Need for Speed: Underground 2 is an iconic racing game that was released in 2004 by Electronic Arts (EA). It was the eighth installment in the Need for Speed series and the direct sequel to Need for Speed: Underground, which was released in 2003. The game was developed by EA Black Box and was made available for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS.
The game is
set in a fictional city called Bayview, which is based on Los Angeles,
California. The player takes on the role of a street racer who is trying to
make a name for themselves in the underground racing scene. The game has an
open-world environment, which allows players to explore the city and take part
in various races and challenges.
Gameplay
Need for Speed: Underground 2 has a variety of gameplay modes that cater to different types of players. The game features a career mode, which is the main mode of the game. In this mode, the player must work their way up the ranks of the underground racing scene by completing various races and challenges. The player earns money by winning races, which can be used to purchase and customize their vehicles.
The game also features a quick race mode, which allows players to race against the computer or another player without any career mode progression. This mode is great for players who just want to jump into the game and race without any story or objectives.
Another gameplay mode is the drift mode, which requires players to slide their vehicles around corners and maintain a high score. Drifting is a significant part of the underground racing scene, and mastering it is essential for players who want to progress in the career mode.
The game
also features a customization mode, which allows players to modify their
vehicles to their liking. The player can change the paint job, add body kits,
change the rims, and upgrade the engine, among other things. The customization
options are extensive, and players can create unique vehicles that stand out
from the rest.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Need for Speed: Underground 2 is one of the game's most memorable aspects. The game features a variety of songs from different genres, including hip hop, rock, and electronic music. The soundtrack includes songs from artists such as Snoop Dogg, Chingy, The Doors, Queens of the Stone Age, and Rob Zombie.
The music in
the game is not just a background feature but an integral part of the racing
experience. The songs are carefully curated to match the high-speed racing
action and enhance the overall gaming experience. The game also allows players
to customize their own playlist and add their favorite songs to the game.
Graphics
Need for Speed: Underground 2 was released during the early days of gaming, and the graphics of the game were impressive for its time. The game features realistic car models and an open-world environment that is filled with life. The game's visuals are still impressive even by today's standards, and the graphics have aged well over the years.
The game's
graphics also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the game. The neon lights
and the city's bustling streets create an immersive experience that transports
players to the underground racing scene.
Legacy
Need for Speed: Underground 2 was a commercial success, and it received critical acclaim from both players and critics. The game's open-world environment, extensive customization options, and memorable soundtrack set the bar for future racing games.
The game's
success led to the development of several sequels, including Need for Speed:
Most Wanted, Need for Speed: Carbon, and Need for Speed: ProStreet. However,
many fans of the series consider Need for Speed: Underground 2 to be the best
game in the
