Over the years, Electronic Arts' Need For Speed series has progressed into something just right for the mainstream racing crowd, with last year's Need For Speed Underground topping the list of best racing games of 2003. It even beat out Rockstar Games' heavy competitor Midnight Club 2 in terms of options and challenges, a very rare feat indeed. So, then, how does this year's sequel, Need For Speed Underground 2, fare?

Like the first game, Need For Speed Underground 2 puts you smack in the middle of an underground racing circuit in the huge city of Bayview, which is separated into the following five sections: Airport, Coal Harbor, Jackson Heights, Beacon Hill, and City Core, all of which are conveniently connected so you can transport from event to event, earning skills and points to your repertoire' as you work your way up the ranks. You start out with the basics in terms of vehicle and performance, and can earn some cash and other goodies by scoring first in race events, such as the coveted Street X racing event, where obstacles can easily get in your way as you try to out smart the vicious computer racers. Out Run is also worth mentioning, since you compete for new cars that perform reasonably better than your own, but a victory is not impossible. As you work your way through each event, new customization options and races open up, and more competition lines up to try and take you down, making you lose cash and respect.

So, basically, the plot is similar to that of the first game, where it's up to you to become king of the underground racing circuit without being left in the dust. However, to the sequel's credit, this is a different game in terms of courses that are available and places to check out. The new courses look wonderful, with lots of opportunities to drift and take advantage of other tricks to earn you points, and some later ones are sure to challenge you, as you have to retain a great sense of speed while handling some really nasty turns or blockades. The only problem is, the game itself may be just a bit too big. Some city areas take forever to get across, as you go from event to event, and you'll notice that each of these cities have plenty of traffic, yet oddly lack in anyone walking the streets. Does everyone have a car, I wonder?

Still, graphics are the name of the game here and the courses look the part, right down to some excellent lighting effects (like the glare on your car and the "wet rain" effect on some of the streets) and neat neon lighting. The speed of the game is nowhere near Burnout 3's blistering pace, but it's still good enough to compare with the first game. As for the cars, well, they could have looked a little better, as some details don't shine through like they should. However, for the most part, they look true to their real-life counterparts, from the ridiculous Toyota Corolla (yeah, try customizing THAT and getting respect) and some of the newer models, like the dazzling Ford Mustang. I was just hoping for a brighter sheen.

As for control, the game is spot-on in terms of handling. The sense of speed may not be fully captured, but each vehicle excels in handling and being able to pull off tricks like drifting and a 180 spin, among others. Each car has their own little handling abilities, and to toy around with the number of vehicles here can be a good time. You can also upgrade parts and work your butt off to customize the hell out of your vehicle, and your customization actually helps in working to get you respect. So don't get so out of control with the paint jobs that your vehicle looks like a clown car, okay?

As for sound, well, it needs some work. The sound effects are ok, complete with the tire sounds changing with the terrain and some of the little things like the roar of each individual engine and such, and, I tell you, Brooke Burke, who plays a bad-ass racing chick in the game, still sounds just right in her sensuous role. However, the other voice acting is way too "street" for its own good, and some of the music selections could've been better handled. EA Trax fails to check in yet again, with the most notable of selections featuring Snoop Dogg singing with the Doors. No, I'm not kidding. I would've loved to have a customized soundtrack option here, or at least the ability to get some more classic tunes involved.

Is the game fun? Well, for the most part, but like I said, it hits lulls as you travel from area to area, although you can go right into racing action with a different mode apart from Career or World Map if you choose. The racing action is still enjoyable, and those thirsty for it, but I think things could've moved a little quicker between races. At least the garage can be fun, where you can store several vehicles at once.

Need For Speed Underground 2 isn't quite the slick little ride that its first edition was, but that doesn't mean it's riding on all flats either. What's here is still engaging and a good time, but the audio problems, unpolished cars, and dull segments still make me wonder if things will be cleaned up in time for a third installment. I guess only time will tell. In the meantime, give it a spin and see if it's up your alley.