[GAME MASTER]Need For Speed Underground 2

For those who are fast and furious, “Need for Speed Underground 2” provides the perfect opportunity for pure excitement and the thrill of racing through an urban landscape, without the need to worry about getting a speeding ticket.
Like the original game, the sequel is set in a city-based racing environment, with the difference that in the new game, the player is given access to all racing circuits. The driver has the opportunity to cruise through the various tracks in a single journey, as opposed to taking each one separately.
The architecture of the various circuits is smoothly rendered in a manner that makes it appear to be one continuous race. Different routes can be traced using a global positioning system, with an arrow on the screen guiding the driver to the final destination. This helps the driver search for hidden shops that provide extra gadgets for his vehicle, and look for different types of races,including circuits, sprints and even underground racing leagues, all of which appear randomly on a world map. Even while cruising, a race challenge may be issued, indicated by a message blinking at the top of the screen.
The various circuits are split into five regions within a city; they give the driver the opportunity to actually test his or her technical driving skills, which isn’t easy. Some of the tracks have far more corners to turn than others; others have lots of hills to climb.
The curves are much harder than in the original game. One comes right after another, which can lead to bad skids and collisions with oncoming cars.
There is a long, straight stretch near an airport area that allows the driver to actually hit the gas. However, there seems to be less speed involved than in the original, which lessens the excitement.
Also, those underground races don’t seem to involve very much that’s illegal, as they should; otherwise, what’s the point of underground racing? They also don’t throw enough obstacles at you, such as oncoming cars. “Need for Speed 2” really needs some speed, and some extra excitement, to distinguish it from its competitors.
Verdict: This second “Need for Speed” edition is more advanced than its predecessor. It is neither too difficult nor too easy, which should help keep players interested. The game is fairly challenging, and its various circuits test the technical skills of the driver and give the game some spice.
Oddly enough, though, the speed seems to have disappeared. And since the selling point here is underground, illegal racing, it’s a mystery why there aren’t more obstacles like road blocks and pursuing police, or trucks and motorcycles to avoid.
Still, the game offers a wide variety of cool driving scenery to look at as you navigate the various circuits. The racing itself is definitely the best part of the game, however.

by Lee Ho-jeong