Need for Speed: Underground

"Need for Speed: Underground", released in 2003, became a real hit and a new stage in the development of racing games. And this is one of my favorite games from the famous series. She not only rebooted the franchise, but also set a new standard for arcade racing. Inspired by the popularity of the Fast and the Furious movie (well, I think the developers couldn't do without a Hollywood movie here), the game immerses in the atmosphere of a bright, lively, nocturnal city, where competing at breakneck speeds is more than just a sport.

I still like the game for its graphics. The city at night looks amazing thanks to the glare of light on the wet streets, neon signs and flashing car headlights. Every detail, from realistic car models to the atmospheric night, creates a sense of full-fledged presence. Cars are reflected in the wet asphalt, and the color scheme makes you fall in love with the game from the very first minutes.

The game takes place in a night-time metropolis full of bright lights, diverse streets and spectacular views. The city is not open, but each track is executed with attention to detail. Narrow city streets, overpasses, and tunnels are ideal for high-speed driving. This atmosphere is undoubtedly a nod to the aesthetics of the Fast and the Furious: Fast-paced racing, style, speed and danger at every turn.

One of the main features of the game is the opportunity not only to buy, but also to improve cars. Licensed models of real cars, from "Honda" to "Mitsubishi", allow you to feel like a real street racer. Tuning in the "Underground" is a separate art form. There are a lot of possibilities here - replacement of body kits, installation of spoilers, neon lighting, choice of colors, vinyls and even discs. You can make the car faster and more powerful by improving the engine, turbocharging, suspension, transmission and other elements that directly affect speed and handling. And a racer can create his own style - each element makes the car unique, adding beauty and aesthetics.

The gameplay in "Need for Speed: Underground" combines arcade simplicity with an exciting sense of speed. Cars behave differently depending on their class and settings, as well as the type of race. In rings and sprints, this is the usual standard management. If you have to race in a straight line, then it's generally cool - you need to keep an eye on the tachometer and change gears in time so as not to burn down the engine and get ahead of your rivals.

One of the notable aspects of the game is how cars feel on the road. Physics offered a good balance between arcade controls and realism. Cars confidently enter turns at high speeds, but require some skill in difficult maneuvers. This is especially noticeable in drag racing, where one wrong move can lead to an accident.

For winning races and successfully completing conditions on the tracks, players earn a reputation, which opens up new levels of difficulty, tracks and tuning opportunities. This system encourages you to experiment and improve your skills. Although, moving through your Career and just winning race after race, you will be able to enjoy all the features of the game. But still, the player needs to properly allocate the money earned between improving the performance of the car and cosmetic upgrades. This periodically poses a choice: to make the car faster or brighter?

The soundtrack deserves special mention. Compositions from famous artists such as Lil Jon, with his iconic "Get Low", create a great mood and perfectly complement the dynamic gameplay. Music energizes you and makes you win over and over again.

Although there is no complicated drama in the game, the plot adds motivation. The player is a novice racer who rises through the ranks, gaining the respect of other drivers and defeating rivals in a number of races. The characters you encounter help create a sense of belonging to a real racing community. The game even has small videos that are designed to promote the plot.

"Need for Speed: Underground" not only relaunched the series, but also created a new trend in racing games, where the focus is on street racing and customization. Many mechanics, such as drag racing, became branded for several subsequent installments. "Underground" is about more than just racing. This is a story about speed, style, and the fight for first place. The game pleases with graphics, atmosphere and sophisticated tuning, becoming a real holiday for fans of cars and street racing. Despite the lack of an open world, each race brings joy, and attention to detail makes the game unforgettable.

10 out of 10.

Ahhh, Need For Speed Underground, one of my favorite games ever and one from my childhood too. The reason why I love it so much and still remembering it is because by the exquisit soundtrack, one of the best city(racing.levels and the ambience) I've seen on a game, oh yeah and memorable characters and cars.

And of course I can't forget about the cars and cars customization, this was the s*** back then on 2003 (one of my favorite years from music, movies and games in general), vinyls, stickers, extreme perfomance modifications, etc.

Although my favorite from the NFS series will be the older ones and hot pursuit 2, this one has a special place on my mind. Everything I've said may sounded exaggerated but this is my first review on this site lol.

Need for Speed Underground is a game that will forever be remembered by many gamers. It became a part of childhood for countless fans of arcade racing, leaving a lasting and vivid impression. This game didn't just captivate; it became a symbol of its time, igniting a passion for street racing, tuning, and the thrill of speed in many players. For numerous gamers, it was their first opportunity to dive into the world of nighttime races, customized cars, and adrenaline-pumping competition. Even after years, when the gaming industry has taken a massive leap forward, Need for Speed Underground remains one of those games that's still enjoyable to return to, time and time again.

The first thing that stands out is the graphics and controls, which, despite the age of the game, still look quite good even today. The developers did everything they could to bring to life the atmosphere of a nighttime city, where street racers turn the asphalt into a battlefield for their cars. The glow of streetlights, neon reflections, and city lights all contribute to an unforgettable atmosphere that remains dynamic, even by modern standards. The vehicle handling is still smooth and easy to master, making the game accessible for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned racers. This simplicity in controls allows players to fully enjoy each element of the gameplay without being distracted by unnecessary complexities.

However, despite all these strengths, there are a few areas that could be considered weak points. One notable issue is with the artificial intelligence (AI) of the opponents. From time to time, they behave rather strangely, making illogical or even nonsensical maneuvers that might confuse or surprise the player. Such moments can, of course, complicate the gameplay and even cause some frustration when a rival suddenly veers off course or makes other erratic moves. Nonetheless, some players find that these unpredictable actions actually add a surprise element to the game, making it more exciting and less predictable. Perhaps it's precisely this bit of chaos that gives the game its unique flavor.

The game's story is nothing special and is quite basic for its genre, which, however, does not lead to disappointment. Games of this type rarely require deep or intricate plots, as the main focus here is always on speed, driving skills, and adrenaline. The story serves its purpose - it's a backdrop for the events but doesn't interfere with the core enjoyment, which is the racing itself. This allows players to concentrate on what truly matters: racing, winning, and honing their driving skills.

Speed, variety of tracks, and car modifications are the true heart of Need for Speed Underground. The ability to tune your car, customize its appearance, and enhance its performance added depth to the game and allowed each player to create their unique vehicle. The wide array of available modifications opened up endless possibilities for creativity, giving players the chance to express their individuality.

Overall, Need for Speed Underground remains a legendary game that influenced an entire generation of gamers. Regardless of time, it continues to impress with its dynamic gameplay, atmosphere, and opportunities. This game is not just a part of gaming history; it's a true symbol of its era. And I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience real adrenaline and dive into the world of street racing.

I'm not a big fan of racing games. I think they are boring and closed ended. With the exception of Mario Kart Need for Speed was a cool unique game. The gameplay and graphics were the best I've felt for any racing game.

NFSU was a great racing game for pc, despite the bar being set real low for racing games. It was just so smooth, colourful and a blitz to play.

This game is magic, soundtrack, personalizations for cars, gameplay, sound effects, everything is good.