Need for Speed Carbon

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 109
  3. Negative: 23 out of 109
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. FrostManMike
    Feb 23, 2009
    1
    This is one of the worst racing games i've ever played. Compared to Most Wanted, they took 1000 steps back. The only half way cool aspect of the game is the auto sculpting the body kits. Other then that, the controls suck, visuals suck, and the game play sucks. A complete waste of a game.
  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. simonglenn
    Nov 1, 2006
    10
    omg omg, i played the demo and thought it wasnt that good, but am i proven wrong in a big way with the full version, this game is amazing, i love the canyon duels and the night time driving what a buzz you get and super graphics at top speed using nitro and no drop in framerate, i have a 42inch plasma hdready and it looks fantastic. a must have.. great job ea 10/10
  4. BobS.
    Nov 1, 2006
    10
    Great fun! Definitely a 10.
  5. panther4000
    Dec 26, 2011
    0
    very bad game , terrible controls and unreal handling. Parts are too expensive and cops are way too hard. Not a very good game in my opinion. Don't get it .
  6. ACE5
    Nov 9, 2006
    8
    Overall, this is a good game. But a few things bother me about this title... This is basically a mix of NFS: Underground and NFS: Most Wanted, which isn't bad, but... I was expecting some new content, and not for them to just bring back what everyone liked about the past games. The graphics were nice, but, all of the lighting effects from most wanted are hidden because of the Overall, this is a good game. But a few things bother me about this title... This is basically a mix of NFS: Underground and NFS: Most Wanted, which isn't bad, but... I was expecting some new content, and not for them to just bring back what everyone liked about the past games. The graphics were nice, but, all of the lighting effects from most wanted are hidden because of the nighttime setting. Know the game is set up like a gang war, which has you fighting for territory. Which isn't bad, but the game world feels about the same size as Most Wanted. I was expecting an environment at least twice as large. And another thing I don't like about this game, and the past two is, That the majority if cities in the real world have a fairly large set of straight intersections in their down town area. NFS seems to think that cities streets are all curved lines. It would have been easy for them to put an area in there with a nice amount of traffic to get through. My opinion... This game is not living up to it's potential.… Expand
  7. DarrenD.
    Oct 1, 2007
    6
    After Most Wanted I was very dissapointed with this game. It's very easy and boring and looks worse than NFSMW did. Avoid this if you have any sense.
  8. StevieB.
    Jun 6, 2007
    9
    Best need for speed yet! each nfs game gets better and better with new and original features and after each one you think to yourself that they've done everything and won't be able to come up with anything new but they've managed it again. the new autosculpt feature is immense!!! you will be fiddling with it for hours trying too make your camaro look perfect and when you Best need for speed yet! each nfs game gets better and better with new and original features and after each one you think to yourself that they've done everything and won't be able to come up with anything new but they've managed it again. the new autosculpt feature is immense!!! you will be fiddling with it for hours trying too make your camaro look perfect and when you have spent every last penny on it you win an even better already done up car off a boss. its madness. crapy story but do not miss out and buy this amazing game.… Expand
  9. GeorgeD.
    Dec 1, 2007
    9
    Truly one of the finest arcade racers on the market currently.
  10. RedXIII
    Nov 1, 2006
    7
    Though there has been upgrades from most wanted carbon is basically a regurgatation of the past 3 NFS titles, the city is almost the exact same as underground 2, but looks a heck of a lot better. I like that they brought drifting back and added canyon dueling, muscle cars are a nice touch as well, the online play is very fun but sometimes laggy, overall this is a lot like the other NFS Though there has been upgrades from most wanted carbon is basically a regurgatation of the past 3 NFS titles, the city is almost the exact same as underground 2, but looks a heck of a lot better. I like that they brought drifting back and added canyon dueling, muscle cars are a nice touch as well, the online play is very fun but sometimes laggy, overall this is a lot like the other NFS titles that is why it is a 7, but that does not hold it back from being a good game that is very fun to play. Buy if you like racing games, but if your sick of the NFS titles then this is nothing different (for the most part). But I personally like this game, though it is nothing new.… Expand
