Need for Speed Underground 2

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 253 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 214 out of 253
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 253
  3. Negative: 15 out of 253
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  1. Zooker
    Jul 4, 2013
    10
    Riders on the Storm Remember?? Aaaaaah.. As this game is nostalgic, brings me many memories of my black Golf entering the garage to be modified. How good you run with that little car beside those opponents that you just want to destroy it!! This game was great, I have to give my 10 here! CONGRATULATIONS EA GAMES!!
  2. MattD
    Nov 10, 2004
    10
    Awesome.
  3. TheDecay
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    This game has THE most in depth tuning this side of gran turismo 4. The graphics are amazing and the game plays flawlessly. I absolutely reccomend this game for anyone who has a pulse.
  4. Jboy2468
    Nov 23, 2011
    9
    A very fun and addictive racer with many options, features, and customization. It has a very nicely designed city called Bayview, which looks like yet another Hollywood spin-off to me. The cutscenes and loading screens are extremely annoying but the rest of the awesome features of this game make up for it plenty!!
  5. racergsxr1
    Oct 30, 2012
    10
    This was and IS the pinnacle of the ENTIRE Need For Speed series. NONE of the other games have as much customization as this one, not even Underground 1. It was also the first Need For Speed game to feature free roam. It arguably had one of the best soundtracks as well. Whats really great about this game and its predecessor is that it was really infused with the current import tuningThis was and IS the pinnacle of the ENTIRE Need For Speed series. NONE of the other games have as much customization as this one, not even Underground 1. It was also the first Need For Speed game to feature free roam. It arguably had one of the best soundtracks as well. Whats really great about this game and its predecessor is that it was really infused with the current import tuning culture of that time. Sure no one bolts spinners or neon on their cars anymore but everyone was doing that around the time when this game came out. Maybe if EA just looked at every NFS related Youtube video ever, they'd see exactly what fans want.… Expand
  6. iOnlySam
    Nov 26, 2012
    8
    It's 2012 now so let's get a bit more etchy. So I'm going to be hard.
    Graphics are awful, I can see squares and rectangles that aren't suppose to be on a car.
    A pretty non existent story. Still one of the best, if not the best the funnest car customisation games ever. A good selection of cars. Has drifting, which works well even by today's standards as your comparing it to games like    It's 2012 now so let's get a bit more etchy. So I'm going to be hard.
    Graphics are awful, I can see squares and rectangles that aren't suppose to be on a car.
    A pretty non existent story.
    Still one of the best, if not the best the funnest car customisation games ever.
    A good selection of cars.
    Has drifting, which works well even by today's standards as your comparing it to games like shift 2. Well ok, Shift 2 does have a great drifting system.
    Very fun game which I have dearly wanted all these years and only bothered downloading on PC o the weekend.
