Editing Need for Speed: Underground

{{Short description|2003 racing video game}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Need for Speed: Underground
| caption = Cover art featuring Eddie's [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#Fifth generation (1999–2002)|Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34)]]
| image = Need for Speed Underground cover.jpg
| developer = [[EA Black Box]]{{Efn|Arcade version developed by [[Global VR]].}}<br/>Pocketeers<small> (GBA)</small>
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]{{Efn|Arcade version co-published by [[Konami]].}}
| director = 
| producer = 
| designer = 
| programmer = 
| artist = 
| writer = 
| composer = 
| series = ''[[Need for Speed]]''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[GameCube]]|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]|[[Game Boy Advance]]|[[Arcade game|Arcade]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|November 17, 2003}}|
'''GameCube''', '''PlayStation 2''', '''Windows''', '''Xbox'''<br>
{{Vgrelease|NA|November 17, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gaspard |first=Dustin |date=November 7, 2003 |title=''Need for Speed Underground'' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/08/need-for-speed-underground-6 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref>
|AU|November 20, 2003<small> (GC, PC)</small><ref>{{Cite web |title=GameCube Release Schedule |url=http://www.gpstore.co.nz/Games/Schedule/GameCube |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031116165208/http://www.gpstore.co.nz/Games/Schedule/GameCube |archive-date=November 16, 2003 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[Gameplanet]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''Need for Speed: Underground'' |url=http://www.gpstore.co.nz/Games/1460407.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031214165501/http://www.gpstore.co.nz/Games/1460407.html |archive-date=December 14, 2003 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[Gameplanet]]}}</ref>
|EU|November 21, 2003<ref name="eu"/>
|AU|November 21, 2003<small> (Xbox)</small><ref>{{Cite web |last=Matt |date=November 21, 2003 |title=''NFS Underground'' Released |url=http://gpstore.com.au/news/newsitem.x?1457682 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031207073921/http://gpstore.com.au/news/newsitem.x?1457682 |archive-date=December 7, 2003 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[Gameplanet]]}}</ref>
|AU|November 26, 2003<small> (PS2)</small><ref>{{Cite web |title=Recently Released |url=http://www.gpstore.com.au/platform.x?platform=ps2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040223120208/http://www.gpstore.com.au/platform.x?platform=ps2 |archive-date=February 23, 2004 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[Gameplanet]]}}</ref>
|EU|November 28, 2003<small> (PC)</small><ref name="eu">{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=November 5, 2003 |title=''Need For Speed Underground'' demo |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news051103nfsudemo |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=July 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708235229/https://www.eurogamer.net/news051103nfsudemo |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
'''Game Boy Advance'''{{Vgrelease
|NA|December 22, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Need for Speed Underground'' |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/552/552532.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040615002705/http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/552/552532.html |archive-date=June 15, 2004 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
|AU|January 15, 2004<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Need for Speed: Underground'' |url=http://www.gpstore.co.nz/Games/1460437.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623020429/http://www.gpstore.co.nz/Games/1460437.html |archive-date=June 23, 2004 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[Gameplanet]] |quote=Release date: 15th January, 2004}}</ref>
|EU|January 16, 2004<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=January 16, 2004 |title=What's New? |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news160104whatsnew |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521190249/https://www.eurogamer.net/news160104whatsnew |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
'''Arcade''' <br>{{Vgrelease|NA|July 2005<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n159 | title=アーケードTvゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) | date=2005 }}</ref>|JP|December 26, 2006}}}}
| genre = [[Racing video game|Racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Need for Speed: Underground''''' is a 2003 [[racing video game]] and the seventh installment in the ''[[Need for Speed]]'' series following [[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2|''Hot Pursuit 2'']] (2002). It was developed by [[EA Black Box]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]]. Three different versions of the game were produced: one for consoles and [[Microsoft Windows]], and another for the [[Game Boy Advance]]. An [[Arcade game|arcade]] version developed by [[Global VR]] and co-published by [[Konami]] came out two years later.

