This’ll be another short review, due to me currently playing Ghost of Tsushima as the next big review, which is taking up most of my time. Also due to the fact we all know you’d prefer a bigger, better review on Underground 2 which will most definitely be happening. So this’ll just be a very brief and quick rundown of the overall game, just to tide you tasty peeps over. As having missed a review last week due tot he Queens Jubilee weekend and me eating my way through to an early grave.
Having not played either Undergrounds for at least 15 years if not slightly longer, outside of my fond memories of them I had for the most part forgotten what they were like. I remember all of the customisation but to what degree, ’twas an unknown.
This game has no free roam, which was a first in it’s sequel, but it did introduce the first proper sort of campaign. Not much to it really, your character just wants to be the best street racer with a big ‘ol reputation. You get your standard few choices of cars to begin with, I chose the Mazda MX-5 as it had slightly less speed then the Dodge but better handling. Ironically handling in this game is a beaten bag of dicks. It just isn’t good even with upgrades, you will still randomly lose control or just smash into a barrier for no real reason. Ruining the race for you as more often than not it’ll keep happening each race. This in it self is a shame as the rest of the racing for a game of it’s age still feels great. Even with the looming shadow of the dog shit handling, if you are racing nice and clean, one mistake will make your opponents super happy to capitalise on it. This gives a sense of real competition even if you are only ever against 3 other drivers.
One nice feature of this game comes with the high options of visual and more importantly performance upgrades. So the focus is more on the cars you can buy and use. Rather then starting with flash new super cars in the newer entries. The idea is firmly rooted in the Japanese performance car racing. So instead of tearing through the streets in a Porshe or Lambo you are still blasting round the streets in your shitty neon glowing, nitro powered starter car for ages. You can upgrade your; engine, tires, ECU, drivetrain, turbo, brakes, weight reduction and suspension. I’m sure I’m probably missing something there still but you get the point.
All the different modes are the standards for arcade style racers. You have lapped circuits, sprints, time trials, drifting and my favourite the drag racing. With every few races ending in a tournament, which is pointed and the highest points at the end win, simple enough right? This game is oldschool in the sense to move on, you have to come first. As some games would allow for second or even third place to move on. This game cares not for your struggles, first or go home. Before each event you can pick easy,medium or hard which increases the prize pool. Most areas or fairly linear, but with one or two little deviations which ultimately don’t seem to make any difference in timings. The same goes for the random choice of NPC car populated races, which are easy to avoid most the time, but if you do hit one, enjoy being stuck to it forever. Actions you perform during your race will accumulate style points, which go into it’s own special metre and once filled it unlocks new vinyls and visuals for your cars. That’s the general jist of the game, with the customisation being the highlight of the game.
Overall I was fairly impressed by this game still, the graphics aren’t the sharpest but do the job. The skyline and surroundings do vary in quality, especially the very static buildings in the distance. The driving is mostly fun but can be ruined by terrible handling at times.
I’d certify this game a sound, Tasty 6/10.
Microsoft Xbox 17th November 2003.
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