The game itself has retained most of the features of its console bigger brothers. There is a quick race option, as well as multiplayer support, and the main mode which is the "Go Underground" mode. Unlike the console versions, this game doesn't force the player to drive around mindlessly looking for the next challenge, but rather presents all the options in a very straight forward menu. Whilst the quick select option is appreciated, it is just one of the examples of how stripped down the Nintendo DS version is. Some of the race types selectable from the underground option include circuit mode, drag and own the zone. The own the zone mode is a little bizarre, where the objective is to obtain the most "zones" in a track.
Nitro is winning the race, fancy that
EA has included some Nintendo DS exclusives, the first being mini games. The mini games don't add anything unique to the experience, and feel more like a tacked on way to ensure the game's price is justified. The mini games aren't available from the start, and must be gradually unlocked.
Various real cars have made it into the roster, with the Supra, Skyline and various Mazadas making the cut. This is one of the strongest assets of the game, as none of the models have been sacrified in the transition to the portable handheld.
The bottom screen is fairly well utilised. All menus can be navigated through the touch screen, but it is often more practical to just use the buttons. The touch screen features a map of the track, as well as the time elapsed and your race position. NOS in the game is also navigated through the touch screen, but this concept isn't really utilised until later in the game.
Car modification fans will be pleased to know that they can fully upgrade their car. However with the average graphics it is unlikely to keep you interested for long and quickly becomes a chore. However, if it makes to keep your interest, there is definitely a lot of modification to be done, and this is what puts this game a notch above the below average Ridge Racer.
EA = Extremely Average?
Game play wise there is one thing that really disappoints us about this game - the handling. Whilst it isn't as bad as Ridge Racer, the handling is still very stiff, and extremely frustrating from the beginning. The actual handling makes so little sense at all that it is unlikely you'll ever get used to it. This is the real killer, and detracts from the rest of the game play. The game provides a decent sense of speed, but with a lack of obstacles or cars on the tracks, the environments don't feel very vibrant.
Graphically the game is a bit of a mixed bag. It runs at a very consistant frame-rate, but some things have had to suffer in the process. There is a general lack of, well, anything on the track, such as traffic. The tracks don't feel very lively, and they aren't very extensive, so we're not sure why they had to be cut back so much. The cars themselves are fairly recognisable, but we did expect more.
The sound is very average. The engine sounds are the best in a Nintendo DS title yet, but the actual musical soundtrack will have you reaching to turn the olume down very quickly. The speakers just aren't strong enough to pump out what EA are trying to do, so the result is a bland, overly loud, yet poor quality song.
To get to this level of nitrous you really need to play for a long time
The game should last a decent amount of time. Those who have the patience and want to play through the entire underground mode will appreciate how long it will take. There is also wireless multiplayer support which extends the replayability of the game even more. However, with the sense of handling feeling completely unfair, we doubt many people will be patient enough to play through it.
The reality with this game is that if you pay an extra $10 you can get Need for Speed: Underground Rivals on the PSP. If you don't have a PSP, then pick up the platinum version of Underground 2. If you simply must have a DS version of Underground 2 then you'd better be prepared to buy an inferior product. Check out Asphalt Urban GT instead.
This review is brought to you courtesy of Infinite Gameplay, with unlimited game rentals starting from $19.95 a month.
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