Forget the Undergorund Series . Hot pursuit 2 is the hight of the Need For Speed series...
I have also played the PS2 version and i can honestly say that the Xbox version blows it away. I was disapointed that the Ps2's Matrix cam was missing from the xbox release , but the Xbox's powerful graphics and car selection more than makes up for that loss.
The graphics are superb , with good looking cars driving fast through great looking levels. The sense of speed mite not match the Underground titles , but its still here . Only problems with the looks is the cut-away jump cam looks choppy, other than that there are no problems.
the sound is excellent with fast sounding engines , screeches , traffic and police sirens , the music selection is decent , but we can always include our very own custom soundtracks.
The game play is great , with fast races , including weaving in and out of traffic and avoiding / running away from the cops. controls are tight and responsive , altho some cars dont handle that realisticly , but for a fun arcade racer , who needs it.
Cop AI are very smart and the have commands like setting out spikestrips , calling for a helicopter to drop hazards and asking for backup, most times you will be able to get rid of them , but if you go over the spikes , you will slow down to a stop and be caught. Classic Need for speed!.
Modes include The championship mode witch incluides 30+ single race challengers ranging from lap races , lap knockout races , delivering things in a certain time and other things to keep you going . you will want to do this mode as it unlocks the best cars in the game. Quick race modes feature options like , add lap knockout , how many opponent cars , cops , laps and traffic .
you can even be the cop where you drive down the track and pick run cars off the road by bumping into them, this mode is made more interesting when you unlock some realy good looking cop cars with points you earn in races. Both these modes can be done with 2 players. there is also a free-drive mode that lets you go at your own speed along the long courses.
Presentation is superb with 20+ cars each more beautiful then the last and good looking scenic , long levels.
Even if you complete the Championship mode in a couple of days , you will keep coming back to Hot pursuit 2 when you have a friend around because its that damn fun.
Overall if you have not got this tile , and you love racers , go out and get it because its still a fun , good looking game that you will love to have in your collection.