    Sick racing game still. EA need to make a reboot of this, forget Most Wanted Criterion! Everyone wants EA back in the drivers seat.
    8/10    … Expand
  7. AcePhoenix007
    Feb 6, 2014
    10
    Best racing game you will ever play. Combine this with Burnout 3 and you have a classic racing game duo that will last a lifetime for you. The soundtrack, graphics, world, mechanics, and pretty much everything about it is amazing. It is definitely worth playing and definitely worth buying right now, even though this game about a decade old. But eh, the classics are definitely the best.
  8. ursynhu
    Mar 10, 2016
    10
    Este jogo é incrível! Eu recebi e ainda não posso parar de jogar. Os gráficos são tão detalhadas para um game e é desafiador, mas divertido e terá que jogar por horas! A história é complexa e profundamente pensado. O melhor jogo que eu já joguei de forma
  9. gadsby
    May 14, 2019
    10
    This is masterpiece. Whenever you play, its just bring good old memories no matter what.
  10. AB
    Jan 14, 2005
    4
    Great! Another disappointment by EA. This game is a miserable collection of advertisements that I never want to place in my PS2 again. What happened to EA? I used to love buying the next "Need for Speed" game. I lived for "Lord of The Rings." But now they seem to derive all of their cash by scamming their loyal fans. So far they've cashed in on LOTR, Halle Berry, and even urban Great! Another disappointment by EA. This game is a miserable collection of advertisements that I never want to place in my PS2 again. What happened to EA? I used to love buying the next "Need for Speed" game. I lived for "Lord of The Rings." But now they seem to derive all of their cash by scamming their loyal fans. So far they've cashed in on LOTR, Halle Berry, and even urban culture. What's next? Burger King? Guess so, because that's what this game does. There are Burger King logos everywhere. And that's not the only issue with this game. The open-ended environments make this game nearly impossible. I hated having to drive somewhere every time I wanted to do something for my car. Plus, this game feels slow. This shocked me, as the far superior prequel had an amazing sense of speed. I guess I'll have to get used to EA destroying all of their franchises. Hopefully they won't mess up if they make another "SSX" or "Burnout" title. That would be tragic.… Expand
  11. EdisonA.
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Não é um simulador perfeito, a intenção não é essa, aqui o que vale é diversão, curtir o visual dos carros e ser criativo, aí é só ir pro racha com o pé no fundo. É o melhor jogo de racing.
  12. [Anonymous]
    Nov 19, 2004
    0
    Uninspiring 'burger king' nonsense - absolute rubbish.
  13. JoJomonkey
    May 22, 2011
    0
    This game is so boring i've sold it already it's terrible I hated it so much the races are impossible to lose it takes forever to load can't stand it!
  14. kaioxiv
    Mar 28, 2018
    10
    Um dos melhores jogos da historia de corrida, muitas possibilidades de tunagem, aguardando remaster
  15. Kostas_Spirou
    Dec 30, 2021
    7
    This is the first videogame I've ever played, it's the reason why I started playing videogames, and for its time it was an amazing game, but unfortunately it didn't age very well.

