Review: Need for Speed Underground
Careful, this latest Speed can be truly addicting.
In a daring move, the Need for Speed series switches gears and exits the traditional road of high-end European roadsters. The lane change pays off in its nod toward the tuner-car racing circuit where speed is given a brand-new look and feel.
GReddy or Not Dangerous high-speed street racing is at the core of Need for Speed Underground?s engine. Using tuned-up autos from such manufacturers as Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Subaru, you navigate the city roads at night in competitions that not only test your car?s limits but also your nerves. Modes like drag and drift racing perfectly reflect Underground?s goal: exuding the sense of speed in a tricked-out hot rod that makes your palms sweat each time you drift a street corner. Perfect gear shifting, drafting, and watching out for both oncoming and cross traffic are high-risk factors within races.
Underground?s extensive career mode offers a unique hands-on approach to this urban racing culture. Starting out as a lonely nobody, you must show that you can drive with the best, improving your rank and reputation with stylistic driving and car setups as you progress through more than 100 grueling race competitions. After finishing each race, new goodies open up that increase your ride?s speed and looks. By the end of your street tour, you?ll have the best souped-up car, complete with high-profile tuning parts from Eibach, HKS, StreetGlow, and others.
My Own Piaa Pet One main feature that clearly separates Underground from other street racers is its visual presentation. The nighttime glow in the metropolis does take some time to get used to, but the evening air quickly adds to the stunning scenery and detailed avenues as you travel at high RPMs. Indeed, the speed effects while zooming down straightaways give new definition to a nice ?trip.?
Attention to car detail is also a big plus in Underground. An extensive library of paint jobs and decals, and a unique way of layering multiple vinyl designs allow for unlimited personal customization on your car. Of course, you can also choose from a variety of flashy-looking parts such as neon lights, rims, and hood covers to further define your look.
High on Speed Appearance, however, overshadows everything else in the game, including the gameplay. Underground?s approach is arcadey, limiting the many ways you can enhance your car?s performance. Instead of choosing from individual parts, you?re forced to purchase different leveled kits that are packaged with a variety of part manufacturers. You can?t mismatch or adjust parts on your own, which makes the gameplay a bit linear for the simulation buffs.
On the surface, there aren?t many differences between all three Underground versions. As expected, the visuals look a bit sharper on the Xbox but not enough that the PlayStation 2 and GameCube lose out. Muffler rings and engine rumbles all sound the same, and the control scheme is straightforward and comfortable for the hands in all versions. One feature that separates the PlayStation 2 Underground from the rest (and gives the game a better score) is its online component, where up to four people can race at once.
If you?ve ever wondered what if feels like to be an urban legend on your city streets, don?t hesitate to drive Underground. The rush will undoubtedly get your adrenaline flowing before you even have time to buckle up
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