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Need for Speed Undercover Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Need for Speed Undercover Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

No Need for this Speed

Need For Speed Undercover has so little going for it that I’m going to recommend a rental on this one if you’re seriously thinking about getting it. The best way I can describe it is a poor man’s Grand Theft Auto. You decide which version of GTA. Although this is a racing game, whatever you would consider racing in GTA is much better than what you’ll find here. Don’t be fooled by the cool looking trailers, because that’s not what you’re getting on the PSP. This is a next-gen hand-me-down. Let’s not even talk about the lame storyline and the way it’s presented. Okay, you know I’m going to talk about it.

Need for Speed Undercover screenshot

It’s really puzzling how a series like this can be so inconsistent from game to game. I can see if new developers came in, or if it was created for a new gaming system, or even if something unique was attempted in the control scheme or otherwise. I’ve looked high and low and there’s absolutely no excuse for this clump of code called Need For Speed Undercover. This Speed, I don’t need, indeed.

There’s no shortage of modes, but don’t let that fool you. As a racing game, it’s flawed mechanically. No variety of modes is going to solve that. While I have to be fair, things typically do get a little better when you acquire more expensive cars with upgrades. But it doesn’t happen with all of them. Even if that was the case, having to play through half of the game with cumbersome vehicles is not much fun at all.

Before I start bitching about the way the vehicles handle, let me briefly mention the storyline. You’re some nondescript, schlep cop enticed into working with a hot dame cop who wants you to help bust an international crime organization. She’ll stop at nothing to attempt to influence you with her steely sexuality; very professional ma’am. Of course, you accomplish your missions through racing. Be thankful this isn’t Guitar Hero or Konamix Revolution, so you won’t have to play guitar or dance to crack open the case. To make matters worse, the story is presented in text with the entire dialogue taking place over the phone. Exciting huh? Well, that could arguably be the most exciting part of the game.

Need for Speed Undercover screenshot

There are plenty of elements in this title, but they seem to actually mock the potential it hints at, as the game just doesn’t live up to expectations. There are races and chases with cops and oncoming traffic to avoid. Various modes mix things up a little, such as the Eliminator mode in which the last vehicle at each lap is eliminated. Lead mode requires that you get to the head of the pack and maintain at least 300 meters distance between the second place vehicle. There are quick races, sprint races, and tournament-style races. There’s really no cohesion between the gameplay and the storyline. The game is just a series of races held together by a weak plot with even weaker presentation. Why even bother with the story?

One of the most frustrating aspects of this game is the vehicle physics. There is virtually no powersliding until the last segment of the game. Braking while turning a corner will cause you to simply continue in the same direction that you entered the turn with. This goes for regular brakes and the handbrake as well. There’s absolutely nothing you can do to get these vehicles to smooth out a corner with any braking mechanism involved. The upgrades will give you some marginal improvements but it takes until about halfway through the game before you notice any significant differences.

Need for Speed Undercover screenshot

The A.I. toggles between the criminally insane and miraculously gifted. Oncoming traffic will not be the least bit intimidated by your presence. In fact, it’s like you’re invisible to them. If you don’t get out of their way, you’re going to crash, plain and simple. Even your direct A.I. competitors aren’t immune to the murderous A.I., as they will often enter into head-on collisions as both are too stupid or stubborn to get out of each other’s way.

Need for Speed Undercover screenshot

A.I. opponents trying to catch you, whether it is the cops or other racers, will be able to miraculously outrun you if they lag too far behind. It’s as though the CPU senses that it’s behind and brings the cars closer trying to make things more exciting. Not only will they be able to outrun you with equally-powered vehicles, but they will be able to negotiate turns much smoother. It’s unfair, unbalanced, and unprofessional.

It would be nice if you could explore the city in some kind of free cruise mode. Some modes see the city unlocked, but you have to be racing through it. It’s as though the developers didn’t want you getting too close a look at it, since it’s a little difficult to discern detail at over 300 mph. While we’re on the subject of speed, the only thing that is impressive is just how fast this game goes downhill. There really isn’t any sense of speed after 100 mph. Graphically, the game has a generic look to it with a lot of bland earth tones and jaggy textures. The map is located to the left and the speedometer to the right. Neither interferes with the course, and the PSP affords a good, wide perspective. The tracks have a certain sameness to them, not only in appearance but in content. They are very basic in design with virtually no background animation to give life to the streets. It’s like racing on a movie set instead of a real city.

The engine sounds are good and the music is even better, but due to the lack of voiceovers and ambient music, the game is filled with lots of uncomfortable dead air. Underground fails to live up to its heritage. I would expect this on the DS but not on the PSP. Leave this one on the side of the road.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.0 Graphics
Blasé courses with lots of boring earth tones and little background animation. 2.7 Control
Controls are easy to use but the physics engine is stiff and frustrating. 2.4 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Decent engine sounds and good music, but there’s too much dead air. 2.4 Play Value
A below average racer with few compelling features. 2.6 Overall Rating – Average
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Go Deep Undercover: Race into an action-packed story of pursuit and betrayal. Take on jobs and compete in races to prove yourself as you infiltrate and take down an international crime syndicate.
  • Highway Battle: Fight off the cops and others as you take down your prey in high-speed, high stake multi-car chases. New and vastly improved A.I. mechanics mean more aggressive and intelligent cops focused on taking you out fast and by any means necessary.
  • Chase Down: Tear across the highway and discover the Tri-Cities area as a cop while you chase down and bust your rivals.
  • Heroic Driving Engine: An all-new game engine lets you pull off amazing moves for the ultimate driving edge.

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