Let’s face it - whether you like it or not, the underground racing genre has taken over racing games lately. Almost every single developer that creates racing games has released their unique spin on this underground racing scene. Owners of the Nintendo DS will finally be able to get their hands on the latest underground street racing, Need for Speed Underground 2. How does this game stack up, compared to the console brethren? Read on to find out more.

There are several modes of play for the gamers out there. There is race now, mini games, go underground, and multiplayer. If you choose you can play in the race now mode, which boils down to a quick action-packed race. The mini games will allow players to hone their racing skills such as control, endurance, timing, and precision while driving. Go Underground mode will allow you to go through a series of races to prove that you are the best racer in the town.

Unlike the console versions of the game, the Nintendo DS version of Need for Speed Underground 2 doesn’t have an in-depth story mode. When you go to the “go underground” mode, you can choose from a series of races in four different racing modes to prove that you are the best on the road. The races are Circuit, Own the Zone, Drag, and some mini games; the more you win the more items you can unlock such as cars, tracks, and upgrades for various cars. To choose which race type you want to do, just highlight an event and then press the “A” button and race. It is really simple and disappointing if you have played any of the console versions.

The Circuit mode is a simple race where you try to be the first one to cross the finish line. Own the Zone is where you try to obtain the fastest time on each section of the race track. Drag race, which is my favorite mode, is when you try to get from point A to point B in the fastest time. In order to do this you will have to step on the gas pedal and change gears constantly to make sure you are ahead of the competition. If you shift too early you will lose precious car power, and if you shift too late you could fry your engine.

Having played this game on the Xbox with its analog controls, and the PC with a steering wheel, I was very curious to see how the driving was going to compare since you have to use the digital pad. Surprisingly the game handles very well using the pad. While the game might not be as responsive as using a steering wheel or analog control, this game feels nice.

Since the DS is dual screen, people might be wondering how this game takes advantage of that. Well the top screen is used for the actual race, and the bottom shows the track map, as well lap times. The cars are color coded dots that are racing on the track. You can find out who is who by using the legend in the corner.

The graphics for Need for Speed Underground 2 are really good on the DS screens. The cars are modeled and have a really nice crisp feel to them. The only problem is that darker colors are harder to distinguish, especially when you are on the race track. This might cause you to crash into something that you might not have normally. The environments are pretty detailed as well. The neon lights show up really nice on the LCD screens.

Music for Need for Speed Underground 2 for the DS is really disappointing. While the console versions had licensed music that really fit the entire game, the DS gets really generic music that is just sub-par. The music element really defines the type of game that you are playing and is especially important in a game of this nature. Also the game’s sound effects are very generic. All of the engines sound exactly alike, no matter which car you are driving. This is also disappointing.

Need for Speed Underground 2 is rated E for Everyone. It also supports four-person wireless multiplayer.

Gameplay: 7.8
Even though the DS does not have an analog control, the game is really responsive.

Graphics: 8.2
Need for Speed Underground 2 looks really nice, and does a good job of mimicking the console versions.

Sound: 7.2
Instead of getting the great music that is in the console versions, players are stuck with generic music and very generic engine sounds for each of the cars.

Difficulty: Medium
Need for Speed Underground 2 will provide some challenges for you. Some of the races are harder than others, but it will never be too hard where you will want to quit.

Concept: 7.4
The whole “underground street racing” does not have the same “wow” factor as it did a few years ago. Also it is a shame that the developers didn’t incorporate more ideas to take advantage of the second screen.

Multiplayer: N/A
Need for Speed Underground 2 supports up to four-person wireless multiplayer.

Overall: 7.7
Need for Speed Underground 2 is a great game on the PC and various consoles. While the transition to the Nintendo DS could have been better, this game will still keep you occupied for some time.