Unlike previous ''Need for Speed'' games, which featured [[sports car]]s and [[Exotic car|exotics]], ''Underground'' featured vehicles associated with the [[import scene]]. It was the first game in the series to offer a career mode that features a comprehensive storyline, and a garage mode that allowed players to fully customize their cars with a large variety of brand-name performance and visual upgrades. All races take place in the fictional Olympic City. 

''Underground'' was critically and commercially successful, selling around 15 million units and receiving positive reviews. It was followed by ''[[Need for Speed: Underground 2]]'' in 2004.

==Plot==
The game begins with a circuit race set in Olympic City (fictional city based mainly on the city of [[Seattle]] and named after nearby [[Olympic National Park]]), with the player driving a white [[Honda Integra#Integra Type R|Honda/Acura Integra Type R]] that sports a unique set of vinyl and a wide [[body kit]]. They dominantly win the race; only to be awakened from a daydream by a woman named Samantha.

Samantha is the player's contact in Olympic City, touring them across the [[Import scene|import culture scene]] and [[illegal street racing]] therein. Albeit poking fun at the player's choice of car, she helps the player buy their first car and kickstarts the player by introducing them to local street racers such as Jose (who offers circuit events), Klutch (who offers [[Drag racing|drag events]]), and Dirt (who offers [[Drifting (motorsport)|drift events]]). In event #7, she introduces him to T.J., a mechanic who rewards them with numerous performance upgrades and parts, provided they win their time trial challenges. Samantha also issues time trials to the player, her rewards being unique visual modifications instead.

Eventually, the player draws the attention of ''The Eastsiders'', after racing their members Chad, Kurt, and Todd to climb up the racing ranking boards. Eddie, the leader of the gang and his girlfriend Melissa take notice of the player. Eddie is the current best underground racer in Olympic City - unimpressed by the player, he insults them for their racing skills, going as far as demanding they "take a taxi home so that he can get home faster" while throwing cash at their face, and signaling for a taxi cab to pick up the player in an event. 

In time, the player develops too much reputation and hype to be ignored by Eddie, who proceeds to challenge them to race Samantha to continue upward in the ranking boards. She gets infuriated by the player's acceptance and loses after she totals the engine of her [[Honda Civic Si]] during the race. Her car is taken by T.J. for himself thereafter. Deeply saddened by the player's willingness to race her and the loss of her car to T.J., Samantha distances herself from the player, but they continue receiving race offers nonetheless. 

Building up to the endgame, the player faces and defeats Chad, Kurt, Todd, and Dirt for the #1 rank of their respective boards, then faces T.J. in Samantha's vandalized Civic in a pink slip race. They win the car back and return it to Samantha, rekindling their friendship. Samantha rewards the player with a unique body kit choice. 

Eddie then challenges the player to a sprint race and loses; before the player's crew can celebrate, an unidentified racer in a grey [[Nissan 350Z]] challenges the player to a final 4-lap circuit race; the driver of the 350Z is revealed to be Melissa. The player accepts her challenge and wins, solidifying their status as the best underground racer in Olympic City.

==Gameplay==
[[Image:NFS Underground (PC) screenshot.jpg|thumb|200px|A circuit race with a [[Honda Civic Si|Honda Civic Si Coupe]], PC version]]

Gameplay in ''Underground'' typically involves the player defeating opponents in an illegal [[Street racing|street races]] in the fictional Olympic City (which was largely based on many real-life cities such as Vancouver, London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco.) The game introduces [[nitrous oxide]] for the first time in the series which can be used to boost the acceleration of the car for maximum speed; however, it can only be used once and cannot be used again until the player restarts the race.

===Game modes===

There are several game modes present in ''Underground'':

* '''Circuit''' is a standard race that involves racing with up to three opponents [[automobile|cars]] around a loop track for two or more laps. It is the main mode of the game.

