Need for Speed Carbon

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 75
  3. Negative: 7 out of 75
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  1. Braders790
    Oct 7, 2011
    8
    This game is by far not realistic at all, but that is a good thing. The cars are easy to drive, the races are fun, the customization is endless. This game really hits the spot. lots of people are saying how the graphics are straight out of PS2 game, WELL THEY'RE NOT, the graphics are just as good as any other PS3 car game.

    The gameplay is fun and some of the boss races are hard but you    This game is by far not realistic at all, but that is a good thing. The cars are easy to drive, the races are fun, the customization is endless. This game really hits the spot. lots of people are saying how the graphics are straight out of PS2 game, WELL THEY'RE NOT, the graphics are just as good as any other PS3 car game.

    The gameplay is fun and some of the boss races are hard but you get through them eventually.

    Overall the game is worth a buy as nowadays its only about £10 on amazon    … Expand
  2. usslaver
    Dec 26, 2011
    10
    Amazing game. Probably the only racing game ever created worth playing. It had great handling and a great backstory behind the game. The cars were great, customization was unreal. All around amazing game.
  3. [Anonymous]
    Nov 20, 2006
    10
    This is the best Need for Speed game in the series in my opinion. Superb graphics, superb gameplay.
  4. deed
    Feb 18, 2008
    9
    Just completed it 8-) & it has just the right mix of frustration and variety to keep coming back. I thought that features like the autosculpt were a bit over the top & gimmicky - but i guess the boy racers might like 'em but had no effect on handling. Wide range of cars to progress through, different race styles, drafting (esp. Canyon) takes a bit of practice and the cop pusuits can Just completed it 8-) & it has just the right mix of frustration and variety to keep coming back. I thought that features like the autosculpt were a bit over the top & gimmicky - but i guess the boy racers might like 'em but had no effect on handling. Wide range of cars to progress through, different race styles, drafting (esp. Canyon) takes a bit of practice and the cop pusuits can be frustrating but overall probably the bast racer that I have played. I would love the next one in the series to make better use of the PS3 Graphics but ant the end of the day its the racing that counts.… Expand
  5. Steyraus
    Jan 27, 2021
    9
    Great frames, hot chicks, bullet time, aswome city, one of the greats from the golden age.
  6. Luka2425
    Aug 1, 2015
    8
    Need for speed Carbon in one word is: Fun! This game may not be the most realistic racing game by all means but that's okay and that's what makes Need for Speed Carbon a legitimately fun game and that fun lasts all the way to the end. The cars are very easy to drive, no real learning curve whatsoever, and there are many customizations to all the different cars in the game. In the end, it'sNeed for speed Carbon in one word is: Fun! This game may not be the most realistic racing game by all means but that's okay and that's what makes Need for Speed Carbon a legitimately fun game and that fun lasts all the way to the end. The cars are very easy to drive, no real learning curve whatsoever, and there are many customizations to all the different cars in the game. In the end, it's a good racing game and for the price nowadays, anybody who enjoys racing games should pick this up!… Expand
  7. David_Kappa
    May 28, 2017
    9
    I really liked that they came with this idea of making your own crew , but most of the time your crew member you chose to join you in the race is useless. He doesn't want to be in first place in order to help you and that's a little bit frustrating
  8. infraRecon
    Mar 17, 2023
    8
    My review just got erased, so I'll just sum it up here, this game created my love for the NFS franchise, and this game is still the Best NFS game to exist, Unbound is close but just lacks personality.
    I've played CARBON more than 20x. This game deserves a Remake, just like Most Wanted and Underground.
    This is the Darksouls of the franchise.
  9. Jaidenbrkl1
    Mar 30, 2023
    8
    Great graphics, a confusing mess of a story, and of course, the racing aspect is great for a Need for Speed game like this.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PS3 Game of 2006
7
#7 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2006
4
#4 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. IGN
    79
    An overall fun racing game, though in large part it's simply more of the same from EA. Cars still feel too similar to each other, and as they're the stars of any racing game, we wish there was a bit more character here. Autosculpt is a fantastic addition to the series' already great customization features.
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  2. GamesRadar+
    80
    And gameplay wise, so what if Carbon isn't redefining the street racing genre - really, at this point, what could? It still hits a sweet spot of intensity, danger, and style.
    Read full review
  3. Cheat Code Central
    86
    Though not a “graphical” enhancement in the truest sense, EA’s Autosculpting mode is the Tiger Woods “Gameface” of racing games. By allowing gamers to adjust nearly everything on their car, from the width of the spoiler to the height of the blower on that ’69 Charger, Carbon allows gamers to truly make their ride their own.
    Read full review
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