Need for Speed Underground 2

STORY / GAMEPLAY
In a racing game like this, speed is the main story! Get behind the wheel in one of the 30 in total available cars and own the streets from dusk till dawn. Explore the city, encountering underground races, hideouts, secret shops and unexpected challengers. With its comprehensive performance tuning options, all-new game modes and the most sought-after cars on the roads, Need for Speed Underground 2 delivers the most authentic car-tuning experience ever.

GRAPHICS / SOUND
Gamecube does well here! Technically the game is almost similar to the much more powerful XBOX. Compared to previous games of the series, NFS2: Underground features wider environments, more particle effects and better lighting as well as different reflections on the cars as the day changes. When you hit the brakes or spin your car at crazy speeds, there is lots of smoke coming out from your rear tires and when you use your nitro the speed effect looks amazing. These elements add a lot to the game's realism. The car models are well detailed compared to other GameCube racers and the in-game textures are good, though some of them are a bit blurry from up close. Nevertheless, you are racing all of the time so you won't really notice those details. Unfortunately, the frame rate is one of the game's cons. It just sucks! We were expecting smoother animation from the Cube but... no luck! On the other hand, the sound is not disappointing at all. The car engine sounds are amazing and when buying new upgrades for your car, the sound gets wilder and wilder!