Need for Speed: Underground

8.3 / 10

Release Date

17 November 2003

Platforms

Xbox • Nintendo GameCube • PC • PlayStation 2

Publisher

Electronic Arts

Developer

EA Black Box

01Overview

Need for Speed: Underground is an arcade street-racing game developed by EA Black Box and released in 2003. It marked a major shift for the series by moving away from exotic supercars and focusing on tuner culture, nighttime racing and extensive vehicle customization. The career mode follows the player through a series of races while building reputation and upgrading a growing collection of cars. Events include circuit races, sprints, drag races and drifting, each rewarding progress with new parts and vehicles. Customization is central to the game, with performance upgrades affecting speed, acceleration and handling while visual options include body kits, spoilers, wheels, paint and vinyl designs. The combination of street racing, licensed tuner cars and deep customization helped define the style of later Need for Speed games.