* '''Knockout Mode''' is similar to previous ''Need for Speed'' titles. It is played on the circuit tracks and involves "knocking out" the last racer who passes the finish line in each lap until the final leader of the race remains and wins the race. In ''Underground'', Knockout sessions have a maximum of three laps for four racers.

* '''Sprint''' mode is a variation on the Circuit mode, where the contestants race in a point-to-point track instead of loop tracks. These races are typically shorter than "circuits" (with a maximum of 8&nbsp;km in length), so players are required to be more cautious of any mistakes during racing, such as crashing into barriers or vehicles.

*'''[[Drifting (motorsport)|Drifting]]''' is the most challenging and [[wikt:technical|technical]] aspect of the game. Drift mode consists of one player in a short loop track, where the objective is to collect as many points as possible by drifting along the track. The player competes with three other contestants, who appear to accumulate scores along with the player during the drift session. The player would be required to beat these scores to obtain top positions. Bonuses are awarded for players who drift in the outer borders of the track, drift vertically, or perform chained-drifting (continuous drifting by constantly steering the vehicle during drifts to maintain speed); if the player succeeds in ending a drift without collisions onto the sides of the track, the collected points are added into the score, otherwise, the collected points are canceled. Drift mode is the only type of racing where [[time]] taken to complete the track does not matter, since players are given the freedom to complete the allocated number of laps at their own pace, hence there is no [[Nitrous oxide engine|nitrous oxide]] in this mode.

* '''[[Drag racing]]''' is the second most technical form of race in the game. It involves racing against one or three cars on typically straight tracks and attempting to obtain top positions to win. To master Drag mode, players must employ good timing and reflexes for gear shifting, [[redline|redlining]], overtaking, and the use of [[nitrous oxide engine|nitrous oxide]] boosts. Since players must use manual transmission, drag races place particular emphasis on monitoring the [[tachometer]] and the engine temperature during races, which is enlarged and displayed on the left side of the screen. Steering in this mode is simplified to simply allow for lane changes, while the computer handles the steering along the lanes, and the player focuses more on maintaining an optimum speed for the car. Two conditions will result in players being forfeited during a drag race: head-on collisions with an opponent, barriers, traffic cars, or dividers (being 'totaled'); or blown engines as a result from [[Rev limiter|prolonged redlining]] and the subsequent overheating of the engine.

===Car customization===
In the car customization menu, cars can be altered with performance upgrades and visual upgrades, such as paint colors, vinyl, [[underglow]] neon, custom front, and rear [[Bumper (car)|bumper]]s, custom side skirts, [[Spoiler (car)|spoiler]]s, custom [[Hood (car)|hood]]s, [[Exhaust system|exhaust]] tips, roof scoops, custom [[tire]]s and [[Tire lettering|stickers]], and wide [[body kit]]s.

Players can apply performance upgrades to their vehicles. The player can upgrade their car's engine, [[drivetrain]], [[Car suspension|suspension]], tires, [[engine control unit]] (ECU) as well as add [[Nitrous oxide engine|nitrous oxide]], [[turbocharger]]s and reduce the car's weight (in the form of "weight reduction packages"). Performance upgrades are earned by completing certain races in the story mode.

===Vehicles===
''Underground'' features a total of 20 fully licensed cars. In contrast to previous installments that featured predominantly exotic cars, the cars in ''Underground'' are exclusively tuner-type cars (such as the [[Dodge Neon]], [[Mazda RX-7]], [[Toyota Supra]], [[Honda Civic Si]], [[Nissan 350Z]], and [[Volkswagen Golf GTI]]). ''Underground'' is also notable for being the first game in the ''Need for Speed'' series to offer a [[South Korea|Korean]]-made car, the [[Hyundai Tiburon]], as a playable vehicle.

