Reviewed
07.07.2003
Publisher
EA
Games
Developer
EA
Games
Format
1x
DVD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
2002
(USA)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st
/ 3rd Person
Genre
Racer
Player(s)
1~2
Options
Backup
Custom
Music
Vibration
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
| Intro |
|
> Ever since the first Need For Speed game for the 3DO, I've been a fan
of this series. Because of EA's publishing policies, however, I haven't
really had the opportunity to enjoy a Need For Speed (NFS) game since the
(long gone) days of 3DO. Anyway, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (NFSHP2)
is all about winning races, driving fast, evading cops and unlocking the
extras. |
| Graphics |
|
> I've had limited time on the PSX2 version, but I'm pretty sure NFSHP2
is a straight port with little to no additional eye candy. That being
said, there's little to complain about in this department. The shading,
light sources, car damage, fog, smoke, polygon count, models, smoothness
and sight distance are all excellent. The scenery varies from a city
center, to a forest preserve, to a mountainous region, to a seaside haven.
All in all, the graphics are excellent, but surely do not over-tax the
system. |
| Control |
|
> This is the main concern anymore in the world of 3D games. EA Games
has nailed it perfectly. NFSHP2's gameplay is tight, somewhat realistic,
and ever playable. I'd have to say that driving a McLaren F1 in this
game is as close as I've ever come to playing a home version of Super
GT (sans the massive drifting). For the uninitiated, that means
this game's control is mint. Enough said. |
| Sound |
|
> Even though EA didn't ruin the game buy inserting a bunch of cr... errr..
rap, I still prefer to utilize the custom music option. Anyway, the
included music is a mixture of rock and gets the job done nicely.
The sound effects are great, as is the voice. My only complaint is
that even with the ability to customize volume levels, the music still
seems somewhat muted. Not a biggy though. |
| Fun |
|
> Yes indeed. NFSHP2 is a lot of fun. There's a few locales,
each having multiple routes which are available in forward, reverse, and
mirrored. There are 23 different cars (of American, European and
Australian origin) with 21 NFS variations of those for a total of 44 cars.
Choose from these modes: Hot Pursuit (race with traffic against rivals
and cops, or be the cop), Championship (race without traffic or cops against
rivals), Single Challenge (customize your race with unlocked cars and tracks),
and Quick Race (random race parameters). Your main objectives are
to always win the race and earn NFS points which can be used to unlock
all the tracks and cars. Whatever you do, don't get busted by the
cops! |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> It's been a while since I've stayed up all night playing a racing game.
I know this game has been out for a while, but if you passed it up (like
me) then you should be able to snag it for $20. EA delivers a top
notch racing experience in Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2. The gameplay,
Ferrari F50 and McLaren F1 make it worth the price of admission. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.6 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 9.8 | Sound: 9.5 | Fun: 10.0 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
