Most Wanted (the original one) had kicka** graphics and gameplay for the time!
The Run was the next best one for me.....mainly due to the graphics! The story was too short and the lack of tuning (like in MW) was a bummer though! Plus, I would have much preferred having a car of my own choosing irrespective of the tier system like they follow in The Run.
I'm desperately looking forward to the upcoming Most Wanted! Irrespective of whether criterion's giving it the 'burnout look', the few trailers I've seen are mind blowing! If you liked The Run, you wouldn't be too bothered with the cut scenes in MW2012.
Plus, it brings back open world driving, which for me is WOOOOHOOOO!!!! 😀