===Style Points===
First introduced in ''Underground'' was the ''Style Points'' system, strongly influenced by "The Kudos" system in ''[[Metropolis Street Racer]]'' and ''[[Project Gotham Racing (video game)|Project Gotham Racing]]''. Style Points are rewarded to the player for performing stunts and being competitive in race events. ''Style Points'' can be multiplied by the ''Style Modifier'', which can be increased by visually modifying the player's car. The more "tricked out" the design of the player's car, the higher their score gets multiplied. Style Points are earned by drafting, power sliding, taking shortcuts, closely avoiding traffic, and avoiding walls. Style Points gradually unlock visual upgrades for the player's car, as well as custom cars they can drive.<ref>{{cite web |title=Need for Speed: Underground |url=https://everything2.com/title/Need+For+Speed+Underground |website=[[Everything2]] |publisher=Everything2 Media, LLC |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182848/https://everything2.com/title/Need+For+Speed+Underground |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
The game's soundtrack contains 26 licensed songs, ranging from [[rap]], [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Rock music|rock]], [[Electronic dance music|EDM]], and [[drum and bass]], performed by artists like [[Nate Dogg]], [[T.I.]], as well as [[Lil Jon|Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz]] (who are best known for performing the game's theme song, [[Get Low (Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz song)|Get Low]]), [[Petey Pablo]], [[Static-X]], [[Rob Zombie]], [[Lostprophets]], [[The Crystal Method]], [[Junkie XL]], [[Andy Hunter (DJ)|Andy Hunter]], [[Asian Dub Foundation]] and [[BT (musician)|BT]] (who is best known for producing the game's opening song, "Kimosabe"). The main menu mostly plays hip-hop music, while the race sequences mostly play electronica, metal, techno, and disco music, though it is also optional for the player to integrate the main menu music into the race sequences or the race music into the main menu.

==Development==
''Need for Speed: Underground'' was first announced in April 2003. ''Underground'' features 20 fully customizable licensed Vehicles from thirteen manufacturers, and hundreds of aftermarket parts from no fewer than 52 aftermarket parts manufacturers, including [[ThyssenKrupp Bilstein|Bilstein]], [[Holley Performance Products]], [[GReddy]], [[Sparco]], [[HKS (company)|HKS Power]], [[PIAA Corporation]] and [[Enkei Corporation|Enkei]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/30/ea-goes-underground |title=EA Goes Underground |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=April 30, 2003 |work=[[IGN]] |author-link=Matt Casamassina |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710223922/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/30/ea-goes-underground |url-status=live }}</ref> The game's visual effects was designed under the supervision of [[Habib Zargarpour]], who previously worked on the pod-racing sequence in ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/need-for-speed-underground-qanda/1100-6073457/ |title=Need for Speed Underground Q&A |author=Gamespot Staff |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=August 17, 2003 |work=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190947/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/need-for-speed-underground-qanda/1100-6073457/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Need for Speed: Underground'' was released worldwide in November 2003 for PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube (with the exception of Japan for PlayStation 2 and GameCube on December 25).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/08/nfsu-goes-gold |title=NFSU Ships - Get your dose of street racing now on Cube, PC, PS2 and Xbox |author=IGN Staff |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=November 18, 2003 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184306/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/08/nfsu-goes-gold |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Need for Speed: Underground Releases (Multiplatform) |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/release-info |website=[[MobyGames]] |publisher=Blue Flame Labs |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117064929/https://www.mobygames.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/release-info |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=IGNRev/><ref name=GSpot2/><ref name=GSpy/><ref name=GamePro/><ref name=EGM/><ref name=Edge/><ref>{{cite web|title=Newtype USA - January 2004 Issue |url=http://www.newtype-usa.com/issues/200401.asp |website=[[Newtype|Newtype USA]] |publisher=[[A.D. Vision]] |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207022832/http://www.newtype-usa.com/issues/200401.asp |archive-date=February 7, 2005}}</ref>

The game had a marketing budget of $5.8 million.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paula|last=Parisi|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA121283480&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=338d29b3|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903113501/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA121283480&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=338d29b3|title=Game points|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archivedate=September 3, 2024|date=August 10, 2004|accessdate=September 4, 2024|via=[[Gale Research]]}}</ref>

