Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)

 PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Stuff
    90
    Making a name for youself by climbing the game's Black List, aka series of bad-ass mo-fos you must beat, is good fun.
  2. ActionTrip
    90
    It's safe to say that NFS: Most Wanted is perfectly balanced between real-life steering and physics and arcade-style handling.
  3. Computer Gaming World
    90
    Does Most Wanted feed my adrenaline addiction from start to finish? No - repetition, while unavoidable in a game ilke this, ultimately does in the game's ability to raise your blood pressure. But while it lasts...damn, it's good. [Feb 2006, p.80]
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  5. The New York Times
    87
    Wanted's story won't win any awards, and the game would still be tremendous fun without it, but it gives your racing added significance.
  6. PC Gamer
    86
    A superb arcade racer that's a feature or two away from greatness. [Feb 2006, p.88]
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  7. IGN
    85
    The stylistic presentation and graphic sensibilities are impressive, and they're complemented by excellent engine sound effects and smart cop chatter.
  8. 1UP
    85
    The nod back to the cop chase mechanics of the Hot Pursuit games is certainly welcome, plus it's interesting to see that the vaunted "open" gameplay of the last two games has been dialed down by a more forcibly linear structure to keep things interesting.
  9. GameSpot
    84
    Great fun, from its hysterical cutscenes to its extremely tense police chases.
  10. Computer Games Online RO
    83
    A must have for Need for Speed fans. For the rest, it’s an interesting arcade racing game, thanks to its spectacular police car chasses and outstanding graphics.
  11. PC Gameworld
    82
    Fantastic gameplay variety, and stunning graphics make this a worthwhile investment if you own a high-end PC.
  12. Pelit (Finland)
    81
    A decent enough racing experience. The police chases are excellent fun, but where is the proper civilian traffic? [Dec 2005]
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  13. Gamer 2.0
    81
    Most Wanted brings the police back in force, and the game benefits greatly from it.
  14. GameSpy
    80
    Pulse-pounding car chases, lighting-fast races, and a beautifully crafted game world.
  15. The Sydney Morning Herald
    80
    The addition of smart and relentless police pursuers has reinvigorated this popular driving series.
  16. AceGamez
    80
    The graphics are the best of any racing game bar none. The world is open in its architecture and you can drive anywhere, so you make your own destiny!
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  17. Play.tm
    77
    The only thing stopping it achieving a better score are the aforementioned niggles coupled with some below par AI. Their computer-controlled abilities switch from laughably amateur to 'one mistake and its race over' Terminator-style brutality in a matter of moments which seems more than a little unfair.
  18. Boomtown
    70
    It’s solid with good visuals and enjoyable racing, but it does nothing new.
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  19. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    While Most Wanted occasionally shows signs of screwing up the balance and flying off the road, it generally rights itself before it spins out of control. [Mar 2006, p.64]
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  20. games(TM)
    60
    It’s a nice, clean package that delivers enough hi-octane chases and enjoyment to warrant a purchase. [Christmas 2005, p.121]
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PC Game of 2005
6
#6 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1314 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,157 out of 1314
  2. Mixed: 102 out of 1314
  3. Negative: 55 out of 1314
  1. Dee383
    Apr 27, 2011
    10
    This Game Is My Personal Favourite ,,,,, The Storyline Plot Was Brilliant .... Graphics Are Great ....
    Police Pursuits Love Em . Car    This Game Is My Personal Favourite ,,,,, The Storyline Plot Was Brilliant .... Graphics Are Great ....
    Police Pursuits Love Em . Car Selection In This Game Was Excellent .... I Cant Praise How Much I Love This Game .....No Other Need For Speed Game Has Come Even Close To Being Better Than Most Wanted .... And I Doubt There Ever Will ....    … Full Review »
  2. SahilKChandio
    Sep 26, 2018
    10
    The graphics were great the story was good!! This is my personal favorite racing game of all time!!
  3. kanefriessner
    Jul 11, 2012
    4
    The reborn of the worst NFS! Again, only it's musics are great. Good graphics, no physics (not as bad in Underground), the cars are good, fairThe reborn of the worst NFS! Again, only it's musics are great. Good graphics, no physics (not as bad in Underground), the cars are good, fair controlling (not always), almost always the same "tracks" (not as bad in Underground), the cops are weak and idiot until phase number 4, then they are strong like Duke Nukem, irritating traffic, bad and cheating AI. Not as bad as NFS:U, but it's not a good racing game.… Full Review »
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