  11. Andyman
    Nov 13, 2006
    5
    I just don't get it. It's like EA spent the last year trying to recycle Underground 2 into Carbon. Where do I start? Let's see... the environment is actually LESS detailed than Most Wanted, the "new" world map looks like a Risk reject, the performance upgrades don't give you an edge, your wingman just gets in the way, there's no Speedbreaker in the Canyon races, I just don't get it. It's like EA spent the last year trying to recycle Underground 2 into Carbon. Where do I start? Let's see... the environment is actually LESS detailed than Most Wanted, the "new" world map looks like a Risk reject, the performance upgrades don't give you an edge, your wingman just gets in the way, there's no Speedbreaker in the Canyon races, the AI catch-up is extremely inconsistent, there's STILL no custom controller configuration... need I go on? Electronic Arts: is Hot Pursuit 3 too much to ask?… Expand
  12. TTW107
    Feb 13, 2012
    5
    I had fun racing don't get me wrong, it's just not as fun as some of the other NFS games. Also who in the hell made the achievements/trophies for this? It is god awful. Believe it or not we all have lives and it's really stupid that one of the first achievements I unlocked was finishing the game. Fun for a little while but no lasting value.
  13. coopert
    Jan 16, 2014
    1
    A stale entry to the series that really nailed in the death of Need for Speed. I think EA's decision to release one NFS game per year, especially when they also have the fantastic Burnout franchise that really forced the market to get sick of the over the top car customization that was good when the Fast and the Furious was first released but just like the films all you can really do isA stale entry to the series that really nailed in the death of Need for Speed. I think EA's decision to release one NFS game per year, especially when they also have the fantastic Burnout franchise that really forced the market to get sick of the over the top car customization that was good when the Fast and the Furious was first released but just like the films all you can really do is put the cars in new locations and the locations in NFS Carbon are nothing to really remember and this game was just money for old rope.… Expand
  14. Cccatch
    Sep 29, 2022
    0
    the schedule in a game the sediment, a plot isn't worked out, the last boss can't be won if you are an ordinary gamer!
  15. Austin36Ween
    Nov 11, 2022
    3
    Mediocre, handling is trash, nitrous is broken, cars are meh, progression is boring. I wouldn't recommend.
  16. SauliH
    Jan 12, 2009
    1
    Why does every driving game these days require a disgustingly badly written storyline and free roaming? This would be the result, if Disney had made GTA, but the point is, not every game has to be like GTA. I have a hard time imagining anyone to whom the ridiculous teenage boasting would appeal. Maybe pre-teens find it cool, but I doubt it. The UI co-driver system is just pointless extra Why does every driving game these days require a disgustingly badly written storyline and free roaming? This would be the result, if Disney had made GTA, but the point is, not every game has to be like GTA. I have a hard time imagining anyone to whom the ridiculous teenage boasting would appeal. Maybe pre-teens find it cool, but I doubt it. The UI co-driver system is just pointless extra feature stacking, when you feel your product isn't good enough as a plain driving game. Gladly, I bought it used for 10 euros. Even that is too much for this game. Please, for your own sake, avoid this game.… Expand
  17. Steyraus
    Jan 27, 2021
    9
    Man playing this game in 2020 is a treat, i miss when NFS games were like this ,Sexy woman and sexy cars, a focus on a good frames rates, great progresion and customisation.. And not ballanced around micro transactions...This racer has slo mo / bullet ffs , why wast this in every racer since its bad ass
  18. gamingisgreat
    Aug 18, 2016
    6
    Need For Speed Carbon is a huge step back from Most Wanted.

