# Need for Speed: Underground 2 Introduction *Need for Speed: Underground 2*, released in November 2004 by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts, is the eighth *Need for Speed* title and the direct sequel to *Need for Speed: Underground* (2003). It introduced the series’ first open-world environment, set in the fictional Bayview, resembling Los Angeles with hints of San Francisco and Las Vegas (*Wikipedia*). Players resume the *Underground* storyline, seeking revenge after a rival’s ambush in Olympic City, guided by Rachel Teller (voiced by Brooke Burke). The game expands customization with over 70 billion car combinations, including tuners (e.g., Nissan Skyline R34), muscle cars (e.g., Ford Mustang), and SUVs (e.g., Hummer H2). New modes like Street X and URL join Circuit, Sprint, Drag, and Drift, with free-roam exploration and Outrun races (*nfs.fandom.com*). Its neon-lit aesthetic, soundtrack (e.g., Snoop Dogg’s “Riders on the Storm” remix), and deep tuning earned a 9/10 from *IGN* and 11 million copies sold (*Wikipedia*). X posts praise its nostalgic vibe and mods like RTX Remix (*@IGN*). The GBA/DS ports are simpler, with mixed reviews (*Metacritic*: 70/100). ## Why Play Need for Speed: Underground 2? *Need for Speed: Underground 2* redefined racing games with its open-world Bayview, where players drive to race locations, explore five distinct districts (e.g., downtown, hills), and challenge AI in Outrun races (*nfs.fandom.com*). Underground Mode’s 111+ races follow a story of reclaiming street cred, facing rival Caleb. Players customize 29-31 cars (e.g., Mitsubishi Eclipse, EU-exclusive Peugeot 106) with performance upgrades (e.g., turbo, suspension) and visuals (e.g., scissor doors, neon) to earn Star Ratings for magazine covers (*Wikipedia*). Races last 2-10 minutes, with the campaign spanning 10-15 hours. New modes include Street X (tight, square-turn tracks) and URL (F1-style laps), alongside Circuit, Sprint, Drag, and Drift (*nfs.fandom.com*). The PC version offers LAN multiplayer and modding (e.g., *WidescreenFixesPack*), while PS2/Xbox add split-screen (*PCGamingWiki*). X fans call it “the best racing game ever” for its vibe (*@VertigoWarrior*). Compared to *Need for Speed: Underground*, it adds free-roam and SUVs but lacks police (*GameSpot*: 8.3/10). GBA/DS versions lose depth (*ArcadeSpot*: 30/54 votes). ## Key Features - Explore Bayview’s open-world with 5 districts; drive to races via GPS - Customize 29-31 tuner cars, muscle cars, and SUVs (e.g., Nissan 350Z, Cadillac Escalade) - 6 modes: Circuit, Sprint, Drag, Drift, Street X, URL; plus Outrun challenges - Extensive tuning: performance (gear ratio, nitrous), visuals (vinyls, rims); 70 billion combos - Multiplayer: split-screen (PS2, Xbox), LAN/Internet (PC, pre-2007 server shutdown) - Iconic soundtrack with rap, rock, and electronica; neon-lit night racing ## Key Differences: PC vs. Console vs. Handheld - **PC (2004)**: Sharp graphics, LAN multiplayer, extensive mods (e.g., RTX Remix, *WidescreenFixesPack*); SafeDisc DRM issues on Windows 10/11 (*PCGamingWiki*). *IGN*: 9/10. - **PS2/Xbox/GameCube (2004)**: Split-screen multiplayer, arcade handling; GameCube lacks online (*nfs.fandom.com*). *GameSpot*: 8.3/10. - **GBA/Nintendo DS (2005)**: 2D visuals, limited tracks/customization, wireless multiplayer (DS); less immersive (*Metacritic*: 70/100). *ArcadeSpot*: 30/54 votes. - **PSP (Underground Rivals, 2005)**: No free-roam, fewer cars, unique tracks (*nfs.fandom.com*). *GameSpot*: 7.2/10. - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground (2003)**: *Underground 2* adds open-world, Street X, URL, SUVs; *Underground* is linear (*GameSpot*). - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: *Underground 2* is an arcade racer; *Tsubasa* is a soccer RPG. - **Re-releases**: *Need for Speed: Classics* (2023, Switch/PS5) includes PC version with fixes. ## Play Need for Speed: Underground 2 Online Race now! Play *Need for Speed: Underground 2* (2004, PC/PS2/Xbox/GameCube/GBA/DS/PSP) instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using emulators. Alternatively, try it on RetroGames.cc, EmulatorGames.net (*PC ROM*), Arcadespot.com (30/54 votes), or *Need for Speed: Classics* (Switch/PS5, 2023). Physical copies cost $10-$25 (PS2/Xbox/GameCube disc), $15-$40 (PC), $8-$20 (GBA/DS cart), or $20-$50 (PSP UMD) on eBay (*PriceCharting*). Ideal for *Need for Speed* and *Underground* fans! Note: For PC, use *NFSU2 RTX Remix* or *WidescreenFixesPack* for modern systems (*PCGamingWiki*). For strategy, prioritize turbo upgrades; use Nissan Skyline R34 for Drag races. Cheat: At the main menu, enter “gimmeallcars” (PC) to unlock all vehicles (*GameFAQs*). For disc errors, create a “FOOBAR” file in the game folder (*OldGamesDownload*). Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Rule Bayview’s streets with your custom ride!