Smuggler's Run

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Antagonist
    90
    This is the "Jet Moto" or "Wipeout" of the PS2 launch -- a rare game that makes driving a hell of a lot of fun.
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  2. GamePro
    90
    Overall, the physics find a solid balance between fantasy and reality, and the smooth controls make running contraband an addictive experience.
  3. TotalPlayStation
    88
    The gameplay is solid, the graphics are on par with the upper echelon of current games, and sound is very respectable.
  5. Electric Playground
    85
    It is one of the “must have” launch titles. You won’t be disappointed.
  6. Da Gameboyz
    85
    This is the future of driving games, folks. The environments go on forever, they are rich with detail and they are realistic. The sound effects are great and the music is good too.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Happy Puppy
    85
    Fresh graphics, tight controls, and completely addictive gameplay make this a definite must-have title. To sum it up in one word, it's smugglelicious!
  8. TotalGames.net
    82
    Its shallow atmosphere aside, there is little wrong with Smuggler’s Run. The graphics will stun even the deepest of cynics, whilst the array of sub-games and variety of missions highlight "Driver’s" limitations.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Maxim Online
    80
    It’s about time someone used an SUV for more than hauling brats to soccer practice.
  10. PSX Nation
    80
    While I prefer the multiplayer, and will continue to play it for quite a while, the single player game became a bit too monotonous for my liking in the end.
  11. GamerWeb Sony
    80
    A fine piece of work. It's no graphical or acoustical showpiece for the system, but it does offer up its share of fun, depth, multi-player coolness, and innovation.
  12. GameSpot
    80
    Though the game gets a little dry and repetitive after a while, the limitless opportunities found in the multiplayer modes and the insane vehicular stunts that make up a good portion of the game's action make it a worthy addition to any driving fan's game library.
  13. Hot Games
    80
    Though it borders on the frustrating side of difficult, it's a visual treat and certainly a worthy purchase for new PS2 owners.
  14. IGN
    79
    It's not a stunning looking game, and it's not a very long game, but it is original and fun, and that's a great combination for any game on any system.
  15. My Gamer
    78
    Smuggler's Run is a solid addition to any action or racing fanatic's collection.
  16. Gaming Age
    75
    A title that fuses together a fresh premise, the most remarkable draw distance out there and addictive gameplay that makes a habit of making you come back for more.
  17. GameSpy
    75
    A decent title. It'll never be one of those "stranded on a desert island" games, but it certainly has replay value and is well worth a look.
  18. Daily Radar
    75
    While we all know that a life of crime ultimately doesn't pay, a joyride with the fresh and fast Smuggler's Run is rewarding through and through.
    All this publication's reviews
  19. Games Radar
    75
    It is just a pity that, ultimately, the missions become all too similar.
    All this publication's reviews
  20. All Game Guide
    70
    Successfully blends the crazy jumps and impossible physics of "Crazy Taxi" with the crime-oriented theme of "Driver." The graphics are clean, the music is catchy, and the game is fun to pick up and play.
  21. CNET Gamecenter
    70
    While the main game is fun at first, in the Crazy Taxi vein, the novelty wears thin because of the bland graphics and repetitive nature of the gameplay.
    All this publication's reviews
  22. Game Revolution
    67
    An impressive, invigorating romp and a seemingly unfinished, unpolished rush job. At its core, this is a surprisingly limited game. However, it's still loads of fun if you look past its shortcomings.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PS2 Game of 2000
12
#12 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000
6
#6 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 4 out of 26
  1. fandango89
    Sep 27, 2011
    4
    This game is fun for about an hour or two and then the glaring weaknesses and lack of polish shine through. First off, to make it so theThis game is fun for about an hour or two and then the glaring weaknesses and lack of polish shine through. First off, to make it so the police are always with you there is glaringly obvious rubber band AI so that when you drive perfectly they do the same and can always catch up to you no matter what you do. They always get to be faster than you to. This discourages trying to drive well or with skill because it won't matter. The next problem is the damage modeling. In a game about driving over hills and doing jumps, it actually DAMAGES your car when you drive over hills and get the slightest bit of air, even if you land cleanly on ALL 4 WHEELS! What do they want you to do since the game is about driving on sloping terrain and you can't drive slowly because you have timed objectives and the rubber band AI is always right behind you. They obviously do this to make it harder, as well as making you do 7 drops in 1 without a slight mistake or you have to start all over again, just to make the game longer. This is synthetic length because it is just you restarting the mission over and over which is a cheap and unwanted trick and a waste of time. Finally is the physics, another major factor of the game and something they manage to screw up. I would constant drive into a hill expecting to go up it only to run straight into it as if it were a wall. Other times I would land on two wheels with my other 2 just off the ground and instead of them falling after I would stay on the other two as if I had landed sideways and I would flip over. Other times my car would flip in the air for no reason. This is some of the worst physics I have ever seen in a game that it should be spot-on. Add to that lack of variety and repetitive boring missions and you have yourself a bad example of a launch game.… Full Review »
  2. KennyB.
    Jun 17, 2009
    10
    This is the game that impressed me enough to buy a PS2 years ago. The graphics are dated but are very crisp and clean. The engine sounds areThis is the game that impressed me enough to buy a PS2 years ago. The graphics are dated but are very crisp and clean. The engine sounds are not great, however this game is not at all about your vehicles engine sounds and don't take from the game one bit. The sirens on the police vehicles are constantly going which can wear on the ears.....but it's necessary because they are cops, and all cops have sirens. Anyway even though the graphics are not as detailed as later generation titles on PS2 it does not take away from the fun you have running across massive and very deep landscapes. It's a blast running from the police climbing extremely steep hills and plunging back down. Avoiding cops is fun, but trying to screw over your smuggling competition by stealing the contraband from them while you're both trying to avoid the cops is even more fun. It is truly a unique concept for a racing game. Much more fun than usual racing action games like Vigilante 8 or Twisted Metal.… Full Review »
  3. VarunB.
    Aug 11, 2005
    9
    While it may not win any awards, it proves to be a fun and addictive game that should probably be included with the PS2. The missions are way While it may not win any awards, it proves to be a fun and addictive game that should probably be included with the PS2. The missions are way cool, but difficult and frustrating at times. Nevertheless, a truly unique and 'naughty' experience...this game is severely under-rated… Full Review »
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