Shift 2: Unleashed

 Xbox 360
Shift 2: Unleashed Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 113 Ratings

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  • Summary: Shift 2 Unleashed combines violence and excitement in this racing experience.
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Shift 2 Unleashed: Need for Speed Pagani Huayra Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Apr 13, 2011
    100
    Shift 2 is not quite a full-realism simulator, but it's not exactly an arcade game either. The Xbox controller makes precise control difficult at best, but configuration settings and driving aids can help tame the unruly driving quirks. The evolutionary Helmet Cam provides a nice boost of realism.
  2. Everyeye.it
    Mar 31, 2011
    90
    Despite not being another "Real Driving Simulator", Shift 2: Unleashed is one of the best driving experiences of this generation.
  3. MEGamers
    Apr 11, 2011
    87
    Though it still can't be considered as a full-fledged racing sim, it is a great game to play.
  4. Game Revolution
    Apr 20, 2011
    83
    Who knew that having the frame of my vehicle obscure my view of the racetrack in a corner or that trading the inside lane for the clarity of my headlights during a nighttime race would bring me an enjoyment I've never found in sim racing games before?
  5. DarkStation
    Apr 18, 2011
    80
    Shift 2 Unleashed is a solid racing game. It may not be on the same high level as a Gran Turismo or Forza, but it's sure getting close. If you enjoyed the last game or are looking for a new simulation racer to get into Shift 2 Unleashed is a good one to check out.
  6. Multiplayer.it
    Mar 29, 2011
    80
    Shift 2 Unleashed is a double-faced game. Besides good visuals, an incredible helmet view, realistic handling and a revamped career, we also find terrible A.I. in different ways so unfair, stupid and unpredictable, that it turns a race into a destruction derby.
  7. games(TM)
    Mar 31, 2011
    60
    There's certainly nothing game-breakingly bad about Shift 2, and generally it is a polished, high quality, nice looking product. But it does fail to provide a more engaging alternative to the admittedly quite clinical driving experiences offered by the Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo series. Underneath its fancy aesthetic effects Shift 2 is also rather on the dry side, with no especially compelling reason to pick it up if you already have one of the aforementioned console racing giants in your collection.

See all 70 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 37
  3. Negative: 8 out of 37
  1. DLB008
    Apr 4, 2011
    10
    I nearly didn't buy this because shift 1 had the worst handling of any driving game i've ever played. This however has GREAT handling,I nearly didn't buy this because shift 1 had the worst handling of any driving game i've ever played. This however has GREAT handling, exciting races, a good difficulty curve and wonderful cars. The single player game reminds me of PGR2 (which in my eyes is the best racing game ever). you do a series of events with different cars at different tracks from around the world. Normal races, elimination, hot-lap, drifting are all here and the variety is great. If you are thinking of buying this but didn't quite like shift 1 then my advice is give it a try. I'm glad i did!… Expand
  2. Karthik7Nike
    Apr 2, 2011
    9
    SHIFT 2 : Unleashed is for ONLY those gamers who:
    1. Love the **** View and Helmet Cam View
    2. Aren't Bent on the game being a complete    SHIFT 2 : Unleashed is for ONLY those gamers who:
    1. Love the **** View and Helmet Cam View
    2. Aren't Bent on the game being a complete simulation or complete arcade.

    This game is a mix of both and it does so very well. THE BEST Driving Experience you can get in the market now! Might not be as obsessive and realistic as Forza 3 or Gran Turismo 5, but it delivers a very authentic driving feel that is completely out of the world. Very Interesting soundtrack mix, but it just works! The songs that play once you win a race are really good but might get repetitive. FMV sequences could've been better. Car Models are excellently modeled and car sounds are mindblowing! Great Game! overall. but it's only for a certain group of gamers. NOT SUITABLE for every gamer.    … Expand
  4. Bigredd77
    Nov 13, 2011
    8
    Once again a fun semi-sim arcade being mistaken for a sim, this is not Forza 3 or Forza 4 (which I own and love) but this one is fun and isOnce again a fun semi-sim arcade being mistaken for a sim, this is not Forza 3 or Forza 4 (which I own and love) but this one is fun and is meant for casual gaming. The drift portion of the game is pretty fun and more proof this is an arcady game. It does what it does well and handling has been improved from Shift (1) Worth it if you can pick it up for $30-$35… Expand
  5. rednas21
    Apr 19, 2011
    6
    You have to be great at all the racing games to play Shift 2. I am fairly decent at racing. Not comparing this to Forza 3 really but I own atYou have to be great at all the racing games to play Shift 2. I am fairly decent at racing. Not comparing this to Forza 3 really but I own at Forza 3 (very simple racing game in my opinion). Shift 2 is very hard. I got through the first 7 or so races fine (using the new helmet view camera). Handling is very difficult with the helmet cam but not as difficult if you use different camera angles which is weird to me at least, I'd expect the same from all. Anyway, after those 7 races, BOOM! Not going to lie, I gave up. I spent like 3 hours on the same race track 2 days in a row. I could barely get past the second turn. I have fiddled with the settings and that has helped but not enough.… Expand
  6. Kostas101
    Oct 11, 2021
    6
    My first impressions of the game weren't that good but as I played more and more I kind of enjoyed it. Not really into racing simulators, butMy first impressions of the game weren't that good but as I played more and more I kind of enjoyed it. Not really into racing simulators, but Shift 2 was honestly okay, better than I expected. My biggest complaint is that the controls aren't very good, it feels like there's a slight input lag.… Expand
  7. iddqd4
    Jan 20, 2018
    5
    Этот текст здесь для того что бы оценка отобразилась в моем профиле.
  8. jdrandall38
    Apr 6, 2011
    1
    The same game as the last 5 NFS games. I'm so glad I didn't buy this one, hot pursuit or shift. I will just play most wanted again.

See all 37 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
51
#51 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
78
#78 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011