Need for Speed: Underground 2

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 928 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 797 out of 928
  2. Mixed: 98 out of 928
  3. Negative: 33 out of 928
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  1. yota234
    Jun 10, 2011
    9
    In this game you are a racing driver in a city which hardly resembles Los Angeles. The graphics are not so good but the game is really interesting. Your guide through the game will be Rachel and a guy which only calls you. The races are quite interesting but some people will get bored after playing a while. I'm not one these people. I can play it for a long time. I did not understand theIn this game you are a racing driver in a city which hardly resembles Los Angeles. The graphics are not so good but the game is really interesting. Your guide through the game will be Rachel and a guy which only calls you. The races are quite interesting but some people will get bored after playing a while. I'm not one these people. I can play it for a long time. I did not understand the story but that isn't very bad for me. The tuning in this game is awesome, the best in series (in my opinion). Only autosculpt parts are missing (first appeared in Carbon). Some people who have played newer NFS games like Most Wanted will say that there is no police. But I don't really like the police so it's good for me. Soundtracks are good for example Black Betty by Spiderbait that really makes you going fast. Physics are not so good because this a fun arcade game, not a hardcore simulator. I have very good memories about this game so that will be higher score for me.
    Only bad thing is the final race is too easy. Easier than some drag races.

    Graphics:8
    Gameplay:10
    Sounds:9
    Story:(Don't want to count it)    … Expand
  2. ElvisMiks
    May 24, 2015
    8
    Need for Speed: Underground 2 is one solid game. While it's not an amazing racer, it has a ton of race modes, customizable parts and it captures the tuning scene really well. First of all, lets count down talk about the race modes. First, there are the classic Circuit and Sprint modes, which need no explanation, then there is the Drag mode, where you basically go in a straight line andNeed for Speed: Underground 2 is one solid game. While it's not an amazing racer, it has a ton of race modes, customizable parts and it captures the tuning scene really well. First of all, lets count down talk about the race modes. First, there are the classic Circuit and Sprint modes, which need no explanation, then there is the Drag mode, where you basically go in a straight line and have to switch lanes and avoid pushing your car to it's limits and blowing it's engine, as well as avoiding crashing into walls. While the drag mode doesn't have as exciting tracks as the first Underground did, it still works pretty well. Then there is the Drift mode, which is pretty much the same like in UG1. There are also 4 new race modes. One of them is Street X, which is a really big flop by the way. It is basically a circuit, only on small and narrow dirt tracks, then there is the Underground Racing League (shortened U.R.L.) which is, again, circuit, only it takes place on speedways and airport runways, it adds 2 more opponents (making it a total of 5.) and there is no traffic. Boring. There is an Outrun mode (which is only accessible by entering free ride.) and lastly, we have the Free Ride mode, where you can explore Bayview at your own will. That is cool, but there is nothing much to do in the city, apart from finding cool areas and challenging opponents to an outrun race. Now seems like a good time to introduce you to the city. It is called, like mentioned earlier, Bayview. It consists of 5 districts. City Core, Beacon Hills, Capilano Heights, Coal Harbor and Airport. Okay, now let's see what cars we have. So every car from the first Underground, except Dodge Neon, Honda S2000, Acura Integra Type-R, Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza, makes a return in Underground 2. We also have new cars, like the Mitsubishi 3000GT and Audi TT. We also have three SUV's, but it is a torture to drive them, so i recommend not to touch them. Now that we have got all that out of the way, let's talk about the customisation. It was awesome in the first Underground, but here it is taken even further. You can now add hydraulics, spinners, change how doors open and much, much more. A bad thing is that the game forces you to "rice" your car, so the visual rating bar would increase and you would gain access to make your DVD covers, which are requirements by the way. So, that is pretty much it. A huge racing game, with little flaws. Overall a good experience can be had, if you close your eyes for the advertising. Yes, i would definitely recommend the game. If the racing mechanics isn't the best, teh customisation will surely keep you entertained for a while.… Expand
  3. naber31
    Aug 31, 2012
    9
    A fresh breath for the genre for "its era". I know this review is due but i just happened to drop this down while im roaming around the site. What a nice touch overall, still remember the fun of the race and customization options. Second best after NFS: Porsche Unleashed ;)
  4. MasteRR
    May 3, 2013
    9
    Need for Speed: Underground 2 is the sequel of the original 2003 game.

