic exhaust gasses are always nice to see when revving (which you will with those engine sounds)
    Cops, or most likely the heat system, 1 is easily escapeable, 6 is hell, but you wont get to 6 if you dont want to.
    Cutscenes, nice n epic, but can also be trippy.

    Mid:
    Dlcs, lots of dlcs.
    Story, let me describe. "Heres a list, get points by doing whatever, probably races because thats what gives the most, when you beat someone with points, race them, destroy thier car to own it, move on to the next guy."
    Handling, like it and dislike it.
    Performance custimisation
    "Found a car? You own it now"

    Bad:
    Copsystem, they give WAYYYY to little points for what youre doing with them
    Progression, just seems a bit dull and unfinished.
    Visual custimisation

    Thats all i could think of now, i genereally like this game, but theres defo better nfs titles. Defo worth a try if you have EA play.

    Have a great day!    … Expand
  2. DiyarAdo
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Very underrated title. Graphics, soundtrack, car selection, handling and the sense of speed are phenomal. The upgrading system is surprisingly fun and I like the open world very much, there are many shortcuts, jumps and diverse roads to take. Very much replay value.
  3. Thanuja
    Mar 11, 2023
    9
    Although it’s not up to its predecessor in story-wise, it had a fun gameplay. Graphics are generally good for the time. Also, car list and map is good. It’s a solid game if you don’t compare it to its predecessor.
  4. k1erx
    Feb 27, 2023
    9
    игра прикольная оптимизация есть не понравилось то что быстро проходиться но такого как сюжет там и нет и это очень хорошо вышло
  5. Username4102
    Jun 27, 2022
    8
    This game is great, but the customization and upgrade system is terrible. As for the customization, there is only the color and upgrades that you get only in races. Players can't spend cash, only collect it after stunts and chases. Cars can be found randomly rather than brought in. The developers have created great cars. In fact, I think they could have improved the game, and this gameThis game is great, but the customization and upgrade system is terrible. As for the customization, there is only the color and upgrades that you get only in races. Players can't spend cash, only collect it after stunts and chases. Cars can be found randomly rather than brought in. The developers have created great cars. In fact, I think they could have improved the game, and this game would have become one of the best games in history.… Expand
  6. hydroquaqua
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    _не понимаю людей которые ровняют игру с асфальтом, тратя уйму времени в игре, ради отрицательного отзыва, чего вы ожидаете? в жанре! нет сюжета, тюнинга нет - плохо! Need for Speed Most Wanted 2012 г., это вызов стать первым, со своей задачей игра справляется на 100%

    _i don't understand people who equate the game with asphalt, spending a lot of time in the game, for the sake of a    _не понимаю людей которые ровняют игру с асфальтом, тратя уйму времени в игре, ради отрицательного отзыва, чего вы ожидаете? в жанре! нет сюжета, тюнинга нет - плохо! Need for Speed Most Wanted 2012 г., это вызов стать первым, со своей задачей игра справляется на 100%

    _i don't understand people who equate the game with asphalt, spending a lot of time in the game, for the sake of a negative review, what do you expect? in the genre! no plot, no tuning - bad! Need for Speed Most Wanted 2012, this is a challenge to become the first, the game copes with its task by 100%    … Expand
  7. heisenberg_88
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Played this game a lot , but it gets boring over the time .
    Cars look beautiful . Environment is beautiful .
    soundtrack is amazing .
  8. Saurabh0447
    Apr 27, 2021
    8
    Gameplay: Need for Speed most wanted allows players to select one car and complete against other racers in three type of event. First event was a most wanted racers list. Second event was the normal race. Third event was only for increase a score. Cops are integrated into certain racing session, in which the police deploy vehicle and tactics to stop the player car and arrest theGameplay: Need for Speed most wanted allows players to select one car and complete against other racers in three type of event. First event was a most wanted racers list. Second event was the normal race. Third event was only for increase a score. Cops are integrated into certain racing session, in which the police deploy vehicle and tactics to stop the player car and arrest the player, like the original Most wanted.

