Need for Speed Underground

"A Very Pretty Frustration"

At a Glance: Need For Speed Underground looks like an amazing racing game. The graphics are spectacular, the modding is fun, but after about an hour, you learn to HATE it. Why? Read on.

Graphics: 10/10
I LOVE the graphics to this game. They are amazing. The cars are beautifully models and the real time reflections are spectacular. The city looks marvelous as well, especially with the motion blur to give a more realistic effect of high speed driving. Overall, this is where Underground excels.

Controls: 8/10
The controls are to my liking right from default. The only problem I had with them was the change of the E Brake from space to shift. In the beginning I'd go to brake and scream ''omg why am I going teh fasters?!?'' I also like the placement of the gearshift keys. Controlling the car is pretty nice, it may be more of the drift style, but I have no problem with that.

Plot: 4/10
Not much of a plot in this game, but what there is of it kinda sucks. The girl who is ''assisting'' you gets on my nerves. I honestly think they could have dropped the cut scenes to decrease the size of the game, or at least use the extra to work on some other areas.

Gameplay: 2/10
Okay, I am VERY annoyed with the gameplay now. First off, last I knew, racers preferred a LOT less crowded streets. The traffic just gets ridiculous for this game. It also probably wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the ridiculously unrealistic physics of the game as well. Hit a car and do 800 flips in the air and then spin out for 45 seconds! WOW! They could have just done hit a car and go to a stop, but they just had to be absolutely annoying with it. Also the tracks have a couple collision glitches that drive me to near suicide as well (that was inferential folks).

AI: 1/10
I don't even think there IS an AI in this game! Everything seems to follow paths a la Mario Kart. Traffic is very inhuman and will not try to avoid crashes. Racers have set multiple paths that they take and don't care if there is something completely in the way sometimes. Jeez EA, I think it's time you found some better coders.

Replayability: 6/10
This would probably be a lot higher if it was not for the fact the gameplay is so poor. The unlockable items and cars do a good job at keeping you playing. As for once everything is achieved though, I guess there is always online play.

Overall: 5
I think the only thing that gives this game an average one is the graphics. Besides that there is not much else. I would recommend you play Midnight Club 2 instead. At least it is more entertaining.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 11/24/03