    Like the previous one, the game centers around the import and tuning culture. The games features very similar game play style like the previous one, but with changes of course. The Career is not no longer so linear, and features Free Roam, as well with other additions, like new race modes, such as Outrun, when    Need for Speed: Underground 2 is the sequel of the original 2003 game.

    Like the previous one, the game centers around the import and tuning culture.

    The games features very similar game play style like the previous one, but with changes of course.

    The Career is not no longer so linear, and features Free Roam, as well with other additions, like new race modes, such as Outrun, when you must outdistance your opponent to win, more areas like the BayView Airport, and a much bigger city.

    The Career is obviously different, featuring different style of game play and areas.

    Also it doesn't have anymore the option to choose a race's difficulty, only the whole event's difficulty, by changing the Career Difficulty.

    Most of the race types have been kept, others added, but removed as well. For instance, the game no longer features Knock-Out Circuits, but also added Outruns.

    Other races have also been changed a bit, like the Tournament, now called URL(Underground Racing League) being simultaneously similar, but different. It's still a stage-style race, but featured on special race tracks, and even on the airport, while the original game featured the races in the city.

    Also both different from the original game, the sequel also has some places that aren't accessible to the player in Free Roam, such as certain drag tracks, but drift and URL tracks aren't accessible as well.

    There have also been changes to the original racing style, the Drift races are now playable not only on special areas, but also in parts of the city, in Jackson Heights.

    Beyond the game style, the cars handling feels different, by not being so responsive, which in the original it was sometimes ridiculous, but is also worse on higher speeds, by requiring to make long and strong brakes to take certain corners.

    Also the cutscenes are different from the original game, while the old ones where presented in a cinematic mod, the new ones are having a sort of interesting animated magazines, but presented in a High Quality way(but not cinematic like in the original ones).

    So, the final verdict.

    NFS:U2 Took the best and most important parts from the original one, and made them even better, but still with some flaws.

    Overall the game is great, and I still say that it should be played this days, by having a good replay value, an interesting city, and a good plot.    … Expand
  5. lu123
    May 10, 2013
    9
    This game is one of the best racing games, in my opinion. But the game has a problem: near the end of the game, it seems that the producers made the final part in a hurry, repeating the same challenges, making me lose the will to play. But, yes, This is a good game. Oh, and of course, this is the best game in the NFS series.
  6. azeitona
    Dec 10, 2014
    9
    One of the best NFS for me. Amazing cars, theme, environment, fun races, challenging campaign, memorable races and a nice soundtrack, much better than the ones in the later games. And the tuning was amazing... the whole concept of street racing was kinda new. And there was little to none focus on the story, which is awesome, because racing games don't really need a plot. It might as wellOne of the best NFS for me. Amazing cars, theme, environment, fun races, challenging campaign, memorable races and a nice soundtrack, much better than the ones in the later games. And the tuning was amazing... the whole concept of street racing was kinda new. And there was little to none focus on the story, which is awesome, because racing games don't really need a plot. It might as well just get in the way, like what happened (to me, at last) with Carbon, Undercover and even Most Wanted. The only problem is that it is very repetitive, but I never found myself bored of it.… Expand
  7. dlcatalin
    Jul 12, 2020
    10
    When it came out, it was a 10. And if i played it today in 2020 for the first time, i would 10 it again. Flawless.
  8. Destlay
    Mar 7, 2020
    10
    Продолжение легендарной части. Свободный мир, улучшенная графика, широкий автопарк. Здесь я потратил своё детство и не жалею. Благодаря ей я полюбил машины. Благодаря ей у меня хороший вкус в музыке. До сих пор играю в ней. Всегда в моём сердце.

    Continuation of the legendary part. Free world, improved graphics, wide fleet. Here I spent my childhood and do not regret it. Thanks to her, I    Продолжение легендарной части. Свободный мир, улучшенная графика, широкий автопарк. Здесь я потратил своё детство и не жалею. Благодаря ей я полюбил машины. Благодаря ей у меня хороший вкус в музыке. До сих пор играю в ней. Всегда в моём сердце.