    Carbon's story continues from where MW left off,and is well fleshed out.I won't spoil it for you in case you want to play the game. The handling is quite good,very similar to MW.The new Canyon boss battles are way too frustrating however.It's a shame too as Carbon had a chance to eclipse MW. The new AutoSculpt feature    Need For Speed Carbon is a huge step back from Most Wanted.

    Carbon's story continues from where MW left off,and is well fleshed out.I won't spoil it for you in case you want to play the game.

    The handling is quite good,very similar to MW.The new Canyon boss battles are way too frustrating however.It's a shame too as Carbon had a chance to eclipse MW.

    The new AutoSculpt feature allows you to modify different zones of your hood,skirts,spoilers,and fenders.
    This also affects handling,making the great customisation system even better.

    The game's graphics are good,but there are framerate problems in the game.

    Sound design and soundtrack are OK.

    Overall,NFS Carbon is a decent game,but a huge step back from Most Wanted.That said,if you see it on the cheap,give it a play,as it is still quite enjoyable.    … Expand
  19. LuanGamer
    Jun 17, 2015
    10
    Por Mim Melhor necessidade para a velocidade, investiu MUITO MAIS Muito Bem na SUA historia, Carros topos, Trilha sonora Muito boa, e grafico Realmente bom pra Época, Por Mim Rolava NFS Carbon 2 '-'
  20. 19bufordcarl
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    Game is goofy, old, out of style, glitches, handles like a brick, and the acting is meh at best. However Carbon does one thing that many games even 10 years later fall short and that is provide an enjoyable experience. The clunkiness of the cars is manageable and it has some funny moments, the driving is surprisingly enjoyable and cop chases while laughing unrealistic, and the pursuitGame is goofy, old, out of style, glitches, handles like a brick, and the acting is meh at best. However Carbon does one thing that many games even 10 years later fall short and that is provide an enjoyable experience. The clunkiness of the cars is manageable and it has some funny moments, the driving is surprisingly enjoyable and cop chases while laughing unrealistic, and the pursuit breakers are glitch often and are unpredictable, it still is enjoyable. At this point I would say get it used for $5 and have some goofy fun time racing. Was it worth a full $60 AAA launch price, no but it is still fun and I would recommend to anyone who has $5 to spend on a game. Who doesn't love crashing into oncoming traffic at 230 mph in a Lamborghini and seeing a mini van fly off into the night sky?… Expand
  21. SenorKoquonfaes
    Aug 14, 2020
    10
    Need for Speed Carbon signalled the end for what was easily a 3 to 4 year peak for the Need for Speed franchise.

    The night atmosphere reminds me so much of Need for Speed Underground 2, a game I thought was highly addictive. The addition of muscle cars was a fantastic decision and one that I had hoped would be made for this game when it was released. The canyon races were a    Need for Speed Carbon signalled the end for what was easily a 3 to 4 year peak for the Need for Speed franchise.

    The night atmosphere reminds me so much of Need for Speed Underground 2, a game I thought was highly addictive.

    The addition of muscle cars was a fantastic decision and one that I had hoped would be made for this game when it was released.

    The canyon races were a welcomed addition as it was both immensely fun to fly down the twisting, narrow canyon roads at high speed and butt-clenchingly tense since it was possible to drive off the edge of a cliff and lose the race, something that was not present in any other Need for Speed title.

    Overall, Need for Speed Carbon is still an endlessly fun game, even if it didn't quite measure up to Need for Speed Most Wanted.    … Expand
  22. RamenRoodles
    Sep 11, 2023
    8
    Here's a modern take from 2023.

    The game is great. Everyone will compare this game to Most Wanted 2005 because they have a nostalgia erection. I grew up with both games, nobody remembers how tedious and long the end game is in Most Wanted. Carbon is the opposite- it's too short. BUT there is no fat on this game, it's all lean beef. It's good stuff. Cons: -Game is too short, campaign    Here's a modern take from 2023.

