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
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    90
    It's a blast from start to finish, with arguably the prettiest cut-scenes ever to grace PS2. [Dec 2006, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  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. Play UK
    85
    It's another NFS game which means you know exactly what to expect before peeling the cellophane off. That doesn't mean it's bad though. [Issue #147, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. PSM3 Magazine UK
    83
    The minor problems and lack of originality are far outweighed by the game's quality and improvement in gameplay. [Dec 2006, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Pelit (Finland)
    82
    Need for Speed Carbon has fast and furious races. Tuning is fun, but it does not have much of an effect on racing. [Dec 2006, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. GameZone
    80
    Need for Speed Carbon is another solid entry in the NFS franchise, not really a complete reinvention of the series, but rather an improvement with added features.
  8. Games Master UK
    79
    Not as gimmicky as you might think but you've lived all these NFS moments before. [Christmas 2006, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. IGN
    78
    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.
  10. Play.tm
    78
    If you've not played a NFS game recently then this is worth a look and if you have and enjoyed it then this isn't going to offer any surprises, but just like a turkey dinner it will probably more than satisfy you.
  11. Game Informer
    75
    It’s one thing for the current-gen versions of this game to be not as visually compelling (such as the sense of speed not being as good), but it’s unfortunate that you only race against three other cars during typical challenges.
  12. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    75
    But still, it's a solid racer despite the problems. [Dec. 2006, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. 1UP
    75
    It refines previous ideas but lacks that big "wow" factor we've seen in the past. It's thoroughly, thoroughly competent and shouldn't be overlooked, but it really is "Need for Speed Again."
  14. PSM Magazine
    75
    The new chatter-heavy crew needs some tuning up, though. [Jan. 2007, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews

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 »
See all user reviews »