Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Offers very little above the original Playstation 2 version.

Awards & Rankings

18
88
#88 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
33
#33 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 29
  2. Negative: 9 out of 29
  1. Jan 17, 2018
    10
    My favorite childhood racing game and one of the greatest racing games of all time.

    It was such a BIG improvement over the original in
    My favorite childhood racing game and one of the greatest racing games of all time.

    It was such a BIG improvement over the original in every way. Here is why...

    -The car models looked way better than the original,
    -the car crash sounds and physics sound and look so much better as well,
    -there were way more cars to unlock,
    -there were so many courses to unlock and race on with different weather effects,
    -the boost mechanic was improved and made more fun,
    -the soundtrack by Stephen Root was perfect,
    -there were new game modes added such as Tutorial mode: to show you how to play the game, Pursuit Mode, Point To Point Races, Face Off Mode (which had more challenge and strategy) and Crash mode which would become a staple to the series.
    -The championship mode was also significantly improved and gave us many tracks and cars to unlock which gave the game so much replay value including the Custom Series championship.
    -I like the cheats you unlock when you beat this game like the first game did.

    This game had so much depth and substance to it.

    It's perfect.
    Full Review »
  2. Uter
    Dec 20, 2003
    9
    I would say that this is the best arcade racer on xbox. It's better than NFS Underground for sure.
  3. BobU.
    Sep 18, 2003
    9
    The racing is fun and not insanely difficult or friustrating. The crash mode really sets this title above all others - completely fun and The racing is fun and not insanely difficult or friustrating. The crash mode really sets this title above all others - completely fun and addictive. The only race game I've played that I'm keeping for a while! Full Review »