    I feel like I'm giving this game a lower score than what it normally deserves but it's because it's not as good as it used to be, however it's still is a pretty good game. One thing that was ahead of its time    This is the first videogame I've ever played, it's the reason why I started playing videogames, and for its time it was an amazing game, but unfortunately it didn't age very well.

    I feel like I'm giving this game a lower score than what it normally deserves but it's because it's not as good as it used to be, however it's still is a pretty good game.

    One thing that was ahead of its time was the car customization for sure, you can pretty much customize everything.

    Lastly, the music was great, Riders on the Storm is a very iconic videogame song and it was always a pleasure to listen to it every time I booted up the game.

    Final Rating: "Good" ~ 7/10.    … Expand
  16. KiraX
    Jan 7, 2005
    10
    I give it 10,performance parts, decails, engines all compare to real life parts it is fun to play a game that realates to a daily job.
  17. RossM.
    Feb 1, 2005
    3
    All their doing is advertising init. they made the game purely to make money, and its well unrealistic, u can thrash the car for miles an it wnt even run rougher, NO damage at all, u can spray nitrous into the engine for 40 second periods, in real life that'd melt the engine to a gooey substance.
  18. Stacey
    Feb 25, 2005
    10
    Fantastic game, im a girl and i think this is the best racing game ever! Even better than the first.
  19. JordanW.
    Feb 8, 2005
    10
    This game is the best of the best when it comes to nsf underground.
  20. Fhuu-QuannHill
    May 16, 2004
    10
    It is very fun to play. Every time I have a bad day I pop in Need For Speed Underground. Next thing I know I start filling better and owe it all to the Need For Speed Underground creaters and the game. I think it is the best racing game so far.
  21. CoolDude
    Jan 6, 2005
    5
    It's ok but prefer grand turismo.
  22. MattD
    Jan 7, 2005
    10
    Awesome.
  23. AlexdaS.
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    Ce le mailher du monde jaime bien jue.
  24. JavierA.
    Feb 2, 2005
    2
    NFSU was the boom, this second version sucks, it didn´t change a bit, the control of the car is wack. At least AE released Burnout 3 this year.
  25. KF
    Jun 4, 2005
    10
    This game is super cool !!!! It is sick!!!!!!!
  26. VarunB.
    Aug 11, 2005
    9
    A very decent follow-up to the original...with a vast career mode, more race types, more cars, more upgrades, more secrets, awesome soundtrack, and great sound effects, there are few noteworthy flaws. A great must-have racer for the PS2, secoond only to burnout 3.
  27. NateR.
    Nov 16, 2004
    10
    An excellent sequel to the original, even more vast and impressive than the first.
  28. Myron
    Dec 15, 2004
    10
    The speech is crazy but not as bad as the critics said. Then again how many of them know anything about the urban life! When was the last time they got crunked up and hung out with the hommies!
  29. Matt
    Dec 2, 2004
    9
    I think this game is awesome. the only thing i don't like is how u have to find the shops other than that i would give it a 10.
  30. Meohyeee
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    1 of the best games if played.
  31. [Anonymous]
    Jun 19, 2004
    1
    The only grand strategy game of this period, SP is even better than EUII, don't bother with multiplayer for now... will be pure 10 after usual patches although the thing is stable ATM @1.02
  32. BenN.
    Jan 14, 2005
    7
    Very repetitive, but u jus gota luv the A3.
  33. EricJ.
    Jan 7, 2005
    8
    It's hard to get into this game, but once you do then it's hella fun!
  34. ThunderBlade
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    This is the best game i have ever seen.
  35. NoorY.
    Feb 15, 2005
    10
    This is a sick game.
  36. RyanO.
    Feb 18, 2005
    0
    This is possibly the worst game racing wise ive ever seen,and the modification isnt something to cheer about either. No car damage?!Is there something wrong with the game? More than something.
  37. ViktorV.
    Jul 16, 2005
    7
    I expected there to be car damage. I think that this has been rushed out far too quickly. More time needed to be spent on certain things. For a beginner - it would be easy to put down the pad and quit - it takes hours to actually get some good mods - and driving around to EVERY race is both boring and frustrating.
  38. DanB.
    Jul 26, 2005
    9
    Outstanding graphics and addictive career mode, very deep.
  39. DanielH.
    Jun 27, 2006
    9
    Brilliant game with exceptionally deep customization options and a great career mode. Handling is a bit slippery though. Probably the second best game of its kind after Midnight Club 3.
  40. ShaunG.
    Nov 16, 2004
    10
    This game is tight as f#*@!
  41. AlbertoCostaRica
    Nov 16, 2004
    10
