Shift 2: Unleashed

 Xbox 360
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
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  1. Play.tm
    Apr 22, 2011
    74
    A decent package, only let down a little by its lack of ambition.
  2. Da Gameboyz
    Apr 13, 2011
    72
    The rest is sort of cookie cutter so far and unfortunately the game's poor controls hold Shift 2 back from being a truly great title.
  3. Gamekult
    Apr 1, 2011
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  5. Gamereactor Sweden
    Mar 31, 2011
    70
    Shift 2: Unleashed offers quality racing with nice simulations to some degree, but hasn't been improved since the original as much as it should have been.
  6. GamerNode
    Apr 26, 2011
    60
    I have a feeling that I would love Shift 2 as I loved Gran Turismo 5 if it was a little more welcoming to series newbies. The high learning curve and stiff controls, however, are anything but welcoming, and it hurts the overall experience.
  7. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Apr 25, 2011
    60
    A truly baffling headline gimmick causes obvious problems for the game, but even if you can get your head around that, notably odd physics routines are the true enemy here. [Issue#71, p.74]
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  8. Guardian
    Apr 4, 2011
    60
    Those with a less all-consuming enthusiasm for all things on four wheels will find it provides more frustration than enjoyment.
  9. 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.

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 113
  3. Negative: 20 out of 113
  1. s2696
    Jun 30, 2011
    1
    Damn, this game sucks so bad. 1/10
  2. 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!… Full Review »
  3. 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.    … Full Review »
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