    Personal opinion : I am obviously telling that this is most interesting and entertaining game. I have enjoyed this game too much. I will rate it 8 out of 10 because this game have some drawback like in this game we don't have a story line and the control was little bit out of box. It was amazing but I have to say only if you work on the control, the workshop and story line.
    But the playing experience of this game is very amazing    … Expand
  9. Scorpuon408
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    Construcción buena, me gustó el concepto sencillo y ligero, se sabe que uno entra es a correr.
  10. Astr1d
    Oct 9, 2020
    10
    Ахуенная игра, что еще говорить. Сам играл с детства кстати в 2 андерграунда и 2005 most wanted. Потом решил попробовать эту и я считаю это лучший nfs всех времен. Очень нравится в тупую кататься на разных крутых машинах под ахренительные саундтреки, похоже этим и зацепила. Сюжета нету, да он и не нужен я думаю. Физика скорее хардкорная чем плохая. От копов можно спокойно удирать зная паруАхуенная игра, что еще говорить. Сам играл с детства кстати в 2 андерграунда и 2005 most wanted. Потом решил попробовать эту и я считаю это лучший nfs всех времен. Очень нравится в тупую кататься на разных крутых машинах под ахренительные саундтреки, похоже этим и зацепила. Сюжета нету, да он и не нужен я думаю. Физика скорее хардкорная чем плохая. От копов можно спокойно удирать зная пару мест на карте где можно спрятаться. Единственное что смущает, это название, тк это уж точнг не сиквел к 2005-му most wante… Expand
  11. hvnsxr
    Jul 8, 2020
    8
    It's Burnout. With licensed cars, and wacky handling. Great visuals and music. And it has no wannabe-youth cheap talk. I really liked it.
  12. wattoCRLS
    Jul 4, 2020
    10
    One of my favorite games out there, i see lots of people hating it because it's not what it's supposed to be... But for what it is i think is amazing, and you should definitely play this game, though of course don't expect it to be like the previous need for speed most wanted game or even any need for speed game. You literally can play this game with no brain, you don't have to worry aboutOne of my favorite games out there, i see lots of people hating it because it's not what it's supposed to be... But for what it is i think is amazing, and you should definitely play this game, though of course don't expect it to be like the previous need for speed most wanted game or even any need for speed game. You literally can play this game with no brain, you don't have to worry about anything you just jump in the action when ever you feel like it. It makes insanely sad when i see people hating on this game because it's actually amazing.… Expand
  13. Tomle1202
    Nov 4, 2019
    8
    Need for Speed: Most Wanted offers exhilarating rides through crowded urban landscapes decorated by chaos and destruction, albeit a number of frustrating gameplay elements and some underwhelming PC supports.
  14. DrifterKid
    Feb 24, 2018
    9
    Clearly still NFS game due to official licensing. A great trendy game when Criterion gone full MLG and fun to search the cars to progress the most wanted list but the re - paint is a downer but overall a great fast paced racing game
  15. BLK99
    Aug 31, 2017
    8
    Un juego divertido sin ningun objetivo prefijado, libertad plena en realizar las actividades como se venga en gana, lo que si falta es contenido, carros, desafios, se siente vacio una vez que se terminan los retos.

