60
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is caught between two worlds. The game can't quite decide if it wants to be an arcade or a simulation racing game, and it takes a lot to get used to this in-between zone it occupies. That said, once the adjustment period is over, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had when it's not being frustrating.
85
A technically sound and entertaining sandbox for arcade racers. The name should be Need for Burnout, though. [Dec 2012]
70
An open world street racer set in an interesting city. There's a lot of things to do, but they get pretty repetitive after a while. The autolog for online competition is brilliant though.
0
The original Most Wanted was the best racing game ever made. How did you manage to ruin it with all these resources and effort? This remake is a disaster. I couldn't even play for more than a few hours because the game felt broken. I hated every second of it. Don't waste your time. Go play the 2015 game instead.
10
peakest game of all peaks in peakerland 10/10 peakness score wait how many times did i say peak
7
+++music +vibe +lambo aventador j + pagani zonda R
-scripted traffic and stupid bots -driving license
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Released On:
Oct 30, 2012
Metascore
Generally Favorable
84
User score
Mixed or Average
6.3
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
94% Positive
46 Reviews
46 Reviews
6% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Oct 30, 2012
100
Criterion has done it again, setting a new standard for arcade-style racing games which won't be surpassed until the next generation of consoles has been on sale for a while. It actually leaves one feeling a bit sorry for Forza Horizon, which is a very good game, and infinitely superior to its predecessors. But Need For Speed: Most Wanted is, by whatever criteria you may see fit to apply, a great game.
Nov 2, 2012
90
Criterion Games has developed the best arcade driving game of this generation. It is fun, fast, crazy and offers thousands of different options. One of the most remarkable aspects is the online mode up to 8 players in the same Fairhaven.
User score
Mixed or Average
43% Positive
276 Ratings
276 Ratings
34% Mixed
217 Ratings
217 Ratings
24% Negative
152 Ratings
152 Ratings
Jul 15, 2025
10
peakest game of all peaks in peakerland 10/10 peakness score wait how many times did i say peak
Mar 18, 2024
10
muy bueno para ser del 2012 tiene muy buenos graficos y su jugabilidad es buena
Oct 30, 2012
87
While some of the interface experiments are hit or miss, the gameplay in Need for Speed: Most Wanted provides a solid mix of heart-in-your throat speed and playful discovery. Whether you're weaving through traffic or lining up for big air, Most Wanted's densely-packed automotive playground is fun to explore on your own, and really comes alive with friends.
Oct 30, 2012
85
Most Wanted delivers raucous entertainment in spades, whether you're battling Fairhaven City's finest in the campaign or dueling network competition in serious races and silly trick competitions. After years of revisiting Burnout Paradise's recurring playground, we finally have a fresh racing addiction to keep us hooked until Criterion's next seemingly inevitable open-road opus.
Oct 30, 2012
80
A game with some amazing moments and enough little issues to make you constantly wish that it was slightly better, slightly smoother, and (on consoles) slightly cleaner.
Jan 11, 2013
60
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is caught between two worlds. The game can't quite decide if it wants to be an arcade or a simulation racing game, and it takes a lot to get used to this in-between zone it occupies. That said, once the adjustment period is over, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had when it's not being frustrating.
Feb 26, 2024
10
That game made my **** childhood, i played it for years on my 360 and it was what made me get love by the franchise. Recomend 100% The only thing is, if you like that nfs thing that is customize... ye thats not the game for you...
May 13, 2025
7
+++music +vibe +lambo aventador j + pagani zonda R
-scripted traffic and stupid bots -driving license
May 28, 2014
4
NFS: Most Wanted (2012) falls short of expectations as both Need for Speed game and/or Burnout game. Criterion game ruined both by making a game that doesn't offer story, challenge or even good controls. The game is open-world but don't let that fools you, the races are very limited and repetitive and the streets of the city aren't balanced at all, ad to that frustrating controls that only rely on drifting with almost non-existing steering. Burnout Paradise didn't have story but it had good controls, big and fun open-world and over the top cars action while the on the other hand NFS series was always known for good lengthy story, great selection of cars and deep customization options; Most Wanted (2012) doesn't have any of these pros, it only got all the cons from the two making it a very hard to recommend game to anyone. The graphics are probably the only good thing about this game. Overall this is basically Burnout Paradise with less content, less fun, less action and frustrating controls.
Dec 30, 2012
4
As a massive NFS fan this was a huge let down. While it looks nice, its just so boring. The game has no soul and by the midway point I found I was playing it just to sell on and say I'd done it. Avoid this and go buy Forza Horizon, that has everything in it that this game should have had. Namely, its fun to play. Also, the decision to name this Most Wanted is a disgrace. The original had everything you'd want from an arcade racer, this has nothing in comparison. I can't can't help but laugh at this being labelled 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted - A Criterion Game', if I was Criterion I'd be ashamed to put my name to such a weak effort, not including it in the title. Very poor.
SummaryTo be the Most Wanted, you must outrun the police, outdrive your friends, and outsmart your rivals. With a ravenous police force gunning to take you down, you will have to make split-second decisions. Use the open world to your advantage to find hiding places, hit jumps and earn new vehicles to keep you a step ahead. Your friends are at ... Read More
Rated E +10for Everyone +10
Platforms:
- Xbox 360
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation Vita
- PC
- Wii U
Initial Release Date:Oct 30, 2012
Developer:
- Criterion Games
Publisher:
