 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Need for Speed: Undercover
- Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Windows, PSP
- Price: $59.99
- Genre: Racing
Common Sense Media says
Risky street racing hampered by jittery graphics.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a racing game that encourages risky driving behavior. Because you play as an undercover cop who is trying to gain credibility with a street gang, you must do things that are bad, like ramming into police cars and others. The game may annoy those gamers who care about graphics as much as gameplay. The jittery graphics at high speed can even make you lose a race. Music and dialog can be a bit naughty. Many models and makes of real cars are featured. If you don't have the patience to play through the game to unlock some of these new models of cars, you can purchase them online for between $2-10.
What's it about?
The Need for Speed series, which has been around since 1994
and has seen 16 games so far, is a staple of the racing genre. Offering
teeth-gritting action, high speed chases, and shiny, customizable cars, the
game's popularity spans the ages from teen to parent. In NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER, you and a federal officer (played by actress Maggie Q) are sent into
the seamy underbelly of the fictional Tri-City in order to break up a ring of
race car thieves. There, you'll meet all
manner of creeps and connivers as you speed through a faux San Francisco Bay
Area with 80 miles of twisting, turning highways.
Interestingly, you don't choose from a myriad of customizable car to begin. You're thrown right into the story. A Nissan is your default drive, but play more and more, a dealership's worth of cars are unlocked. There are seven modes from which to choose in a fairly open world and a huge amount of mission. The big deal this year is something called the Heroic Driving Engine, which lets you pull of fantastic move like a 180 degree turn as you speed through the streets at up to a thrilling 180 miles per hour.
Is it any good?
Unfortunately, Undercover was shipped before it was
finished. When you get into the Story Mode, you'll see it packs too much
information into a poorly written first scene voiced by a middling actress. And
you might even see the whole thing stop and the game start all over again. Once
you get going, you'll notice frame rate problems in the graphics, especially
when you race on a straightaway with a lot of cars around you. It jerks and
jitters like an old jalopy that doesn't want to go.
All this is a shame because there are facets that work well.
There are many modes of racing to choose from and tons of sleek cars. The
online Cops and Robbers mode in which you'll play with pals packs excitement every
second (although you'll see some frame rate jitters here, too). The background
graphics are fine (though not completely realistic). And the AI makes the cop cars
and racing opponents really smart. Still,
while it impresses at some points, it disappoints in just as many others.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why you should never race the streets in real life. As in the game, would
you help a federal agent to rid the streets of crime? Why or why not?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
NFS
its a good driving game....very good graphics B+
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Only for teenagers.
I love need for speed, but this game recks everything.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Dangerous undercover street racing is perfect for teens!
This is a really fun game! There is alot of crashing and bashing so keep that in mind. People can get addicted to this game, and they might want to drive like in the game in real life. So be careful letting your young ones play. There is some cursing but it is rare. And women might dress in slightly revealing clevage.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
need for speed games
some need for speed game reports at *rslgameclub.webs* or *lukesdailyblog.blogspot*
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
best racing game iv ever played
i am 10 and i have beaten the game one time and im working on beating it again.it is a very good racing game and it is very fun and is based in seattle washington state.if you like fast cars actually really fast cars youll have to unlock them but its worth it but if you like racing games it is perfect for ages8+.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Windows, PSP |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Racing |
| Developer: | Electronic Arts |
| Release date: | November 18, 2008 |
| Price: | $59.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Mild Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already played it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