    Aunque los juegos arcade de coches cada vez son mas sosos y los que destacan no continuan, como es el caso de blur, born out paradise o split second.
  16. risingpheonix
    Jul 3, 2017
    8
    it doesn't feel like a need for speed game ... but it was fun ... though some might feel this game is not at all good ... they are just perceiving it as a nfs game ... which it is not
  17. mahirhasan37
    Sep 19, 2016
    9
    NFS Most Wanted is a great racing game with beautiful graphics and easy to follow campaign . It made me big fan of racing games due to its interactive game play.THIS REVIEW IS ONLY ABOUT OFFLINE SINGLE PLAYER NOT MULTIPLAYER
  18. Lyeton
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    Cannot by any means understand the 4.4 rating. I'm not really into racing games at all. In fact, the only racing games I ever played left me unimpressed. This game actually is the only one that I managed to easily complete without getting bored because it's just the most fun experience I ever had in this genre. Do not expect a storyline. I don't have any frame drops AT ALL.
    I got this on    Cannot by any means understand the 4.4 rating. I'm not really into racing games at all. In fact, the only racing games I ever played left me unimpressed. This game actually is the only one that I managed to easily complete without getting bored because it's just the most fun experience I ever had in this genre. Do not expect a storyline. I don't have any frame drops AT ALL.
    I got this on the house from Origin and until I looked it up on metacritic I couldn't find any negative point at this game.    … Expand
  19. Subterra
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    The best racing game ever made and all these negatrive reviews are enough to blow your mind like seriously this is just an incredible game the fact that its been rated so poorly is criminal do not listen to any of these negatives reviews the game is just amazing.
  20. Davek183
    Oct 24, 2015
    8
    Finished the whole game just to get Koenigsegg, and in the end I got something which has absolutly different sound than Koenigsegg... Anyway, the game is so well made, graphics, physics (arcade style but good) and sound are incredibly good. I had goosebumps many times. If only the game hadn't these weird faults like steering delay, success based on smashing other cars etc. The thing I likeFinished the whole game just to get Koenigsegg, and in the end I got something which has absolutly different sound than Koenigsegg... Anyway, the game is so well made, graphics, physics (arcade style but good) and sound are incredibly good. I had goosebumps many times. If only the game hadn't these weird faults like steering delay, success based on smashing other cars etc. The thing I like the most is realism, but NFS Shift is a total crap compared to this, for me.… Expand
  21. H3-M4N
    Jan 2, 2015
    8
    Worthy successor of Burnout Paradise!
    Great love was given to cars (sound, details) and environments (Fairhaven fun to explore).
    Many great features of BP are back (bilboards and gates, races) MP is also great (but beware of some cheaters). So, if you liked BP, you will also like this very much. From technical perspective it runs flawlessly on mid to high end gaming PC, very smooth    Worthy successor of Burnout Paradise!
    Great love was given to cars (sound, details) and environments (Fairhaven fun to explore).
    Many great features of BP are back (bilboards and gates, races)
    MP is also great (but beware of some cheaters).
    So, if you liked BP, you will also like this very much.

    From technical perspective it runs flawlessly on mid to high end gaming PC, very smooth 60 fps (try adaptive vsync).

    So get it in a deal, its worth it! Also Terminal Velocity DLC is great.    … Expand
  22. chiefwiggum2
    Sep 28, 2014
    9
    Great game with great graphics, if you like racing games, you'll love this, however when you crash it pans around your car which can get really annoying after some time as you have to constantly wait for you to respawn, in addition to this, the races can get really frustrating sometimes!
  23. capo193
    May 27, 2014
    9
    Amazing game if you have steering wheel for pc. Good graphic, good system of cars owning (only once find car on map and will by yours for ever and you can jump in car from menu anytime) and amazing car sounds. Story is missing but i had good times with friends while playing :)
  24. RdVortex
    Mar 1, 2014
    9
    If you liked Burnout Paradise then chances are that you'll like this game too. Need for Speed: Most Wanted is basically Burnout paradise with Need for Speed name, real cars and slightly different game modes. The biggest downside of the game is that it's quite buggy, especially the multiplayer.
  25. Intense1997
    Nov 29, 2013
    8
    That game it's very good, but is not a Need for Speed game, but yes a Burnout game, in my opnion. I play that game in PS3 is very funny, grafics and disgns are very pretty and gameplay is cool, but the car handling is a little heavy.
    It´s a awesome arcade game.
  26. hodgesb
    Jun 9, 2013
    8
    I enjoyed Need for Speed: Most Wanted on the PC. I don't generally play racing games, but I gave this one a shot and it surprised me. Even though my PC is equipped to play most games on the highest graphical settings, I did have some FPS problems during a few cut scenes, but the actual racing portion was fine (30+ FPS). Contrary to many of the user reviews, I think the gameplay was theI enjoyed Need for Speed: Most Wanted on the PC. I don't generally play racing games, but I gave this one a shot and it surprised me. Even though my PC is equipped to play most games on the highest graphical settings, I did have some FPS problems during a few cut scenes, but the actual racing portion was fine (30+ FPS). Contrary to many of the user reviews, I think the gameplay was the most impressive aspect of the game. I haven't played many racing games, but I was able to jump in and play successfully with little to no practice using a USB controller. However, I would have liked to seen more customization options on the cars. Overall, I enjoyed this game and I will likely play Criterion's future NFS titles.… Expand
  27. Kutsubato
    May 3, 2013
    9
    I CAN´T UNDERSTAND ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO SAYS THAT NFS MOST WANTED IS A BAD GAME!!! It´s very great car game with the best multiplayer and graphic i´ve ever seen in a game like this!
  28. 2Eric
    Jan 31, 2013
    10
    This game is awesome I loved the open world setting its like burnout paradise but with real high end sports cars and awesome graphics. If you have a high end pc this game definitely will show it off everything from the awesome weather effects to super detailed cars to effects like smoke coming out of sewer holes and waves splashing up against the shore all come together to make a veryThis game is awesome I loved the open world setting its like burnout paradise but with real high end sports cars and awesome graphics. If you have a high end pc this game definitely will show it off everything from the awesome weather effects to super detailed cars to effects like smoke coming out of sewer holes and waves splashing up against the shore all come together to make a very realistic experience. I love to hop in a Bugatti and just go driving then taunt a cop and then smoke him. It is cool to get on the high way and just open it up. Add all of the features from street racing to car mods and this makes for one cool driving experience.… Expand
  29. RiverMonster
    Dec 27, 2012
    10
    Fantastic game, all framerate issues have been resolved by the patches. It's pure EA/Criterion goodness!