The [[Arcade game|arcade]] version was developed by [[Global VR]] and published by [[Konami]] with assistance from Electronic Arts, released in late 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Need For Speed Underground - Videogame by Global VR |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/need-for-speed-underground |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Museum of the Game |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911044927/https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/need-for-speed-underground |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2005-02-16 |title=Need for Speed Underground Heads to Arcades |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/16/need-for-speed-underground-heads-to-arcades |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| PS2 = true
| NGC = true
| PC = true
| XBOX = true
| GBA = true
| na = true
| Edge_PS2 = 7/10<ref name=Edge>{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Need for Speed Underground |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |issue=131 |date=December 25, 2003 |page=115}}</ref>
| Edge_NGC = 7/10<ref name=Edge/>
| Edge_PC = 7/10<ref name=Edge/>
| Edge_XBOX = 7/10<ref name=Edge/>
| EGM_PS2 = 8.67/10<ref name=EGM>{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Need for Speed Underground (GC, PS2, Xbox) |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=174 |date=January 2004 |page=118}}</ref>
| EGM_NGC = 8.67/10<ref name=EGM/>
| EGM_XBOX = 8.67/10<ref name=EGM/>
| EuroG_PS2 = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=November 26, 2003 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_nfsunderground_ps2 |title=Need for Speed Underground (PS2) |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=August 9, 2015 |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019212905/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_nfsunderground_ps2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GI_PS2 = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=McNamara |first=Andy |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/06FA3D54-BE2C-468F-B269-4F39245763FF.htm |title=Need for Speed: Underground (PS2) |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=128 |date=December 2003 |page=126 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917094044/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/06FA3D54-BE2C-468F-B269-4F39245763FF.htm |archive-date=September 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 8, 2015}}</ref>
| GI_XBOX = 9.25/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Zoss |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B868FB1C-9AE6-4325-95D3-90AB6A510053.htm |title=Need for Speed: Underground (Xbox) |magazine=Game Informer |issue=128 |date=December 2003 |page=172 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202161020/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B868FB1C-9AE6-4325-95D3-90AB6A510053.htm |archive-date=February 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 8, 2015}}</ref>
| GI_NGC = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mason |first=Lisa |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/C9CBF9A8-3EE9-46B1-9ACF-32683958C518.htm |title=Need for Speed: Underground (GC) |magazine=Game Informer |issue=128 |date=December 2003 |page=159 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905082646/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/C9CBF9A8-3EE9-46B1-9ACF-32683958C518.htm |archive-date=September 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 8, 2015}}</ref>
| GamePro_PS2 = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Four-Eyed Dragon |date=November 18, 2003 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/31762.shtml |title=Need for Speed Underground Review for PS2 on GamePro.com |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050223092605/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/31762.shtml |archive-date=February 23, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 9, 2015}}</ref>
| GamePro_NGC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=GamePro>{{cite magazine |author=Four-Eyed Dragon |date=November 18, 2003 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/31764.shtml |title=Need for Speed Underground (GC, Xbox) |magazine=GamePro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209111922/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/31764.shtml |archive-date=February 9, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 9, 2015}}</ref>
| GamePro_XBOX = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=GamePro/>
| GameRev_PS2 = B<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web |last=White |first=A.A. |date=December 2003 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/nfs-underground |title=Need for Speed Underground Review |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151001125501/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/nfs-underground |archive-date = October 1, 2015 |access-date=August 18, 2023}}</ref>
| GameRev_NGC = B<ref name=GameRev/>
| GameRev_PC = B<ref name=GameRev/>
| GameRev_XBOX = B<ref name=GameRev/>
| GSpot_PS2 = 8/10<ref name=GSpot1/>
| GSpot_PC = 8/10<ref name=GSpot1>{{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=November 21, 2003 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/need-for-speed-underground-review/1900-6084275/ |title=Need for Speed Underground Review (PC, PS2) |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709051711/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/need-for-speed-underground-review/1900-6084275/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot_NGC = 7.9/10<ref name=GSpot2>{{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=November 17, 2003 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/need-for-speed-underground-review/1900-6083739/ |title=Need for Speed Underground Review (GC, Xbox) |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=January 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127133004/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/need-for-speed-underground-review/1900-6083739/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot_XBOX = 7.9/10<ref name=GSpot2/>
| GSpot_GBA = 7.7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Provo |first=Frank |date=January 26, 2004 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/need-for-speed-underground-review/1900-6087018/ |title=Need for Speed Underground Review (GBA) |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=January 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127134850/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/need-for-speed-underground-review/1900-6087018/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy_PS2 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=GSpy>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Bryn |date=November 20, 2003 |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/need-for-speed-underground/6408p1.html |title=GameSpy: Need for Speed Underground (PS2) |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=June 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620023541/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/need-for-speed-underground/6408p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy_XBOX = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Bryn |date=November 20, 2003 |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/need-for-speed-underground/6409p1.html |title=GameSpy: Need for Speed Underground (Xbox) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114171909/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/need-for-speed-underground/6409p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy_NGC = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Bryn |date=November 20, 2003 |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/need-for-speed-underground/6407p1.html |title=GameSpy: Need for Speed Underground (GCN) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112342/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/need-for-speed-underground/6407p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy_PC = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborne |first=Scott |date=December 14, 2003 |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/need-for-speed-underground/6467p1.html |title=GameSpy: Need for Speed Underground (PC) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111111/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/need-for-speed-underground/6467p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameZone_PS2 = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |date=November 30, 2003 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/need_for_speed_underground_ps2_review |title=Need for Speed Underground - PS2 - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006082527/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22096.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2015}}</ref>
| GameZone_PC = 8.1/10<ref>{{cite web |author=Aceinet |date=December 7, 2003 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/need_for_speed_underground_pc_review |title=Need for Speed Underground - PC - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081108033738/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22096.htm |archive-date=November 8, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2015}}</ref>
| IGN_PC = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Mirabella III |first=Fran |date=November 14, 2003 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/15/need-for-speed-underground-3 |title=Need for Speed Underground (PC) |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=July 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711033057/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/15/need-for-speed-underground-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 8.9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Mirabella III |first=Fran |date=November 14, 2003 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/15/need-for-speed-underground-4 |title=Need for Speed Underground (PS2) |website=IGN |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=August 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818050010/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/15/need-for-speed-underground-4 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_NGC = 8.8/10<ref name=IGNRev>{{cite web |last=Mirabella III |first=Fran |date=November 14, 2003 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/15/need-for-speed-underground-5 |title=Need for Speed Underground (GCN, Xbox) |website=IGN |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227211346/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/15/need-for-speed-underground-5 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_XBOX = 8.8/10<ref name=IGNRev/>
| IGN_GBA = 7.9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=February 2, 2004 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/02/03/need-for-speed-underground-20 |title=Need for Speed Underground (GBA) |website=IGN |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=October 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007013553/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/02/03/need-for-speed-underground-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NP_NGC = 4.1/5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Need for Speed Underground (GC) |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |volume=177 |date=March 2004 |page=119}}</ref>
| NP_GBA = 3.4/5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Need for Speed Underground (GBA) |magazine=Nintendo Power |volume=177 |date=March 2004 |page=120}}</ref>
| OPM_PS2 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Davison |first=John |url=http://www.playstationmagazine.com/article2/0,4364,1399433,00.asp |title=Need for Speed Underground |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |date=January 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204021922/http://www.playstationmagazine.com/article2/0,4364,1399433,00.asp |archive-date=December 4, 2003 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 8, 2015}}</ref>
| OXM_XBOX = 8.6/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Need for Speed Underground |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |date=December 2003 |page=108}}</ref>
| PCGUS_PC = 88%<ref>{{cite journal |last=Mahood |first=Andy |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/need_for_speed.html |title=Need for Speed: Underground |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |date=January 2004 |page=118 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315140956/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/need_for_speed.html |archive-date=March 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 8, 2015}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[The Village Voice]]''
| rev1_PS2 = 8/10<ref>{{cite news |last=Catucci |first=Nick |date=December 2, 2003 |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/big-pimpin-poppas-trick-out-their-autos-for-city-streets/ |title=Big Pimpin' Poppas Trick Out Their Autos for City Streets |newspaper=[[The Village Voice]] |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122071715/https://www.villagevoice.com/big-pimpin-poppas-trick-out-their-autos-for-city-streets/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GR_PS2 = 84.29%<ref name=GRPS2>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/914761-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |title=Need for Speed Underground for PlayStation 2 |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202133147/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/914761-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GR_NGC = 83.73%<ref name=GRGC>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/914763-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |title=Need for Speed Underground for GameCube |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202132803/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/914763-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GR_PC = 82.29%<ref name=GRPC>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/914766-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |title=Need for Speed Underground for PC |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202131841/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/914766-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GR_XBOX = 81.76%<ref name=GRXB>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/914762-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |title=Need for Speed Underground for Xbox |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202132528/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/914762-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GR_GBA = 77.33%<ref name=GRGBA>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/914764-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |title=Need for Speed Underground for Game Boy Advance |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202132327/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/914764-need-for-speed-underground/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 85/100<ref name=MCPS2>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Need for Speed Underground for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2023-11-01 |archive-date=2023-11-22 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122070911/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_NGC = 83/100<ref name=MCGC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Need for Speed Underground for GameCube Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2023-11-01 |archive-date=2023-11-22 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122070918/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_XBOX = 83/100<ref name=MCXB>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Need for Speed Underground for Xbox Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2023-11-01 |archive-date=2023-11-22 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122070928/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PC = 82/100<ref name=MCPC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Need for Speed Underground for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2023-11-01 |archive-date=2023-11-22 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122070936/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_GBA = 77/100<ref name=MCGBA>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Need for Speed Underground for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2023-11-01 |archive-date=2023-11-22 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122070944/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