    Simplemente impresionante!!!! El Sonido, Video, la interaccion. Esta de Lujo!!!!
  42. D.Jackson
    Nov 17, 2004
    10
    This is a great game, but u will have to get use to it if its your first time playing.
  43. CarlosM.
    Nov 18, 2004
    10
    Love the game.
  44. BItBurn
    Jan 15, 2005
    8
    Pretty interesting menu options. It's great to be able to tweak the car in such details. Car handling though, iz another story. Still alright but Burnout 3 is king of the hill. Music soundtrack is pretty good. Overall, this game is a winner.
  45. TonyR.
    Feb 12, 2005
    8
    I think this game is great, but i just cant find the Burger King and Best Buy area.
  46. PhilipM.
    Nov 17, 2004
    10
    Man this games off the Hook u can drive and the decals r the best part of this game the custamization is really awsome its everything u need and all the opponents are chutyias and madarchods but they can drive and so can we.
  47. JorgeQ.
    Nov 18, 2004
    10
    Game is killing the blockk MAN!!!! Hard stoppa WHAT GEt on The EA Game level Folks!
  48. TrentB.
    Dec 14, 2004
    9
    This new underground acheivement has pushed the level of freeroaming racing games. With dazzling ps2 graphics and pop up racing events you never really get bored. Just buy it for yourself and see what kind of ride you can make.
  49. ShanellG.
    Nov 15, 2007
    9
    A great game and everything is perfect about it it would've got a ten if it had damage control but other than that yay.
  50. DUoXsKiLLz
    Apr 12, 2016
    9
    Probablemente Underground 2 sea el mejor Arcade de Carreras de la historia de los videojuegos y motivos no le faltan. Mejoró lo que Underground nos ofrecía incluyendo un mundo abierto en la ciudad de Bayview con su eterna noche, una personalización más amplía y más pruebas con las que demostrar que el coche que hemos montado es una bestia (o no). Una de las cosas que quiero destacar es elProbablemente Underground 2 sea el mejor Arcade de Carreras de la historia de los videojuegos y motivos no le faltan. Mejoró lo que Underground nos ofrecía incluyendo un mundo abierto en la ciudad de Bayview con su eterna noche, una personalización más amplía y más pruebas con las que demostrar que el coche que hemos montado es una bestia (o no). Una de las cosas que quiero destacar es el Soundtrack, estoy seguro de que, como mínimo, una de las canciones del juego irá a parar a tu lista de reproducción favorita. Un juego divertido y original que aprovechó el boom del tuning en 2004 pero que quiso ir más allá y acabó haciendo un juego excelente.… Expand
  51. ASGaming21
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    I love this game. The customization, the graphics, the story, all of that are amazing. But now the recent Need For Speed games are boring. EA should make Underground 3
  52. caligula_king
    Oct 3, 2015
    9
    Este juego es uno de los mejores que he jugado de NFS, no solo tienes que ganar carreras, sino tienes que mejorar tu reputación y tunear tu coche, tanto la jugabilidad como los gráficos son muy buenos, BSO es excelente . Tiene sus años pero a un lo sigo disfrutando en la actualidad .
  53. lrosstal
    Apr 9, 2016
    8
    Worst version of this game. But is excellent nonetheless. This game is one of the best, when it comes to variety, customization, and the Fast and Furious type of feeling. The open world concept introduced in this game was one of a kind at time of release, made it an instant classic for me.
  54. j0sete
    Jun 8, 2016
    9
    Juegazo de carreras callejeras en su momento. He pasado muchísimas horas delante del volante de la PS2 jugando a este juego disfrutando de cada vez que pulsaba el nitro. La jugabilidad es la maxima de este juego, sin perder la esencia de poder conducir un montón de coches distintos. Las siguientes entregas no fueron mejor que esta, la única a la altura quizás sea el Most Wanted.
  55. dandalis
    Nov 14, 2016
    8
    In my opinion the PS2 version of Underground 2 is the one to get if you have the choice between the PC or PS2. Optimazation on PC isnt as good and game doesnt look that good on a modern monitor as on a CRT TV where game has more vibrant black tones making the game more immersive, where as on PC it can look quite washed out if played on a modern system, also PC version crashes A LOT onIn my opinion the PS2 version of Underground 2 is the one to get if you have the choice between the PC or PS2. Optimazation on PC isnt as good and game doesnt look that good on a modern monitor as on a CRT TV where game has more vibrant black tones making the game more immersive, where as on PC it can look quite washed out if played on a modern system, also PC version crashes A LOT on modern Windows versions.… Expand
  56. Arthur123
    Mar 22, 2018
    9
    A evolução do Need anterior com mais customização do seu carro,com músicas melhores ainda quem não lembra da sua abertura Rise On The Storm do Snoop Dogg,junto com o 1° Undergroun e o Most Wanted formam os 3 melhores Needs já lançados.
  57. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 5, 2022
