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
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  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
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  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.
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  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.
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