Need for Speed: Underground 2

8.3 / 10

Release Date

9 November 2004

Platforms

Xbox • Nintendo GameCube • PC • PlayStation 2

Publisher

Electronic Arts

Developer

EA Black Box

01Overview

Need for Speed: Underground 2 is a street racing game and the first entry in the series to feature an open-world environment. Set in the fictional city of Bayview, players drive freely between events while building their reputation through Circuit, Sprint, Drift, Drag, Street X, Outrun, and Underground Racing League competitions. Career progression gradually opens new districts, cars, parts, and events, while sponsorship contracts provide additional race objectives and rewards. Players can challenge roaming racers directly in Outrun events or search the city for hidden shops and races between scheduled competitions. Vehicle customization covers both performance and appearance. Players can upgrade engines, transmissions, suspension, tires, brakes, turbo systems, nitrous, and other components, then fine-tune settings through the Dyno for different types of racing. Visual customization includes body kits, spoilers, wheels, paint, vinyls, lighting, audio equipment, and other parts that contribute to a car’s visual rating. SUVs appear alongside the returning tuner cars and have their own events, while progression through Bayview ties racing success, sponsorships, and vehicle customization together.