    Continuation of the legendary part. Free world, improved graphics, wide fleet. Here I spent my childhood and do not regret it. Thanks to her, I fell in love with cars. Thanks to her, I have a good taste in music. I still play it. Always in my heart.    … Expand
  9. WesleyL.
    Nov 4, 2006
    9
    Why does everybody complain, its almost 2007 and the graphics still aren't outdated, I just started playing after a 1 year 'sabatical' and now I'm addicted again, uhm.. anywayz its a good game, lots to do and to tune.
  10. KevinC.
    Nov 19, 2004
    9
    Overall an incredibly solid title. The combination of the number and types of races, mixed with the number and types of cars makes for one very replayable game. The races are challenging, the rewards aer generally good, and there's no feeling like unlocking your favorite car, then driving it out onto the track.
  11. SpankMonkey
    Nov 27, 2004
    7
    Very fast action, nice graphics, solid gameplay. Confusing Multiplayer interface (LAN filter is stupid), a greater selection of cars like S2000 and other ricer cars, and it is missing the fine detail like each exhaust type has a unique sound & suspension types have minor differences. Brandnames have no impact unlike real life. otherwise good game.
  12. G.D.
    Jan 15, 2005
    10
    THE BEST!!!!
  13. iddqd4
    Jan 20, 2018
    9
    Матерый хит, эталон очень популярной в те годы темы уличных гонок.
  14. dzbnkx
    Nov 13, 2019
    10
    Best arcade racing game ever.
    + open world
    + arcade mechanics
    + races
    + feeling of progression
    + customization
    + graphics
  15. Luka1998010
    Jul 6, 2018
    10
    One of the best racing games ever made !!!
    It deserves a place in history !
  16. Hayter
    Nov 10, 2019
    8
    Эта понравилась гораздо больше, чем первая часть, не знаю с чем связано, просто так вышло.
  17. Alexb1096
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    ITALIAN:
    Uno dei miei giochi preferiti, ci ho passato molti anni della mia infanzia.
    Quello che vorrei fare in questa recensione è analizzare il gioco sia per quello che era all'epoca della sua uscita (2005) sia per quello che è adesso (2020, 15 anni dopo). Tutto quello che dirò sarà riferito solo alla versione per PC. AUDIO E GRAFICA: Partiamo dalla prima cosa che si nota quando si    ITALIAN:
    Uno dei miei giochi preferiti, ci ho passato molti anni della mia infanzia.
    Quello che vorrei fare in questa recensione è analizzare il gioco sia per quello che era all'epoca della sua uscita (2005) sia per quello che è adesso (2020, 15 anni dopo).
    Tutto quello che dirò sarà riferito solo alla versione per PC.

    AUDIO E GRAFICA:
    Partiamo dalla prima cosa che si nota quando si avvia il gioco: la colonna sonora. Ok, le canzoni del menu non sono molte e dopo un po' iniziano a stancare, sarebbe bello se ci fossero anche le canzoni delle gare (che personalmente tengo sempre molto basse di volume quindi non le ricordo neanche), però Riders on the storm feat. Snoop Dog è una delle canzoni più belle e adatte mai comparse in un videogioco. Solo quella vale un 10 sotto il punto di vista della colonna sonora.
    Anche l'audio ambientale e i rumori delle macchine sono veramente notevoli, soprattutto per un gioco dell'epoca.
    Per quanto riguarda la grafica invece bisogna dire che anche adesso, con la qualità video al massimo e una piccola modifica per gli schermi a 16:9, il gioco si difende benissimo e per qualità dei modelli delle auto, illuminazione e riflessi non stanca anche giocato diverse generazioni dopo. Inoltre per PC sono presenti alcune mod che migliorano le texture e gli shader, donando al gioco un aspetto ancora più moderno e credibile.

