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Need for Speed Underground

(2003, Video Games - Sports, Rated E, Play it on: Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    This game walks a fine line on the ESRB rating.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–15

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    None- this game is simply for fun (but driving 100mph down city streets may not be the best message for your teenager.)
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Half dressed girls dance around the first place car when it crosses the finish line.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Girls in tight, revealing shirts start each race and more appear on billboards as you make your way around the racecourse.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Billboards feature real businesses, including companies like Autozone. Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi are just some of the car models that players can choose from.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Need for Speed Underground was written by Chris Saunders

Parents need to know that there is an abundance of scantily clad girls starting the races and cheering the victor at the finish line. It's pretty clear which companies paid to have their logos displayed as they appear on oversize billboards throughout the game.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the blatant advertising. Why do you think so many company logos are so prominently displayed? Families also can talk about the depiction of girls. Do they actually know any girls like that and why do they think the video game developers put them in?
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More on Need for Speed Underground

What’s the Story?

EA Sports introduces players to the underground world of street racing with NEED FOR SPEED UNDERGROUND. Drive any one of your favorite cars straight from popular manufacturers like Nissan, Mitsubishi and Toyota. Featuring appearances from 20 different licensed cars that you can customize to your liking, the game offers a lot to players who enjoy high-speed gaming.

The game is easy to sit down and play, but it will take several hours to master. It takes a certain amount of finesse to manage the sharp turns and raw speed. Adjustable levels of play are available, but even the beginner mode requires skill. With over 20 courses that wind through empty city streets, there is plenty of challenging choices for players.

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Is It Any Good?

Geared toward the teen market that is fascinated by cars and speed, the game is realistic right down to the sound of the engine that purrs over the top of the rock music playing in the background.

Those who like high-speed action racing games that allow players multiple gaming options will enjoy this realistic racing game. However, it walks a fine line on the ESRB rating. Commercialism is rampant, and girls at the start and finish of the race wear revealing clothing -- because of this, this game could easily have been rated T for teens.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 12/08/2003, price $45, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    what,no cops

    not the best game but its okay the really only bad thing is that there isn't cops so really its no good to me

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Very Cool!

    I'm almost done with the line-up of races! It's so fun! I don't see anything wrong with this.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 2.0

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    great but challenging game

    sexual content is not an issue! their clothing is no worse than what you would see with any teenage girl around the mall. Overall street racing games get no better than this.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Incredible, unbelievable

    Need for Speed Underground is the most impressive game that involves buying and customizing your own car just so you can see what your car would look like. Also it's incredible because you can personalize your favorite car.

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