81
The interesting Shox Zone system and impressive list of unlockables make it one of the more addictive arcade driving games available.
80
Shox has such a simple, intuitive concept that anyone can get into and enjoy, but the gambling, damage models, and relative ease of the game can contribute to slight boredom after a while.
87
Still, with superb controls, well-designed courses and a structure riddled with extra incentives, there are few better arcade racers than Shox on the PS2.
7
Fans of SEGA Rally will feel right at home with Shox. Abandoning simulation for stylish action, this PS2 exclusive is pure fantasy, which makes it all the more fun. It is also artistically and technically excellent, with flashy visuals that move like a bolt of greased lightning, rarely dropping below 60FPS. If EA’s goal was to make their own SEGA Rally game, they certainly achieved it in the presentation. There’s even an early implementation of a widescreen mode, making for a more enjoyable experience on a modern TV. The “shox zone” gimmick, which can be a little confusing at first, quickly becomes an addictive feature that enriches the experience. Skilled players can unlock nighttime tracks and other goodies. Shox’s biggest disappointment is its lack of diverse environments, which would be forgivable in an actual arcade game, but it's more frustrating in a PS2 game. Beetle Adventure Racing had tons of maps (on a 16MB cartridge!) which added a wonderful amount of depth to the game, so it’s a shame that Shox couldn’t have included at least a couple more. You may also get the feeling from time to time that you're racing Matchbox cars instead of heavy, powerful vehicles. Despite its shortcomings, time has been kind to Shox, as arcade racing games become an increasingly bygone genre.
5
The game is very Arcade-like what i actually like, but the physics are so horrible that i can't continue playing. Sad.
6
crazy game! one of the strangest rally games out there, I didn't quite understand how the stop works! I just know that in multiplayer the game is fun
Shox
PlayStation 2
Released On:
Nov 19, 2002
Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
User score
Mixed or Average
6.2
My Score
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All Platforms
PlayStation 2
Based on 16 Critic Reviews
78
GameCube
tbd
Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
69% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
31% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
90
Requires a bit of fancy powersliding, but it feels a lot more natural and comfortable here than it does in other games - the controls really respond well.
81
The interesting Shox Zone system and impressive list of unlockables make it one of the more addictive arcade driving games available.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.2
25% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
50% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
25% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
May 3, 2023
10
Not a simulator, just one of the most fun arcade racing games, even in 2023. Handling is really fun. Also very good two player option. Play it on Pcsx2 emulator.
Oct 3, 2019
8
On of my TOP favorite racing games for various reasons: The game really is arcade and really is rally. 'Arcade' because you can really enter easily, and if you hit the boundries, you are forgiven most of the time. 'Rally' because you allmost allways slide. The thing you should care about is, so correct your slides a few times a second in big curves, in order to keep traction. This feature makes you really feel driving a rally car, even if it is a very quick super unrealistic arcade fun racer, which doesn't wait until the end of the race to give you feedback: The shock zone provide you 3 times a lap, with information if you a driving is worth bronce, silver or gold, or less. I really enjoy, that every race, even if you don't win, gives you point (=money) which you can spend on new cars. This non-linear gaming suits beginners and professionals. The super different landscapes, nice graphic effects and different styles of leagues (kompact, sports, muscle cars...) kept me playing for long time. Even the feelable rubberband effect (cars never go to far in front nor behind) feels okay and let's you stay in the action and contact with other cars.
80
Emphasis is placed on speed, power-slides and in the traditional EA BIG manner getting your blood pumping through a mixture of big-beat music and intense action; on this front Shox does not disappoint.
79
It has a lot of flash, but it backs it up with a good amount of substance.
76
A bit rough around the edges, and the controls are too sluggish for today's high standards.
70
A little too simple. [Dec 2002, p.172]
60
Betting for cars adds a great deal of tension to the proceedings and its sense of speed is impressive. Questionable physics and a lack of track variety, however, keep it from attaining greatness.
Jan 29, 2026
7
Fans of SEGA Rally will feel right at home with Shox. Abandoning simulation for stylish action, this PS2 exclusive is pure fantasy, which makes it all the more fun. It is also artistically and technically excellent, with flashy visuals that move like a bolt of greased lightning, rarely dropping below 60FPS. If EA’s goal was to make their own SEGA Rally game, they certainly achieved it in the presentation. There’s even an early implementation of a widescreen mode, making for a more enjoyable experience on a modern TV. The “shox zone” gimmick, which can be a little confusing at first, quickly becomes an addictive feature that enriches the experience. Skilled players can unlock nighttime tracks and other goodies. Shox’s biggest disappointment is its lack of diverse environments, which would be forgivable in an actual arcade game, but it's more frustrating in a PS2 game. Beetle Adventure Racing had tons of maps (on a 16MB cartridge!) which added a wonderful amount of depth to the game, so it’s a shame that Shox couldn’t have included at least a couple more. You may also get the feeling from time to time that you're racing Matchbox cars instead of heavy, powerful vehicles. Despite its shortcomings, time has been kind to Shox, as arcade racing games become an increasingly bygone genre.
Jun 5, 2023
6
crazy game! one of the strangest rally games out there, I didn't quite understand how the stop works! I just know that in multiplayer the game is fun
Jun 19, 2019
6
The game itself is not bad BUT. The physics of this game is horrible it can make it very frustrating loosing to drifting in air. There's really just 4 levels but with variation build tracks through out the game. The good part is that there is 6 types of cars sounds small yes but there are 4 variations of those cars which means 16 cars and they are enough varied to not fell samey even tho the looks. Another thing the game atmosphere fells great it really fells like batman. Nah just kidding you fell like your driving fast and it says you drive 170 miles/h or 274 kilometers/h in turbo mode but you drive like in 140 kilometers/h or 87 miles/h. Its fun as an arcade game but as an full fledged racing game publicized by EA. Just play midnight club or need for speed instead.
Aug 5, 2023
5
The game is very Arcade-like what i actually like, but the physics are so horrible that i can't continue playing. Sad.
SummaryThe fun starts with 24 licensed high-voltage vehicles from famous makers like Audi, BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Lancia, and Ford. Players then race through three-lap circuits of snow, desert, or jungle landscapes, sliding through dusty roads, slipping on ice, and shredding through foliage. The competition really heats up on the open... Read More
Rated Efor Everyone
Platforms:
- PlayStation 2
- GameCube
Initial Release Date:Nov 19, 2002
Developer:
Publisher:EA Sports Big