    STORIA: Forse l'aspetto più dolente del gioco, ma trascurabile per il gameplay in sè. La storia c'è ma è estremamente anonima, senza personaggi memorabili (ci si ricorda di più della ragazza che compare all'avvio del gioco), e senza pathos. La mancanza di rivali ricorrenti e della polizia (un aspetto che può piacere come no, ma che di certo influisce sulla trama) portano a far dipendere le gare esclusivamente dal gameplay e dalla ricerca di nuove componenti con cui elaborare i propri veicoli. Due elementi però che riescono a sopperire a questa mancanza in maniera spaventosa.

    GAMEPLAY: Un gioco forse rivoluzionario. Ok che era già uscito il primo Underground e nello stesso periodo c'erano anche serie come Midnight Club e Juiced, ma non c'è storia con Underground 2. Una quantità infinita di pezzi con cui elaborare i propri veicoli, un buon numero di veicoli e un gameplay precisissimo e veloce.
    Il gameplay è molto simile a quello del primo Underground, con gare in percorsi cittadini, spesso in periferia, con molte scorciatoie e salti. La guida delle auto è incredibile, di certo arcade ma molto piacevole, non come molti altri giochi del genere che si basano sulle derapate e sull'aspetto cinematografico delle corse. In Underground 2 tutto questo c'è ma in modo perfettamente naturale.
    Una grande novità è stata l'introduzione del free-roaming, in una città dalle mille sfaccettature che si conoscerà a memoria in poco tempo (vista anche la necessità di scoprire i negozi di parti sparsi per la mappa).

    Le automobili presenti poi permettono di entrare ancora di più nel mood del gioco, in quanto sono tutte sportive e portate all'elaborazione ma allo stesso tempo accessibili economicamente. Non sono presenti quindi supercar come Ferrari e Lamborghini e neanche marchi particolarmente di lusso. Il gioco si può tranquillamente finire persino con l'auto iniziale se personalizzata nel modo giusto.

    A proposito di personalizzazione, questo è forse l'aspetto su cui punta di più il gioco, con tanto di valore che indica l'estetica dei veicoli. Le gare ci permettono di sbloccare componenti estetiche ma anche meccaniche con cui personalizzare la propria auto. In tutta la mia vita non ho mai visto così tante personalizzazioni estetiche in un gioco di corse. Le parti del motore invece sono molto più basiche, con 3 stadi di miglioramento per ogni componente.

    Per concludere interessanti anche i tipi di corse, tra i quali sono presenti anche diversi esperimenti e tentativi di innovare un genere come quello dei giochi di corse spesso limitato alle gare su circuito.
    Oltre a ovviamente queste ultime e alle gare da punto a punto, sono presenti anche gare di accelerazione (alla Fast and Furious) in cui è obbligatorio il cambio manuale, gare di drift, gare su circuiti semi-ufficiali e gare senza nitro in circuiti stretti (spesso parcheggi o magazzini).

    Gioco da provare anche nel 2020, specialmente al computer.

    VOTO: 10/10    … Expand
  18. MonDongZeep
    Jun 14, 2020
    10
    One of the best NFS (№2)
    Just a nice sandbox (nice music,world,customisation, a lot of cars,not the best but good physics)
  19. Goorman1996
    Jun 23, 2022
    10
    Still to this day I guess that Need For Speed: Underground 2 — it's the best part of the whole NFS series. First of all, because of it's ambient: I cannot explain it in a words, but when I play this game, I feel something, and that "something" makes that game a unique one, still to this day.
  20. FirstSpawn
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    Одна из лучших игр, когда-либо увидивших свет, на мой взгляд! Обожаю эту игру ♥
  21. ardaulgur
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    I just wanna say good old days...
    I'm still playing it sometimes. Legends never dies.
  22. VikiSetyah
    Aug 25, 2021
    10
    Memorable soundtrack,great and lots of customization, fun and satisfying drifting.
  23. morfil
    Nov 1, 2013
    9
    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    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.    … Expand
  24. Marick
    Sep 22, 2014
    10
    A nice game of series Need for Speed. It's a good game, I really do not what to say. Ok .. the truth is that after a while ...boring. Music and items in the game are ok.
  25. RainInAugust
    Nov 30, 2015
    10
    I had this game as a child for the ps2 and guess what... I still have the game today. I still play it every once in a while and I still enjoy having this game in my ps2 collection of games. Anyways the graphics are spectacular for 2004 and the customization are a lot better.
  26. mclure
    Aug 23, 2014
    10
    I really liked this game, I have finished Single Player and I like a lot when you get new parts and the engine sound will change specifically to each car. They are also very detailed and it's not a very hardware intensive game, too bad it crashes sometimes and you get the impression it's something in the game, but it doesn't stop you from having fun since it happens only on occasion. TheI really liked this game, I have finished Single Player and I like a lot when you get new parts and the engine sound will change specifically to each car. They are also very detailed and it's not a very hardware intensive game, too bad it crashes sometimes and you get the impression it's something in the game, but it doesn't stop you from having fun since it happens only on occasion. The races, the drag races, sprints, circuits everything is fun, and compared to other NFS series titles this one has the advantage of lacking police in a good sense, the street racers have taken over Bayview (the city where everything happens), and you don't need to evade a very difficult police pursuit after racing. The cars are also very detailed and follow up with their respective in real life models with all details, you can customize their headlights, taillights and add new parts that could've been modeled by a mechanic. For me the best part is customizing a vehicle, also there are SUVs for racing, even doing drifting with them, altough there are fewer models, but they also retain characteristics such as being really heavy or having a powerful enough engine. The story is also good, I feel like that character is struggling when everything and everyone are against him, the only friends he got is the people from the shops he visits and sometimes other NPCs will SMS you with new locations or tell you where some undisclosed races are being held for better prizes. What is kind of odd is that you have to go everywhere you want to race in order to complete and you can't do a simple jump to race as in NFS Most Wanted 1, but ok.… Expand
  27. XDavidX
    Nov 19, 2015
    10
    I'm played this game as a kid and still play this. I have the game on PC & PS2. Maybe its not good as the Most Wanted from 2005 but the nostalgia is so overhyped !
  28. DiFF7Skyns
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    The best game of the franchise until today (2016). Nothing about exotic or supersports cars . The scene is the suburban world where the street racers, with their custom tuned cars, are gaining ground in the streets, competing not only for the finish line, but the beauty of tuning, passing through the streets of the city. That is the real Underground. This is what a gamer likes.
  29. PatrykG
    Feb 15, 2013
    9
    Im gonna review some old games starting with everyone's favourite. NFS U2 is the second Underground game in NFS and some people its better than Underground 1, to me I think yeah it is better, this game is one of the best games ever made its so, it brings back a lot of memories thats what I was trying to say, the graphics are good 2004 and the funny thing once my friend played GTA SA and IIm gonna review some old games starting with everyone's favourite. NFS U2 is the second Underground game in NFS and some people its better than Underground 1, to me I think yeah it is better, this game is one of the best games ever made its so, it brings back a lot of memories thats what I was trying to say, the graphics are good 2004 and the funny thing once my friend played GTA SA and I thought he was playing U2 (NOT THE BAND U2 THE GAME UNDERGROUND The career mode is a huge challenge or just drive and explore the city and find some cool Easter eggs. The multiplayer is also challenging but most of all the songs in U2 are so catchy that you won't be able to stop thinking about U2 or the song. So in the end, I more than happy give Need For Speed: Underground 2, 9/10.… Expand
  30. Shadow1
    May 3, 2016
    7
    This game is one of the best in series . Soap graphics , but cool tuning . Many different really car , awesome soundtracks , many tips of races . NFS Underground 2 wonderful game for 2004 and now can play . 7/10
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PC Game of 2004
11
#11 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Computer and Video Games
    84
    For an arcade game, it's even surprisingly playable with a steering wheel, with near misses causing no small amount of amateurish flinching. If you can't afford to attach largely pointless gadgets to your otherwise moribund vehicle, this is the next best thing. [PC Zone]
    Read full review
  2. Total Video Games
    90
    Its immense thrills and spills through the open-ended city of Bayview is exhilarating, and the culture that is emerging is created in the game to great effect.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo!
    90
    The world is elaborate, the sense of speed is dizzying, and the customization could cost you a job or a girlfriend. But you'll still have Brooke to keep you company.
    Read full review
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