Need for Speed Carbon

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  1. GameSpot
    74
    Even though the wingman mechanics and canyon races don't quite pan out, it's still a stylish and enjoyable street racer.
  2. GameBrink
    70
    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.
  3. GamesRadar+
    70
    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.
  5. PSW Magazine UK
    70
    Carbon is huge and involving, full of neat ideas like crew recruitment and custom bodypart sculpting, but that, yeah, it isn't all that great when it comes to getting behind the wheel. We still need speed from the series, and more importantly, thrills.
  6. GameSpy
    70
    If you're looking to get a few more hours of fun out of your aging black box, Need for Speed Carbon isn't a bad way to do it.
  7. Gamer 2.0
    70
    A solid racing game. It might have a few rough edges and frustrating spots, but overall it’s a fun game.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Operation Sports
    70
    A really solid single player game with a great Story Mode, some of the best graphics on the PS2, and an ultra-hip look and feel. If that’s what you’re looking for, it’d be hard to find a better game for you.
  11. Gamestyle
    60
    Carbon, to its credit, has made some changes to the formula, but it cannot hope make up for blatant omissions such as an online mode. The next instalment should be very interesting.
  12. Boomtown
    60
    Essentially, Need for Speed: Carbon is Need for Speed: Most Wanted in the dark, but with a more expensive price tag.
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  13. GameShark
    58
    I felt this game was a step backward in the series. Fans of the 2 year old Underground game will love this one, while fans of Most Wanted may want to sit this one out.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best PS2 Game of 2006
25
#25 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
54
#54 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 128 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 128
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 128
  3. Negative: 5 out of 128
  1. Andjelico
    Nov 8, 2014
    8
    This is one of the best Need For Speed games ever made. You can customize a car in many ways, and that's what i like the most about this game.This is one of the best Need For Speed games ever made. You can customize a car in many ways, and that's what i like the most about this game. The courses and challenges are fun, but it's not better than NFS Underground 2. Another thing that is really like are the realistic graphics on Need For Speed Carbon.

    This game and NFS Underground 2 are my two favourite street racing games.    … Full Review »
  2. MrJ.
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    The level of customization in Carbon is far superior to midnight clubs. You can't even compare. Where is canyon run and drift racing in The level of customization in Carbon is far superior to midnight clubs. You can't even compare. Where is canyon run and drift racing in midnight club? It's not there is it... fine drive in streets that look like LA and Tokyo etc.. but I don't think people really care about driving in LA or not. NFS is a racing game... their is a reason why they don't include SUV's like they did on Underground2 etc.. they are not good to race in.. plus there are not 20 cars there are more than 30 and the level of customization is limitless with autosculpt… Full Review »
  3. Alex_Pilgrim008
    May 4, 2023
    7
    This was the last NFS game on the PS2 and it's good. It's a sequel to "Most Wanted" and is very similar, but adds Canyon Events andThis was the last NFS game on the PS2 and it's good. It's a sequel to "Most Wanted" and is very similar, but adds Canyon Events and Autosculpt. Unfortunately, the police chases are not too challenging. In "Carbon", you conquer territories by winning races. The graphics are not very impressive, but the gameplay is still fun. Series fans should enjoy it despite the lack of innovation. I would rate it with a 7.5 out of 10.… Full Review »
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