    Think Burnout Paradise meets NFS Hot Pursuit--it's a BLAST! As with all Criterion games they design with fun first--so folks looking for a tedious overly technical simulator aren't going to be happy. The rest of us who enjoy life and love a great arcade racer are going to have AN    Fantastic game, all framerate issues have been resolved by the patches. It's pure EA/Criterion goodness!

    Think Burnout Paradise meets NFS Hot Pursuit--it's a BLAST! As with all Criterion games they design with fun first--so folks looking for a tedious overly technical simulator aren't going to be happy.

    The rest of us who enjoy life and love a great arcade racer are going to have AN AMAZING TIME! Can't recommend it enough!

    Do get yourself an XBox 360 controller for Windows though--then again if you're a PC gamer these days you should already have one. :) Cheers and see you guys on the streets!    … Expand
  30. ghost12345
    Dec 21, 2012
    9
    I liked the game very much because the graphics are outstanding,races are thrilling and there are so many cars for you to drive and modify.
    many people complain about lagging etc,they should upgrade their systems because its not the fault of developer.
    well because the last nfs game was completely story based so this time they have come with a complete make over (no story),but its a    I liked the game very much because the graphics are outstanding,races are thrilling and there are so many cars for you to drive and modify.
    many people complain about lagging etc,they should upgrade their systems because its not the fault of developer.
    well because the last nfs game was completely story based so this time they have come with a complete make over (no story),but its a racing game why do u need a story.
    BG music is good ,race intro videos are also a highlight of the game.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best PC Game of 2012
28
#28 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
22
#22 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Nov 30, 2012
    60
    Just pick one of the beautiful cars, hop in and drive. But do not want anything else. NFS: Most Wanted is average fun for all car lovers. [Dec 2012]
  2. CD-Action
    Nov 29, 2012
    70
    Most Wanted works best when you treat it like mobile games – switch it on for 15 minutes, do a random race with a random car and then turn it off. It's a good arcade racing title closely resembling Burnout: Paradise but it's not exceptional. [CD-Action 13/2012, p.52]
  3. Worth Playing
    Nov 25, 2012
    92
    Most Wanted's biggest strength is that it feels like a cohesive whole, rather than some amalgamation of a reboot tacked on to another game's engine. The gameplay emphasizes as little downtime as possible, which is a good thing as it's an absolute blast whether or not cops are involved. It's not a reboot as much as it is a reimagining of the original game, taking the bits that worked and wrapping them in a completely new package. Surprisingly enough, it does so in a way that works, and the new Most Wanted ranks up there with the original.
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