    The game is great. Everyone will compare this game to Most Wanted 2005 because they have a nostalgia erection. I grew up with both games, nobody remembers how tedious and long the end game is in Most Wanted. Carbon is the opposite- it's too short. BUT there is no fat on this game, it's all lean beef. It's good stuff.

    Cons:
    -Game is too short, campaign will take ya...idk...5-6 hours? Challenge Series maybe 1-2 hours? The reward cards maybe add another 1-3 hours. So, a total 100% completion will be 7-11 hours of gameplay.

    -The physics for some of the cars, especially muscle cars, are floaty (unless you tune and upgrade them right)

    -There is a stylistic emphasis on motion blur that may be annoying. I found it fine, it didn't ruin the game.

    PROS:
    -Car Customization- Make any car look however you want; Autosculpt allows any body kit to become your own creation and I wish it came back. It was revolutionary for its time.
    -Car sounds- Every car sounds MEAN and ANGRY, Turbos whoosh, nitrous screams, cars hit redlines and shoot flames
    -The idea of the main game being a turf war, where you attack and defend territories for control of the whole map is GENIUS. It's addicting it's just a major shame it ends so quickly.
    -Sense of speed- these cars don't mess around; they will break game physics on how fast they travel. With the right teammate drafting and the right car you can hit 300mph its awesome
    -Music- This game is bopping; sure, music taste is subjective but for the atmosphere of this game it nails it on the head.
    -Subjective opinion but the world you race in has a lot of style and flavor. It's all at night which allows for neon to really pop, there is a pier on the southern part of the map, a Chinatown to the east, a rich city suburb to the west, and a Vegas style casino up north, not the mention drift tracks or canyon duels.
    -speaking of canyon duels...THE CANYON DUELS ARE THE MOST INTENSE BOSS FIGHTS EVER!!! I LOVE THEM!!! ITS INITIAL D TO THE MAX!!!
    -cops. They are the cops from Most Wanted. And they are fantastic. They show no mercy. They are the reason people love Most Wanted and they are still here. GRANTED, they aren't the main focus of the game, but I think that's why Carbon is so fun, because it made racing better than MW2005 at the expense of not seeing the cops as often, but they can still interrupt your races and you will run from them a lot in the challenge series.
    -The story although cheesy it doesn't take itself so seriously so it's a fun vehicle to drive you through the game no pun intended.

    VERDICT: 8/10
    Short but sweet, lots of quality and innovations that improve from the sequel. There are faults but no game is entirely perfect. You should try it at the very least. If you're a fan of racing games and especially if you're a NFS fan you will enjoy this entry don't miss out!    … Expand
  23. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    7
    The main issue with Carbon is that it was the first main NFS game to come to consoles on the heels of Most Wanted (2005), and the fact that NFSMW was so good, it was already doomed if it missed. Not only did it missed but it missed by more that 9 seconds. Personally, it was ok and playable once but also, the fact that the next game was better (NFS: Undercover), Carbon became the bologna inThe main issue with Carbon is that it was the first main NFS game to come to consoles on the heels of Most Wanted (2005), and the fact that NFSMW was so good, it was already doomed if it missed. Not only did it missed but it missed by more that 9 seconds. Personally, it was ok and playable once but also, the fact that the next game was better (NFS: Undercover), Carbon became the bologna in between the bread, and just like bologna, you hate it or it does its job for now and that's what Carbon was.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2006
35
#35 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2006
27
#27 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
  1. GameSpy
    80
    The new goodies aren't all winners -- the wingman concept didn't bowl me over, paying instead of playing to unlock extras bites -- but there are enough innovations that work to make this feel like more than just an updated version of an old and successful game.
    Read full review
  2. Gamer 2.0
    76
    A solid racing game. It might have a few rough edges and frustrating spots, but overall it’s a fun game.
    Read full review
  3. Talk Xbox
    78
    There is nothing remarkable about it, but Carbon will provide some good fun with its Career Mode and great online options.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »