More of the same, unfortunately. (Need For Speed Undercover (PS3))

Member Name: Gillymoar09

Product:	Need For Speed Undercover (PS3)
Date:	23/07/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Races are quite challenging and good fun.

Disadvantages: Graphics, atmosphere, the fact that it's no different or better than the previous few titles.

Since Need For Speed: Most Wanted, I have personally felt that the NFS franchise has been slowly but surely going steadily downhill.

Carbon was a massive let down, Pro Street doubly so, and then came NFS: Undercover. I have mixed views on this game, having completed the story mode, I have a few things I'd like to share with you.

Firstly, the story is actually a story - with real characters and real people in the cut scenes. Maggie Q plays an agent, who hires you to "blend in, trust no-one, listen and learn". Basically, you get no help when you get into a hot spot with the local cops, and you also have to earn the respect from the other street racers (as in every other NFS game to date) from the very bottom of the pile.

The story itself is sadly pretty poor, with some incredible cliches which make you want to squirm at some points. The acting, although admittedly there is not much acting to be done, is almost pathetic.

Well, enough about the wannabe-film features. Onto the actual gameplay.

The game itself is actually no different from Most Wanted or Carbon, in that you drive around, find races, race people, get money, build rep, do a certain amount of events and accumulate a set amount of bounty. At the end of each 'section' you'll face a 'boss'. The problem with this is, that the people you race in the events leading up to the big cheese are actually better drivers, and harder to beat than the oh-so-great 'kings of the street'. Takes away from whatever realism is left (pretty much none by this point).

The graphics are really very choppy and average, and I have seen much better on my dusty old PS2, and the whole game feels like it's missing something - you don't feel as immersed in the action as you do with Most Wanted, the cop chases feel shoddy and inconsequential, which is a massive shame because I was so looking forward to having a focus on the bounty missions again.

But, having said all that, it does have a few good points. The races are not terrible, in fact they are a good way to relax and just chill out for a half hour or so. They do get more challenging the higher you go, and the selection of cars available in your garage is good (although the Bugati Veyron is hardly any better than the DB9 in terms of actual performance stats).


In conclusion, save your money, either buy Motorstorm or pick up a cheap copy of Most Wanted for your old console - that game never got old.

Summary: Save your cash.