Need for Speed Underground Rivals has become one of my favorite racing games of all time. The more I played the more I wanted to play. The thrill of competitive racing in many different forms, and the excitement of winning and accomplishing goals for rewards, became an obsession for the game. I never found a dull moment, and though frustration may set in when you just aren’t good enough sometimes or miss winning by 5 tenths of a second, persistence will take you to the winning circle.I chose the fastest, best handling car I could buy to start the game and gave up top speed for my first car purchased. I figured this would give me a competitive edge and enhance the skills I would need to learn to beat the competition. The Mazda was my choice and it was a good choice too! I raced till my eyes were bloodshot, watering and ready to pop out of my skull, and then came the Boss Race for the big bucks and a lot of marbles!!!!
THE RACE IS ON! I must get to the lead as fast as I can and stay there unless I want to mix it up with the losers, but I am going to win. A dash of nitrous and full throttle start with a strategic bob and weave gets me to the front almost immediately. From here on out my goal is to keep it on the road and run pedal to the metal. Negotiating the corners and learning to power slide and not over steering are my next challenges, or so I thought. To my surprise the competition stayed up all night memorizing the tracks and knew all the traffic patterns. They were always ready to bump me into a tragic event, like a head on with a sedan just minding their own business (probably coming home from a hard day putting out fires in the press room) and cause my beautifully decked out auto to do a flip with a double twist so I would be landing facing the wrong direction on the track with little to do but say a few well chosen words and try and catch up. Usually this was pretty well impossible, leaving me in second, or worse LAST place, or chosing to just restart the race. Of course I choose restart to get even with the sly dog that took me out. I restart using same “get into the lead” strategy and remember the trick corners, but the competition is tough. I pull off a bump and slam the opponent into an oncoming truck. My fit of laughter caught me off guard and I was soon in trouble in the S curves. Pulling off some slick maneuvering and a bit of luck, I landed on my wheels facing the right direction this time and still in first place. I made it around the track in tact and had only two laps to go.
At this point my mind is saying, “You can do it. jJust keep it cool and relaxed.” I check the map only to find trouble approaching; the others were gaining on me. I pick up the pace – I need SPEED! I give the nitrous button a tap knowing full well from other experiences that to much nitrous and everything becomes just a blur. I also remembered from the other races losing by tenths of a second that I need some nitrous in the end to put the icing on the cake. Needless to say going in to the final corners and approaching the finish line, I find my car out of nitrous. I had used to much at the wrong times (story of my life). I had to come up with plan B-256. A spur of the moment steer in front of the opponent at the precise moment with hope I can keep it on the road seems to be my only option. Suddenly I am rear ended, which could cause havoc to them. If I miss my intended side slam, my opponent can steer around me and hits the nitrous (which he seems to always have plenty of) and win by a nose. Not this time, however. This time the plan works, I get smacked square in the rear of my car propelling me over the finish line to VICTORY! I win by only hundredths of a second. A win is a win, however, and now I'm off to collect the booty.
The options of racing in this game are as follows with a couple of hints on what to do and what not to do.
Race Now – for practicing and trying out your selected cars and some super mod machines. Score no points and gain amenities, just for play timed for fun and experience.
Pocket Garage – This is another of my favorite parts of the game. You go here to make your car an original master piece of eye candy and equipment. Each car you buy can be customized with exotic paint jobs, custom vinyl applications, decals, car detail options like scoops, spoilers, lights, and all the master mechanic devices you can think of. I have spent hours getting just the right look for each of my prize cars. The designs and options seem limitless. I was like a kid in a candy store trying to make up my mind what to do. Most the item upgrades here are earned during the racing except the equipment upgrades, they cost cash. There has to be a bit of thought put into how to spend you’re hard earned money on equipment upgrades to make sure you’re car will keep up with the racing standards of you’re competition. My Underground – This is where they put goals for you complete while you are driving you’re way to the top of the racing ladder.
Driver Status- to complete specified parts of the game for self gratifying special rewards.
Party Play – 2, 3, and 4, Player options Up to 4 PSP’s can be connected in a race to see who owns and who is owned. Take turns playing against up to 3 friends and you’re self on one system link. This is tremendous fun for the group of racing addicts.
EA Games ™Pocket Trax – Music can be loaded onto the PSP, so you can race listening to you’re favorite songs. Make them inspiring and not distracting if you know what I mean.
With such a wide variety of options, and things to do, Need for Speed Underground Rivals can suck you in and never let you come up for air again.
The races are truly exciting and no two races ever are exactly the same. Circuit racing is just one of the many variations of racing in the game, but to me it’s the part I liked the best. But once I'm done laying waste to the Big Boss racer of the game, I'll speed out and find others to teach just who can handle the NEED FOR SPEED best.
I am a very outgoing and generous person (to a fault). If you wanted the shirt off my back I would give it to you and go find another for me. I love to game and write. I am opinionated in my views....comes with age and life's environment - I guess! I love the sun and its warmth and people who can communicate without whining or getting offended easily. I am straight-forward and shoot from the hip. I say what I feel and hold back just enough to keep people from whacking me. I have been a gamer since they invented games or as long as I have been alive at least...in case you don't believe in past lives. Computers and electronics are my base hobbies. I am basically a jack of all trades, but a master of none. I know just enough about many subjects to converse intelligently with people or get into trouble working over my head. I do dive in and worry about getting out after the plunge. So far, I have survived very well with this my positive attitude and trust in human nature. I was disabled in a multi-car/truck accident that broke my neck, but I chose to carry on and not give up. I live a simple life and make my own complexities to add spice. My gaming abilities are only limited by some of my physical loses. My brain is fully functional and working 24/7/365. Sleep is for the weak - I will get enough sleep when they start throwing dirt on what’s left of me. My favorite skill is creating - whether it is artsy or mechanical.
