"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.