    8
    Need for Speed Underground 2 is bigger than the first game, but not quite as good. Unfortunately, there some flaws in the design. The lack of a fast travel option leads to a lot of wasted time. You have to drive to every single race which quickly becomes tiresome. You also have to drive to several shops scattered throughout the city for every type of car mod. Of course, that's somethingNeed for Speed Underground 2 is bigger than the first game, but not quite as good. Unfortunately, there some flaws in the design. The lack of a fast travel option leads to a lot of wasted time. You have to drive to every single race which quickly becomes tiresome. You also have to drive to several shops scattered throughout the city for every type of car mod. Of course, that's something racers have to do in real life. But it's an aspect that doesn't work in a video game. There are also a few other missteps. The product placement is a distraction, the SUV races are pointless and there's no visible vehicle damage. That being said, the core gameplay is still very good and the graphics are amazing. There's more vehicles, customization and modes than in the previous game. In addition, there is a test run track that gearheads will really appreciate. However, the sense of speed isn't quite as fast as it was in the first "Underground". Overall though, this sequel is very entertaining. I would rate it with an 8.5 out of 10.… Expand
  58. RafaelBarrera
    Feb 25, 2019
    10
    It's the best Need for Speed, and everyone knows it. The customization of vehicles, the open-world, the hided shops, the amount of different cars and the duration of the game, as a Need for Speed it's the best.
  59. MatikTheSeventh
    Oct 10, 2020
    8
    I remember playing the game on my PS2 every night before sleep until the console broke during free play and the screen got for ever stuck on my green car speeding through the city.
  60. Noah-
    Mar 16, 2019
    9
    Very cool game. Good soundtracks. A wide variety of tuning machines and setting up each machine for themselves. Many racing modes, especially I liked to play drift.
  61. Kostas101
    Oct 11, 2021
    7
    This is the first videogame I've ever played, it's the reason why I started playing videogames, and for it's time it was an amazing game, but unfortunately it didn't age very well. I feel like I'm giving this game a lower score than what it normally deserves, but it's because it's not as good as it used to be, however, it's still is a pretty good game. One thing that was ahead of it's timeThis is the first videogame I've ever played, it's the reason why I started playing videogames, and for it's time it was an amazing game, but unfortunately it didn't age very well. I feel like I'm giving this game a lower score than what it normally deserves, but it's because it's not as good as it used to be, however, it's still is a pretty good game. One thing that was ahead of it's time was the car customization for sure, you can pretty much customize everything. Lastly, the music was great, Riders on the Storm is a very iconic videogame song and it was always a pleasure to listen to it every time I booted up the game.… Expand
  62. luiznark
    Mar 22, 2023
    10
    O melhor NFS de todos, sem dúvida. Deveria ter um remake dessa obra prima. Melhor que todos esses Need que vem sendo lançados.
  63. Steven521
    Aug 11, 2020
    9
    This entire generation on the PS4 two things have been nonexistent out of all the great exclusives we’re lacking a really great Fighting game both online and offline. We are also lacking a really great racing game on this console i thought need for speed 2015 would be a modern version of this game but it turned out to have less content than a phone game and just all graphics which might iThis entire generation on the PS4 two things have been nonexistent out of all the great exclusives we’re lacking a really great Fighting game both online and offline. We are also lacking a really great racing game on this console i thought need for speed 2015 would be a modern version of this game but it turned out to have less content than a phone game and just all graphics which might i add were worst than this game which is over a decade old. I believe we need this game ported over to the ps4 for $20 asap make it happen EA exactly the same dont change a thing because this generation needs to know how fun racing can be Gran turismo Sport Asetto corsa project cars and drive club aint it chief we need Need for Speed UnderGround 2 back on consoles 9/10… Expand
  64. Nomax
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    Шедевр классики, не знаю сколько раз ее проходил на PC и PS2. Проверку временем она точно прошла!
  65. MrFlo
    Jun 4, 2020
    8
    Aaah nostalgia. When EA made very good games. NFSU2 was a arcade racing game specialized in tuning. You had an infinite choice to customise your car, and a little small but very beautiful city named "Bayview", referring to LA and San Fransisco !

