Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. The [PS2] game is easily one of the best games in the series, whereas the sloppy controls, floaty cars, and average graphics of the [Xbox] game make it simply OK.
  2. 71
    Neither the police-chasing aspect nor the brand name are enough to help elevate this game into the upper-echelon of Xbox racing games.
  3. Xbox Nation Magazine
    70
    Outrunning the cops while racing on gorgeous international tracks is damn fun... [but t]he intense sense of speed found in the PS2 version is missing. [Winter 2002, p.103]
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    A good game that would've been great if it ran as fast as the PS2 version. [Nov 2002, p.300]
  5. 68
    Pales in comparison to the PlayStation 2 version.
  6. If you own an Xbox, however, "Project Gotham Racing" and "Sega GT 2002" take advantage of the hardware's capabilities far better than NFS: HP2.
  7. Should be one of the best racing games available, yet on the xBox it just comes off as slow and clunky.
  8. But the worst crime of all is the dynamics – or rather, lack of them. You can plough into a police car at top speed, and mostly come to a grinding halt.

Awards & Rankings

62
35
#35 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Negative: 4 out of 20
  1. Jan 13, 2014
    8
    I don't get why everyone is hating on this game. Sure its graphics aren't perfect, but it is better than nothing, and I found most of theI don't get why everyone is hating on this game. Sure its graphics aren't perfect, but it is better than nothing, and I found most of the scenery and cars to be enjoyable to look at! The handling is so unique, and I feel like this game is the only game with such a unique style of handling cars - in a good way! The cars are great, the tracks are long and well made, and the difficulty isn't too easy or too hard! I still play this game 10 years after it's been released, so it definitely also has its replay value. The sound effects are pretty accurate and the music is really nice...so what's not to like about this awesome game? The only downside to this game that I may be able to see is the lack of open world, but that's more of a complaint rather than an actual issue. Buy this game for cheap, and have fun with it! (IGNORE THE OTHER BAD REVIEWS)

    Gameplay: 9.5/10
    Story: N/A
    Music: 9/10
    Presentation: 9/10
    Length: 8/10
    Overall: 9/10
    Full Review »
  2. Sep 25, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Love the Xbox version. Best graphics of all of them. The Ps2 is better in general Full Review »
  3. Aug 19, 2021
    8
    Truly enjoyed playing NFSHP2 when it first came out. I wouldn't mind playing it again.