''Need for Speed: Underground'' received positive reviews according to review aggregators [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]]. Both gave it a score of 84.29% and 85 out of 100 for the PlayStation 2 version,<ref name=GRPS2/><ref name=MCPS2/> 83.73% and 83 out of 100 for the GameCube version,<ref name=GRGC/><ref name=MCGC/> 82.29% and 82 out of 100 for the PC version,<ref name=GRPC/><ref name=MCPC/> 81.76% and 83 out of 100 for the Xbox version<ref name=GRXB/><ref name=MCXB/> and 77.33% and 77 out of 100 for the Game Boy Advance version.<ref name=GRGBA/><ref name=MCGBA/> The only complaints critics had were the repetitive tracks, unbalanced [[Dynamic game difficulty balancing|rubberband AI]], especially in the game's Easy mode, and the lack of free roam and damage in the game, with the latter only confining to detachment of license plates and side mirrors from cars during collisions, especially during Drag races.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tweak Town |date=November 25, 2003 |url=https://www.tweaktown.com/gaming/1946/need_for_speed_underground_pc_review/index.html |access-date=December 10, 2018 |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806003428/https://www.tweaktown.com/gaming/1946/need_for_speed_underground_pc_review/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the UK, ''[[PlayStation Official Magazine - UK|Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine]]'' gave the PS2 version a score of nine out of ten and made much of the illegal nature of the gameplay. They praised the speed but called the title as another driving game with Hollywood sparkle.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Need for Speed Underground |journal=[[PlayStation Official Magazine - UK|Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] |issue=41 |date=December 2003}}</ref> In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the GameCube and PS2 versions a score of two eights and two nines, bringing it to a score of 34 out of 40.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Need for Speed Underground (GC, PS2) |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |volume=785 |date=January 1, 2004}}</ref>

