User Rating: 9.9 | Need for Speed Underground XBOX
Wow, just wow. This game nailed it, it nailed it more than any other nfs game ever has. Allow me to break this review down into sections for and easier read. First off, we have....... Gameplay: The gameplay is excellent. I love the vast amount of upgrades, cars, paint jobs, decals, etc. That are available. It really adds to the realism. I also beleive that the cars handle very realisticly and change as much as they should when upgraded properlly. In other words, and control upgrade to the vehicle will be noticeable, and you won't wish you hadn't gotten it. This applies to many other upgrades as well. Graphics: Quite simply, the visuals in this game are rediculously good. This is the first racing game I have played where I actually got a sense of speed while driving. All the effects are there, the camera shake, the motion blur, the light trails, EVERYTHING! And I just love the reflective road surfaces. Then theres the reflective cars, they look top notch. If you look closely, even the reflections in the road and the cars are blurred. God what realism. The Nitro effect rivals that of many loved special effects throughout gaming history. I can honestly say it is among my favorites. It makes you feel as if your surroundings suddenly move so fast, that they almost seen to stretch the fabric of space. It's quite an amazing effect. Sound: Great sound, it is a common trait that all need for speed games share. The sound in NFS Underground is the best of the series yet. Motors are thunderous and bass filled. Nitrous is high pitched and amazingly accurate. And I just love it when I pass a car on the street going 160 mph, and I here the SWOOF sound that is very common in Hollywood car chase scenes. The only reason I gave the sound in this game a 9 is because I believe there could have been a larger variety of these amazingly well done sound effects. But remember, more quality can sometimes mean less quanity, and thats exactly what has been done with NFS Underground. Value: Tons of parts, lots of races, varying gameplay modes, multiplayer competition, and many cars. All of these aspects make for great replay value, and a very exciting game. Tilt: Midnight Club 2 sucks compared to this game. And besides that, there isn't really any "Modern street racing" games available. Nitrous is awsome. Visuall effects are strong and glorious. Sound is ambient and accurate. Very innovative game, loved every bit of it. NFS has done it again. Variety is something they do well, and I'm glad for that. I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys a great racing game. I also recommend that you buy and not rent the game do to the fact that it will most likely take you much longer than 6 or 7 days to complete, unless of course you play 24/7 for the week you have it, which is completely rediculous.
