Need for Speed Underground 2 (Nintendo GameCube)

A sequel to the high-speed racing hit Need for Speed Underground, NEED FOR SPEED UNDERGROUND 2 is another winner (for older kids, anyway). It features more cars and more customization options that the first version, giving car junkies a chance to cruise the streets in the car of their dreams.

Gameplay is very similar to the first version, but with about 10 more car models available and even more detailed city environments. If you're new to the game, plan on spending several hours getting used to the speed, which is much faster than most racing games. Music pumping in the background and single and multi-player racing modes add to the excitement.

While the entertainment value of the game is very high, the game is more suitable for older kids than the elementary school set. The game glamorizes the underground world of street racing. Zipping through city streets in the middle of the night as half-dressed models cheer you on may not be a message you want your 6-year-old getting.

Overall, the game provides an adrenaline rush and can be entertaining. If you know your kid is mature enough to separate the game from reality, Need for Speed Underground 2 would be a nice addition to any game collection. However, you may want to proceed with caution for the youngest members of your household.