Game:

Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)

Duration: 1:38

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This was sort of an experimental project I just did to do something in widescreen and play around with my video software. It was also to clear something up for me. I was certain that NFS Underground 2 ran much faster on the PS2 than it did on the XBOX. That explains the nearly identical run. After carefully looking at these two captures it looks as if the PS2 is actually faster. It would seems in order compensate for the speed difference the tracks on the XBOX version have been shortened. Yes that's right. Judging on the distance from landmark to landmark you can see that these landmarks are in fact closer together on the XBOX version which makes up for the fact that the game is slower. Interesting indeed.

In this comparison the XBOX version is on the left and PS2 is on the right. This was much more of a speed test than anything so catching graphic details was not my concern. However there are still many visual differences between the two ports despite this not being an HD capture. So take from it what you will. I normally don't do these types of videos because I usually don't have multiple ports of the same game unless if it's Doom or Wolfenstein 3D. However I picked NFS Underground 2 and Most Wanted for the XBOX really really cheap and wanted them so I could play through them with my Mad Catz Universal Racing Wheel and with the better graphics and sound of the XBOX. Yes I know that the Mad Catz wheel is universal and can be used on the PS2 in a pinch, but if you see my review of this wheel you will know why it is less than ideal to use on the PS2. The Mad Catz wheel has a great stick shift on it. Though the Driving Force EX has force feedback, on these games I'd rather have the awesome stick shift over the force feedback unless of course it's Gran Turismo.

That being said this is an excellent game. I've played all the way through this game on the PS2 and can't wait to play it through all over again on the XBOX. You can't go wrong with either version. While the PS2 version runs at a lower resolution, the PS2 version has a lot of stuff the XBOX version doesn't. The cars are more reflective and street signal lights and lights from cars emit sort of an additional red glare. The lighting effects are much more pronounced as well. The effects of the weather are more dramatic as the sky changes color alot more when it rains and the fog is thicker. Overall it's a toss up really when it comes to the visuals. While the PS2 does have a lot more extra visual effects, the XBOX version is just plain clean and beautiful. I have to say that I prefer the XBOX in this department. The real time discrete 5.1 sound of the XBOX is much more dynamic than the Pro Logic II encoding of the PS2 version on a well tuned system. However the PS2 surround is still excellent. After playing both with their respective steering wheel peripherals I also must say that I prefer the XBOX as well. While the PS2's force feedback is excellent in telling you when your car is slipping or gripping, the XBOX with the stick shift is just too much fun. Either experience is great however. Despite the XBOX factually being slower than the PS2 version, there is absolutely nothing lost in translation as it is actually IMO more fun than the PS2 version overall, but not by much.

Lastly, this game along with Most Wanted and Carbon are some of the finest racing games EA games has ever made. Even though I hold NFS: Hot Pursuit 2 in such high esteem, I have to give these games tons of credit where it's due. It's a rotten shame the same can't be said for the new NFS titles......especially for the Wii. If you have not played any of these games, I urge you to drop that new garbage and play these games instead.

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