    Circuits, Sprints, Drags, Drifts and Street X were fun, but the Underground Racing League... slightly boring. Starting pursuits with AI during    Aaah nostalgia. When EA made very good games. NFSU2 was a arcade racing game specialized in tuning. You had an infinite choice to customise your car, and a little small but very beautiful city named "Bayview", referring to LA and San Fransisco !

    Circuits, Sprints, Drags, Drifts and Street X were fun, but the Underground Racing League... slightly boring. Starting pursuits with AI during freerun were also cool, and we could finish the career with every car ! (Excepted SUV's)

    However, the career were repetitive, and there was no police. But this wasn't disturbing.
    Funny scenario but not remarkable.
    Nevertheless, the tracklist were amazing : we were entilted to hip hop, rock and electro !

    Undergound 2 has aged since, but still intresting and enjoyable !    … Expand
  66. kuku_02
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    When I was 5, my older cousin gave me this game, he said'' you will love this game". I said, "okay". I boot up my ps2, and after hours of car racing, I was in love with this game. the music is so nostalgia, I remember spending hours customizing my cars. this is a nostalgia trip.
  67. mingauk
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    o jogo é simplesmente maravilhoso! personalização dos carros é simplesmente incrível, os graficos são lindos (mesmo pra época) e a coloração do game também é muito boa.
  68. arnuall06
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Sin duda el mejor juego de carreras de la generación y uno de los mejores de la historia,las físicas la música y los gráficos son de los mejores que han habido en la saga, es un juego que cualquier fan de los juegos de carreras ha de jugar
  69. Ardho
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    Riders on the storm........brah brah brah.......
    beautiful memories, the most complete and fun car modification
    i love my orange supra XD
  70. The_D4RknesS
    Jun 23, 2022
    9
    Great game but lack of destruction of cars and for me and it would be essential for the game to see a 10

    This game is only inferior to midnight club in terms of car customization
  71. maan615
    May 17, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Definitely the Best Car Game I've Ever Played: Need for Speed Underground 1

    If you're a fan of racing games, you know that the Need for Speed franchise has been a staple of the genre for decades. However, for me, the best game in the series has always been the original Need for Speed Underground, released in 2003. It's definitely the best car game I've ever played, and here's why.

    First and foremost, the game's customization options are unparalleled. From the moment you start playing, you're given the ability to tweak every aspect of your vehicle, from the paint job to the performance upgrades. And the options are extensive, allowing you to create a car that truly reflects your personal style and preferences.

    But the customization isn't just limited to aesthetics. You also have the ability to modify your car's performance, with a wide range of engine upgrades, suspension tweaks, and more. This allows you to fine-tune your car to your specific driving style, giving you a real sense of ownership over your vehicle.

    Of course, all of this customization would be for naught if the gameplay itself wasn't up to par. Thankfully, Need for Speed Underground delivers in spades. The racing is fast-paced and exhilarating, with tight controls that allow for precise steering and acceleration. The AI opponents are challenging but fair, with each race feeling like a true test of skill.

    But what really sets the game apart is its underground racing scene. As you progress through the game, you're introduced to a cast of characters who make up the underground racing community. You'll compete against them in races, earn their respect, and ultimately become the king of the street racing scene. It's a compelling narrative arc that adds an extra layer of depth and immersion to the game.

    And let's not forget about the game's soundtrack, which is arguably one of the best in any racing game. Featuring a mix of hip-hop, rock, and electronic music, the soundtrack perfectly captures the game's urban, underground vibe.

    All in all, I can confidently say that Need for Speed Underground 1 is the best car game I've ever played. Its extensive customization options, thrilling racing, and compelling narrative make it a must-play for any racing game fan. If you haven't played it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  72. HarryAMS
    May 25, 2023
    10
    It was great on PC but on PS2 it is even another dimension of gaming, hundreds of hours spent on this game as a kid
  73. Erikons777
    May 26, 2023
    10
    10 just 10 it's too perfect eeeeeeee

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best PS2 Game of 2004
11
#11 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
19
#19 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. The Sydney Morning Herald
    80
    While the driving action isn't quite as satisfying as the superb "Burnout 3," it's still strong enough to keep you playing through the 150 or so races.
    Read full review
  2. Siliconera
    80
    If you don't mind searching the city for action, Need for Speed Underground 2 gives you a chance to become the best street racer out there.
    Read full review
  3. TotalPlayStation
    90
    Everything from the first game has been done better, cleaner and with more emphasis, but the free-roaming city is a double-edged sword, offering a sprawling metropolis to navigate, but a bit too much travelling in some spots.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »