6 reviews
Starting up from where Underground left, you arrive in Bayview and must once again start from scratch by pimping and enhancing your ride and rise through the ranks.
This game is not very different from NfS:Underground (nor should it be) except that it's a new town and you have more cars and visuals to choose from (to be expected) and a few new types of races (street X and a new Drift variant). The graphics and sounds has of cause improved but in the game play and last ability categories it hasn't change much.
In fact there isn't much different between Underground and Underground 2, Underground 2 misses the exactly same things as Underground, mainly that you can't damage the car in anyway, but this is a general thing for NfS games up to this point (bar Porsche).
The difficulty levels also lacks some sense, easy and medium is almost too easy and hard is indeed HARD, I found myself unable to beat the opponents in one of the URL races even with a maxed out car at that given point in the game (granted it's wasn't the fastest car money can buy in the game nor had i fiddled with with it, but still I should be able to at least hang on to them). While you can pimp the car with many visuals, I find the selection of Roof Scoops and Side Mirrors lacking (maybe it's just me but I don't like the overall look of the cars with practically all of the options).
This is a good game but lacks that little thing that makes it great, a 7 out of 10.
This game is not very different from NfS:Underground (nor should it be) except that it's a new town and you have more cars and visuals to choose from (to be expected) and a few new types of races (street X and a new Drift variant). The graphics and sounds has of cause improved but in the game play and last ability categories it hasn't change much.
In fact there isn't much different between Underground and Underground 2, Underground 2 misses the exactly same things as Underground, mainly that you can't damage the car in anyway, but this is a general thing for NfS games up to this point (bar Porsche).
The difficulty levels also lacks some sense, easy and medium is almost too easy and hard is indeed HARD, I found myself unable to beat the opponents in one of the URL races even with a maxed out car at that given point in the game (granted it's wasn't the fastest car money can buy in the game nor had i fiddled with with it, but still I should be able to at least hang on to them). While you can pimp the car with many visuals, I find the selection of Roof Scoops and Side Mirrors lacking (maybe it's just me but I don't like the overall look of the cars with practically all of the options).
This is a good game but lacks that little thing that makes it great, a 7 out of 10.
Need for Speed Underground 2 is the legendary sequel in the iconic Need for Speed franchise that quickly became a standout title for an entire generation of gamers. For many, myself included, this was the game that introduced them to the high-speed, adrenaline-fueled world of NFS, and it still holds a special place in the hearts of racing game enthusiasts. It wasn't just another racing game-it was a revolution in how players experienced street racing and car culture. The sequel built on the success of its predecessor but took things to the next level, adding depth, freedom, and countless features that made it a cornerstone of the series.
One of the most significant innovations that set Underground 2 apart from its predecessor was the introduction of an open world. This feature allowed players to freely roam a sprawling city filled with hidden surprises, secret races, and unique challenges. Instead of simply jumping from one race to the next via a menu, the open world provided a sense of immersion that was unparalleled at the time. You could take your car for a casual cruise, explore every corner of the city, or stumble upon impromptu street races that popped up as you drove around. This new approach gave players a true sense of freedom and added an extra layer of excitement to the game. The city itself felt alive, with various neighborhoods offering distinct atmospheres, from neon-lit downtown streets to industrial zones and quiet suburbs. Every part of the city felt like it had a personality of its own, and discovering its many secrets was an experience in itself.
Another key feature that made Underground 2 so memorable was the unprecedented level of customization available for your cars. The game didn't just let you pick a car and race-it let you completely transform it into a reflection of your personality and style. From the smallest details like choosing rims or exhaust pipes to major modifications such as body kits and spoilers, there were virtually limitless ways to make your car truly your own. Players could adjust every aspect of their vehicle, from performance upgrades like engine tweaks and suspension kits to purely aesthetic enhancements like custom paint jobs, vinyls, and lighting setups. You could even add neon lights to give your car that extra flashy flair as you tore through the streets. The customization options were so vast that no two cars ever looked or performed the same, which was a groundbreaking feature for its time. It wasn't just about winning races-it was about doing it in style.
The driving mechanics and overall control of the cars were also improved significantly from the first game, offering more precise handling and smoother controls. This allowed for a greater degree of control over your vehicle, making it easier to execute sharp turns, drifts, and other high-speed maneuvers with finesse. The improvements to the physics engine made the cars feel more grounded and responsive, adding a layer of realism that helped elevate the experience. As a result, every race felt intense, with the competition between you and your opponents constantly pushing you to your limits. Whether you were weaving through traffic in a high-stakes sprint race or drifting through tight corners in a circuit race, the sense of speed and tension was palpable.
The AI opponents were also given a noticeable upgrade, making races even more challenging and unpredictable. No longer were your rivals just mindless drones driving in predictable patterns-now they reacted to your movements, aggressively defending their lead or making sudden moves to overtake you. This dynamic AI added a sense of realism and heightened the competitive nature of the game. Every race became a battle, where even the slightest mistake could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The energy and adrenaline of each race were palpable, and the tension in close races kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
While the plot of the game, much like in many racing titles, may not have been the most intricate or groundbreaking-reminiscent of classic 90s action movies-it still served its purpose. The narrative may have been straightforward, but it provided enough context to keep players engaged and motivated as they progressed through the game. However, the story wasn't the main attraction here. The real stars of the show were the races themselves and the unparalleled feeling of speed that each one delivered. The excitement of outmaneuvering your opponents, the thrill of hitting a perfect drift, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line first were what made the game truly unforgettable.
In addition to the thrilling gameplay, Underground 2 also delivered a wide variety of car models, giving players access to an impressive garage of vehicles, each with its own distinct strengths and weaknesses. The sheer range of cars available, from compact tuners to powerful muscle cars and sleek sports models, ensured that every player could find a car that suited their driving style. And with the ability to fine-tune every aspect of the car's performance, you could transform any vehicle into a formidable racing machine capable of dominating the competition.
In summary, Need for Speed Underground 2 is a true classic, not only for its captivating gameplay but also for the customization possibilities that set it apart from other racing games of its era. The blend of an open-world environment, incredible car personalization, and intense, high-speed racing created an experience that few other games could match. Whether you were a die-hard fan of street racing or just looking for a game that offered hours of fun and excitement, Underground 2 delivered on all fronts. It was-and still is-an unforgettable journey into the world of speed, style, and ultimate car customization. If you're a fan of racing games, this one is a must-play, offering an experience that remains just as satisfying today as it was back then.
One of the most significant innovations that set Underground 2 apart from its predecessor was the introduction of an open world. This feature allowed players to freely roam a sprawling city filled with hidden surprises, secret races, and unique challenges. Instead of simply jumping from one race to the next via a menu, the open world provided a sense of immersion that was unparalleled at the time. You could take your car for a casual cruise, explore every corner of the city, or stumble upon impromptu street races that popped up as you drove around. This new approach gave players a true sense of freedom and added an extra layer of excitement to the game. The city itself felt alive, with various neighborhoods offering distinct atmospheres, from neon-lit downtown streets to industrial zones and quiet suburbs. Every part of the city felt like it had a personality of its own, and discovering its many secrets was an experience in itself.
Another key feature that made Underground 2 so memorable was the unprecedented level of customization available for your cars. The game didn't just let you pick a car and race-it let you completely transform it into a reflection of your personality and style. From the smallest details like choosing rims or exhaust pipes to major modifications such as body kits and spoilers, there were virtually limitless ways to make your car truly your own. Players could adjust every aspect of their vehicle, from performance upgrades like engine tweaks and suspension kits to purely aesthetic enhancements like custom paint jobs, vinyls, and lighting setups. You could even add neon lights to give your car that extra flashy flair as you tore through the streets. The customization options were so vast that no two cars ever looked or performed the same, which was a groundbreaking feature for its time. It wasn't just about winning races-it was about doing it in style.
The driving mechanics and overall control of the cars were also improved significantly from the first game, offering more precise handling and smoother controls. This allowed for a greater degree of control over your vehicle, making it easier to execute sharp turns, drifts, and other high-speed maneuvers with finesse. The improvements to the physics engine made the cars feel more grounded and responsive, adding a layer of realism that helped elevate the experience. As a result, every race felt intense, with the competition between you and your opponents constantly pushing you to your limits. Whether you were weaving through traffic in a high-stakes sprint race or drifting through tight corners in a circuit race, the sense of speed and tension was palpable.
The AI opponents were also given a noticeable upgrade, making races even more challenging and unpredictable. No longer were your rivals just mindless drones driving in predictable patterns-now they reacted to your movements, aggressively defending their lead or making sudden moves to overtake you. This dynamic AI added a sense of realism and heightened the competitive nature of the game. Every race became a battle, where even the slightest mistake could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The energy and adrenaline of each race were palpable, and the tension in close races kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
While the plot of the game, much like in many racing titles, may not have been the most intricate or groundbreaking-reminiscent of classic 90s action movies-it still served its purpose. The narrative may have been straightforward, but it provided enough context to keep players engaged and motivated as they progressed through the game. However, the story wasn't the main attraction here. The real stars of the show were the races themselves and the unparalleled feeling of speed that each one delivered. The excitement of outmaneuvering your opponents, the thrill of hitting a perfect drift, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line first were what made the game truly unforgettable.
In addition to the thrilling gameplay, Underground 2 also delivered a wide variety of car models, giving players access to an impressive garage of vehicles, each with its own distinct strengths and weaknesses. The sheer range of cars available, from compact tuners to powerful muscle cars and sleek sports models, ensured that every player could find a car that suited their driving style. And with the ability to fine-tune every aspect of the car's performance, you could transform any vehicle into a formidable racing machine capable of dominating the competition.
In summary, Need for Speed Underground 2 is a true classic, not only for its captivating gameplay but also for the customization possibilities that set it apart from other racing games of its era. The blend of an open-world environment, incredible car personalization, and intense, high-speed racing created an experience that few other games could match. Whether you were a die-hard fan of street racing or just looking for a game that offered hours of fun and excitement, Underground 2 delivered on all fronts. It was-and still is-an unforgettable journey into the world of speed, style, and ultimate car customization. If you're a fan of racing games, this one is a must-play, offering an experience that remains just as satisfying today as it was back then.
- ilovestarwars
- Feb 4, 2005
- Permalink
When it comes to "Need for Speed: Underground 2", one immediately remembers rainy streets, the hum of engines, the roar of tires in skids and a clear soundtrack in the background. This game is not just a race, it's a whole world in which speed merges with the atmosphere of the night city, and each trip becomes a small adventure.
The first thing that immediately catches your eye is the unusual presentation of the plot. The story is shown to us in the form of comics (hello, "Max Payne") - stylish and concise, with voiceover, but really atmospheric. So, without unnecessary animation costs, the player is given a rich and interesting storyline. At the center of it all is you and your car, of course. You are a new face in the world of street racing in the city of Bayview, and your task is to upgrade your cars, gain respect and become a master on these streets. The presentation is very simple, but effective: the comics look stylish and perfectly fit into the overall mood of the game.
Now, as for the graphics. In 2004, it was just an incredible game with a visual component that you could watch for hours. By the way, I did just that, pressing the "forward" key in all new races. Bright neon lights, fiery exhaust fumes, reflections on roads wet after rain - every corner of the game is filled with detailed elements that you want to look at, not just pass by. The textures were excellent for that time, and the work of the machines simply could not fail to impress.
But the most important thing is the open world. For the first time in the series, there was a space that could be explored. And no, these are not just tracks that open up as you progress - no, no, here you can "walk" around a huge city, visit different areas and participate in various competitions. Of course, access to some areas was limited, and it was necessary to "open" them by winning races in other parts of the city, but this added excitement. Traveling around the city was just as interesting as racing. The city looked alive, and driving through the streets at night was like a real adventure, when you not only compete, but also enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.
The city itself in the game can be safely called diverse. It has everything from bright and noisy neighborhoods with skyscrapers to old industrial zones, from wild serpentines to magnificent views from the highest points of the presented map. All these places are not just decorations - each area has its own atmosphere and its own specifics for racing. For example, the central part of the city is ideal for circuit racing and sprints, excellent dirt tracks can be found on the outskirts, and mountain roads sometimes turn out to be a great opportunity to polish the ability to score points in drift. Every corner in the game seems to be filled with life, and each area has its own character and soul.
Racing is, of course, the basis of the game. Underground 2 has a special emphasis on diversity. Here you can participate not only in classic street races, but also in such modes as drift, sprint, racing in a conditional straight line with gear shifting and much more. At the same time, each competition brings its own emotions and gives you the opportunity to test yourself in different driving styles. For fans of off-road vehicles, there are also separate races where you can put heavy cars on the track and run into rivals along the way.
The music in the game was great. The night city becomes even more lively with incendiary tracks, and each race feels like a mini-event. The sounds of the engine and exhaust are perfectly combined with the rhythms of rock music and electronics, creating the very drive that you want to experience over and over again. Some tracks are so memorable that years later, when you hear them in a different context, you immediately find yourself in these night races, in this city. This is the magic of music in games.
For tuning fans, the game becomes a real paradise. You have the opportunity not only to improve the technical characteristics of your car, but also to customize its appearance to the smallest detail. Do you want to put huge disks? No problems. Colors and stickers on the car? Everything is in your hands. Pick an unusual color, choose an unprecedented tinting, fill the trunk with subwoofers, equip the car with pulsating neon lighting? All this can be done in the game. But the most interesting thing is the system of photo shoots for magazines. The more beautiful and cool your car looks, the more it attracts attention. The pursuit of a visual rating is reflected in real life, because the better your car is, the more likely you are to get on the cover of a popular tuning magazine. And, to be honest, at some point it becomes even more exciting than the racing itself. At the end of the game, it's really cool to open a list of all the magazines and follow the evolution of your Career. This is a separate pleasure.
The game, of course, is not without flaws. But again. I'm talking about my opinion personally. There are really a lot of races here, but there is no quick transition from one starting point to another, which I am sure would be appreciated by those players who do not want to waste time traveling to the next start. Also, races very often take place along similar routes, strongly repeating the races already completed. And some circuit races can last under ten minutes, which is still long enough for one race. But it's a matter of taste.
"Need for Speed: Underground 2" is a game that has sunk into my soul and is remembered as one of my favorite games in the series. The atmosphere of the night city, cool music, a variety of races, tuning and leveling - all these elements make the game incredibly exciting and atmospheric. Here you want not only to race through the streets at night, but also to explore every corner of the city, find new routes and defeat all rivals. Underground 2 is a really cool game that is still one of the best in the series.
9 out of 10.
The first thing that immediately catches your eye is the unusual presentation of the plot. The story is shown to us in the form of comics (hello, "Max Payne") - stylish and concise, with voiceover, but really atmospheric. So, without unnecessary animation costs, the player is given a rich and interesting storyline. At the center of it all is you and your car, of course. You are a new face in the world of street racing in the city of Bayview, and your task is to upgrade your cars, gain respect and become a master on these streets. The presentation is very simple, but effective: the comics look stylish and perfectly fit into the overall mood of the game.
Now, as for the graphics. In 2004, it was just an incredible game with a visual component that you could watch for hours. By the way, I did just that, pressing the "forward" key in all new races. Bright neon lights, fiery exhaust fumes, reflections on roads wet after rain - every corner of the game is filled with detailed elements that you want to look at, not just pass by. The textures were excellent for that time, and the work of the machines simply could not fail to impress.
But the most important thing is the open world. For the first time in the series, there was a space that could be explored. And no, these are not just tracks that open up as you progress - no, no, here you can "walk" around a huge city, visit different areas and participate in various competitions. Of course, access to some areas was limited, and it was necessary to "open" them by winning races in other parts of the city, but this added excitement. Traveling around the city was just as interesting as racing. The city looked alive, and driving through the streets at night was like a real adventure, when you not only compete, but also enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.
The city itself in the game can be safely called diverse. It has everything from bright and noisy neighborhoods with skyscrapers to old industrial zones, from wild serpentines to magnificent views from the highest points of the presented map. All these places are not just decorations - each area has its own atmosphere and its own specifics for racing. For example, the central part of the city is ideal for circuit racing and sprints, excellent dirt tracks can be found on the outskirts, and mountain roads sometimes turn out to be a great opportunity to polish the ability to score points in drift. Every corner in the game seems to be filled with life, and each area has its own character and soul.
Racing is, of course, the basis of the game. Underground 2 has a special emphasis on diversity. Here you can participate not only in classic street races, but also in such modes as drift, sprint, racing in a conditional straight line with gear shifting and much more. At the same time, each competition brings its own emotions and gives you the opportunity to test yourself in different driving styles. For fans of off-road vehicles, there are also separate races where you can put heavy cars on the track and run into rivals along the way.
The music in the game was great. The night city becomes even more lively with incendiary tracks, and each race feels like a mini-event. The sounds of the engine and exhaust are perfectly combined with the rhythms of rock music and electronics, creating the very drive that you want to experience over and over again. Some tracks are so memorable that years later, when you hear them in a different context, you immediately find yourself in these night races, in this city. This is the magic of music in games.
For tuning fans, the game becomes a real paradise. You have the opportunity not only to improve the technical characteristics of your car, but also to customize its appearance to the smallest detail. Do you want to put huge disks? No problems. Colors and stickers on the car? Everything is in your hands. Pick an unusual color, choose an unprecedented tinting, fill the trunk with subwoofers, equip the car with pulsating neon lighting? All this can be done in the game. But the most interesting thing is the system of photo shoots for magazines. The more beautiful and cool your car looks, the more it attracts attention. The pursuit of a visual rating is reflected in real life, because the better your car is, the more likely you are to get on the cover of a popular tuning magazine. And, to be honest, at some point it becomes even more exciting than the racing itself. At the end of the game, it's really cool to open a list of all the magazines and follow the evolution of your Career. This is a separate pleasure.
The game, of course, is not without flaws. But again. I'm talking about my opinion personally. There are really a lot of races here, but there is no quick transition from one starting point to another, which I am sure would be appreciated by those players who do not want to waste time traveling to the next start. Also, races very often take place along similar routes, strongly repeating the races already completed. And some circuit races can last under ten minutes, which is still long enough for one race. But it's a matter of taste.
"Need for Speed: Underground 2" is a game that has sunk into my soul and is remembered as one of my favorite games in the series. The atmosphere of the night city, cool music, a variety of races, tuning and leveling - all these elements make the game incredibly exciting and atmospheric. Here you want not only to race through the streets at night, but also to explore every corner of the city, find new routes and defeat all rivals. Underground 2 is a really cool game that is still one of the best in the series.
9 out of 10.
- alekspredator87
- Jan 25, 2025
- Permalink
Whilst undoubtedly fun to play for a short time, this game rapidly becomes dull in the extreme. There are only a few different types of events to enter and the obligatory "car upgrade" ideas are also kind of dull. In short, a console game that wasn't improved when it was ported to the PC, with limited gameplay options.
I suppose if you are a car freak then its much more entertaining but I'm not, so this also became more than a little dull.
Good things: A real sense of speed and action. The cars appear to handle quite realistically. Its fun with a steering wheel and foot-pedals.
Bad things: The cars are indestructible. Some of the simplest tactics involve running competitors off the road and torpedoing around corners without slowing down because you "bounce" off the scenery. The way you can replay races endlessly until you win them is also lame.
Summary: Fun for a little while, but lack of gameplay depth quickly bores you to tears and there aren't even any pedestrians or small, furry pets to squash to keep you amused.
I suppose if you are a car freak then its much more entertaining but I'm not, so this also became more than a little dull.
Good things: A real sense of speed and action. The cars appear to handle quite realistically. Its fun with a steering wheel and foot-pedals.
Bad things: The cars are indestructible. Some of the simplest tactics involve running competitors off the road and torpedoing around corners without slowing down because you "bounce" off the scenery. The way you can replay races endlessly until you win them is also lame.
Summary: Fun for a little while, but lack of gameplay depth quickly bores you to tears and there aren't even any pedestrians or small, furry pets to squash to keep you amused.
- Rob_Taylor
- May 30, 2005
- Permalink