Need for Speed Underground
By Chris Saunders,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
This game walks a fine line on the ESRB rating.
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What you will—and won't—find in this game.
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Man What was the ESRB doing
What’s It About?
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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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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