===Sales===
According to Electronic Arts, ''Need for Speed: Underground'' was a commercial hit, with sales above 7 million units worldwide by mid-2004.<ref name=7mil>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040823070959/http://www.multiplayer.it/b2b/articoli.php3?id=11489 | url=http://www.multiplayer.it/b2b/articoli.php3?id=11489 | title=EA: risultati finanziari | date=July 26, 2004 | author=B2B Staff | work=[[:it:Multiplayer.it|Multiplayer.it]] | language=it | archive-date=August 23, 2004 | url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Underground'' ultimately sold 15 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kollar|first1=Philip|title=Need for Speed lets you drive how you want, and future NFS games probably will too|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/17/8801245/need-for-speed-drive-how-you-want-future-new-game|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=22 August 2015|date=17 June 2015|archive-date=2 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102170021/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/17/8801245/need-for-speed-drive-how-you-want-future-new-game|url-status=live}}</ref>

By July 2006, the PlayStation 2 version of ''Underground'' had sold 2.6 million copies and earned $115 million in the United States alone. ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked it as the sixth highest-selling game launched for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] or [[GameCube]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. It was the highest-selling ''Need for Speed'' game released between those dates in the United States.<ref name=nextgensales2>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author1=Campbell, Colin |author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The PlayStation 2 version also received a "Double Platinum" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name=dpelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520070249/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3945 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3945 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Double Platinum |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=May 20, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> indicating sales of at least 600,000 copies in the United Kingdom,<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> where it had sold 700,000 copies by January 2004.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=20 January 2004|title=UK Charts: A month in the top spot for Need for Speed|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-charts-a-month-in-the-top-spot-for-need-for-speed|access-date=2021-11-09|website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]|archive-date=2022-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326111204/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-charts-a-month-in-the-top-spot-for-need-for-speed|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Awards===
The editors of ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' presented ''Underground'' with their 2003 "Racing Game of the Year" award.<ref name=cgwpremier2003>{{cite magazine | author=((Editors of ''CGW'' ))| magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] | title=''Computer Gaming World''{{'}}s 2003 Games of the Year |date=March 2004 | issue=236 | pages=57–60, 62–69}}</ref>

''Need for Speed: Underground'' also won ''[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]''{{'}}s 2003 "Best Driving Game for PC" award,<ref name=blister2003>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040323231312/http://www.elecplay.com/feature.php?article=11145&page=3| url=http://www.elecplay.com/feature.php?article=11145&page=3 | title=Blister Awards 2003 | author=Staff | date=2004 | archive-date=March 23, 2004 | work=[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] | url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|Interactive Achievement Award]] for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Racing Game of the Year|Console Racing Game of the Year]]",<ref>{{cite web|title=Console Racing Game of the Year|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGameAwardType=52|date=2004-03-04|publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=2010-10-17|archive-date=2011-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613223636/http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGameAwardType=52|url-status=live}}</ref> and  [[Japan Game Awards|The CESA Game Awards]] for "Global Awards (overseas works)" from [[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|CESA]] and [[Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]].<ref name=CESA>{{cite web |url=https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2004/prizelist/2003-2004_13/index.html |title=第8回 CESA GAME AWARDS : グローバル賞海外作品部門 |work=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |date=2004 |access-date=2021-02-03 |archive-date=2022-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524154252/https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2004/prizelist/2003-2004_13/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=32%|align=left|quote="By bringing in Hollywood visual-effects artists to help create the game’s movie-like lighting and fantastic sense of speed, Underground became a true artistic achievement for the [[AAA (video game industry)|uber-publisher]]".|author=—[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] Staff in 2004<ref name=blister2003/>}}

{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Moby game|/need-for-speed-underground}}
* {{Moby game|/need-for-speed-underground_|''Need for Speed: Underground'' (Game Boy Advance)}}

{{Need for Speed series}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:EA Black Box games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
[[Category:GameCube games]]
[[Category:Global VR games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Need for Speed games|* 07]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Pocketeers games]]
[[Category:Street racing video games]]
[[Category:Video game reboots]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Canada]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Allister Brimble]]
[[Category:Video games scored by BT (musician)]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games with cross-platform play]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]