Need for Speed Underground 2

Need for Speed Underground 2 is an arcade racing video game, developed by EA Black Box for Windows PC and several other platforms in 2004.



As a direct sequel to the 2003’s NFS: Underground, this game successfully managed to improve many of the aspects of its predecessor and offers fans of this popular franchise access to streamlined gameplay features, new modes of play, improved pacing of the main campaign, more activities in the open-world environment, broader car customization support, and improved audio/visual presentation.

The story of this game is a direct continuation of the events that happened in the original NFS Underground for PC, with the main player moving from fictional Olympic City to Bayview, where he gets involved in another struggle between various criminal organizations, police forces and underground racing culture where only the best drivers can rise to the status of the best underground racer in Bayview.



The NFSU2 gameplay modes allow much more freedom than in previous NFS games, and include not only the modes present in the first Underground game (such as Sprint, Circuit, Drift and Drag races), but also a wide array of new modes such as Street X, Special Events, Outruns, and Underground Racing League set of tournaments.

Following the tradition of the first game, players of Need for Speed Underground 2 can also extensively customize their cars, including both internal parts and all external panels and visual add-ons such as vinyl, decals, custom gear (nitrous, under neon glow, etc.). Upgrade of car’s performance can be done either via the manual purchase of parts or by getting upgrade packages.

The game supports individual tuning of several distinct areas of the car, such as turbo, suspension, gear ratios, brake bias, aerodynamics, and more.
 
In addition to the long and diverse singleplayer campaign, it also featured extensive support for online events, but sadly official servers were shut down years ago. PC players however still have the option to play together with friends using the LAN mode.



After selling more than 11 million copies and breaking franchise records both on PC and home consoles, Need for Speed Underground 2 still manages to impress to this day with its addictive gameplay, visual appeal and the incredibly strong presence of “early” NFS games that are still held in high regard.

Main Features

Open World Exploration: Unlike its predecessor, it introduces a fully explorable open-world environment. Players can drive around the city of Bayview, discovering new races, challenges, and shops to customize their vehicles.

Extensive Vehicle Customization: It offers an unprecedented level of customization, allowing players to modify nearly every aspect of their cars. From performance upgrades like engines, turbochargers, and suspension to aesthetic changes like paint jobs, body kits, and vinyl decals, the options are nearly limitless.

Variety of Race Modes: The game features several racing modes, including Circuit, Sprint, Drag, Drift, and the newly introduced Street X and URL (Underground Racing League) events. Each mode offers a unique challenge and requires different skills to master.

Dynamic Weather and Time of Day: It introduces dynamic weather conditions, such as rain, which can affect the handling of cars and add an extra layer of challenge to races. The game also features a day-night cycle, enhancing the realism of the racing experience.

Soundtrack and Audio: The game is known for its energetic and eclectic soundtrack, featuring artists from various genres that perfectly complement the high-octane racing action. The sound design also captures the roar of engines, screeching tires, and the ambient noise of the city.

User Interface

The user interface (UI) of this game is designed to be sleek and intuitive, aligning with the game’s underground racing theme. The main menu is easy to navigate, with options to access Career mode, Quick Race, and Online play.



During gameplay, the HUD (Heads-Up Display) provides essential information such as speed, position, and lap time, while also showing a mini-map of the city, helping players navigate the streets of Bayview.

The garage and customization menus are well-organized, allowing players to easily browse and apply modifications to their vehicles.

Installation and Setup

Installing this game on a modern PC can be slightly challenging due to its age. The game was originally designed for Windows XP, so compatibility issues may arise on newer operating systems like Windows 10 or 11.

However, these can typically be resolved by running the game in compatibility mode or using third-party patches. The installation process itself is straightforward, requiring the insertion of the game discs or the use of a digital installer if you have a digital copy.

After installation, players should ensure that the game is properly configured to match their hardware specifications, particularly in terms of resolution and graphics settings.

How to Play

Starting a Career: Upon launching the game, players are encouraged to start a Career mode, which serves as the primary way to progress through the game. You'll start with a basic car and gradually upgrade it as you win races and earn money.



Exploring Bayview: The city is divided into different districts, each with its own unique style and challenges. Players can explore these areas to find new races and hidden secrets.

Participating in Races: Events are marked on the mini-map, and players can drive to these locations to participate. Winning races earns you money and reputation, unlocking new parts and cars.

Customizing Your Ride: Visit various shops scattered throughout Bayview to purchase and install new parts. Use the in-game currency earned from races to enhance both the performance and appearance of your vehicle.

Online Play: It also offers online multiplayer, allowing players to compete against others around the world. However, due to the game’s age, official servers are no longer active, so players may need to use third-party services to connect with others.

FAQ

Is Need for Speed Underground 2 available on digital platforms like Steam?
No, NFSU2 is not available on modern digital platforms like Steam or Origin. It was released before the digital distribution era, so physical copies or second-hand sources are typically needed.

Can I run NFSU2 on Windows 10/11?
Yes, but you may need to run the game in compatibility mode or apply fan-made patches to ensure smooth performance on modern operating systems.

Does the game support controllers?
Yes, it supports various controllers, including Xbox and PlayStation gamepads. However, some configuration might be necessary to optimize the controls.

Are there any mods available for NFSU2?
Yes, the modding community has developed numerous mods that enhance graphics, add new cars, or improve gameplay. These can be found on various modding websites.

Is there a way to play NFSU2 online?
Although official servers are down, you can still play online using third-party services or LAN emulators like Tunngle or Hamachi.

Pricing

Since Need for Speed Underground 2 is an older title, it’s no longer available at retail prices. The cost of acquiring a copy varies, with physical copies being sold through second-hand retailers or online marketplaces like eBay.

Prices can range from $10 to $50, depending on the condition and edition of the game.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows XP/7/8/10/11
• CPU: 933 MHz Intel Pentium III or AMD Athlon
• RAM: 256 MB
• GPU: DirectX 9.0c compatible 32 MB video card
• Storage: 2 GB available space

Recommended:

• OS: Windows XP/7/8/10/11
• CPU: 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP
• RAM: 512 MB
• GPU: DirectX 9.0c compatible 128 MB video card
• Storage: 2 GB available space

PROS

• Deep customization options.
• Immersive open-world environment.
• Varied race modes.
• Dynamic weather and time of day.

CONS

• Compatibility issues on modern systems.
• Dated graphics compared to current titles.
• Lack of official online support.