Speed Kings

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Acclaim
  • Release Date: May 28, 2003
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
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  1. VarunB.
    Aug 11, 2005
    7
    Not magnificent...but an overall fun bike racing game for the PS2...with plenty unlockables, this could keep you busy for a while. A good game to play if you have a few hours to kill.
  2. ScottW.
    Jun 5, 2003
    8
    I hate that I read GameSpot's review, however, it is spot on. A good game that I have played for about 6 hours, so far. Decent graphics, blazing speed with rare slow-down when a lot is happening on the screen, all at once. This game is arcadey and the camera moves around behind your motorcycle as you turn, making it odd at first, but easy to get used to quickly. The crashes are ok I hate that I read GameSpot's review, however, it is spot on. A good game that I have played for about 6 hours, so far. Decent graphics, blazing speed with rare slow-down when a lot is happening on the screen, all at once. This game is arcadey and the camera moves around behind your motorcycle as you turn, making it odd at first, but easy to get used to quickly. The crashes are ok and somewhat cool - I have seen some really nice crashes, but most are the same 'ol same 'ol. I don't know what to say about the trick system. It's good and then it's not. It's still fun and you only have to learn two or three tricks and then you get the POWERBAND. Awwww, yeaaaaahhh. Nice. Overall, a fun game with an arcadey feel (just like Burnout 2) with ok crashes and a GREAT sense of SPEED. The replay does not show the whole race and this has had me bent a few times because I wanted to see a crash that happened 1/2 - 3/4 through the race, however, the replay just stops. Oh yeah... the soundtrack stinks.… Expand
  3. JustinS.
    Jun 16, 2003
    9
    The game is really fun i think. The only thing that bothers me is that there is no map on your screen and that you dont have a trick list to look off of. They expect you to do tricks that you dont even know how to do.
  4. oldgamer81
    Mar 18, 2021
    8
    A very fun racer, maybe the best street motocycle racer on PS (there are not many). What I like is that the game is pretty little frustrating: Even though you crash often and sometimes unpredictable, your back on the street in no time and able to catch up. AND the opponents crash even more often that you do, if you watch out to ride on the right side of the street. The traffic, the littleA very fun racer, maybe the best street motocycle racer on PS (there are not many). What I like is that the game is pretty little frustrating: Even though you crash often and sometimes unpredictable, your back on the street in no time and able to catch up. AND the opponents crash even more often that you do, if you watch out to ride on the right side of the street. The traffic, the little fighting, the tricks and "powerband" and the extra-challenges (e.G. ko for 6 opponents while racing) spice up the whole experience. And even if I normally don't like the rubberband effect, here it is done right. It is as balanced that you and the opponents can catch up from time to time, giving more chances to fight, but it not as strong that all racers are allways in one pack together or effects alike.
    Maybe the game might be a bit short and have not enough replay value.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. Yahoo!
    60
    There's only so many tricks one can do on a bike cruising at 120mph. Variety is absolutely required, and there's not much in Speed Kings. And the trick control is not responsive enough.
    Read full review
  2. GameShark
    40
    A perfect example of what happens when you try to follow inspiration yet forget to bring your own intuition and imagination.
    Read full review
  3. Game Informer
    65
    You'll reach velocities so incomprehensible that your reflexes are paralyzed. [July 2003, p.107]
See all critic reviews »