User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 253 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 15 out of 253
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  1. May 26, 2023
    10
    10 just 10 it's too perfect eeeeeeee
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
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  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
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  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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 !
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  16. Apr 22, 2020
    10
    Шедевр классики, не знаю сколько раз ее проходил на PC и PS2. Проверку временем она точно прошла!
  17. May 14, 2019
    10
    This is masterpiece. Whenever you play, its just bring good old memories no matter what.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. Mar 28, 2018
    10
    Um dos melhores jogos da historia de corrida, muitas possibilidades de tunagem, aguardando remaster
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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 .
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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!!

Awards & Rankings

38
11
#11 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
19
#19 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.