Need for Speed Underground - Any word on what version is best?

While picking up Viewtiful Joe I stopped to play some Need for Speed Underground on the PS2 kiosk. I was a huge fan of the last NFS (Hot Pursuit 2), and Underground looked so good that I went and put down a pre-order for it. I put down the order for the PS2 version (since that was the best last time around), but that can be changed if need be.

So..... Anybody have any info? Does any version edge the other two out? Will Xbox and Cube be significantly worse again? I would really like to go with Cube if I could this time around due to progressive scan and the Wavebird, but only if it at least equals the quality of the PS2 version.

i think the ps2 version is the only one with online and headset capability.

Pulled this quote from a gamespot interview with NFS:U's producer:

"Although all the platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, the team wanted to make sure that no platform was shortchanged because we couldn't create a specific technique on a console due to hardware limitations. I know what you're thinking--"Sure, sure, you just don't want to tell us which of your 'kids' is the ugliest." It's really not the case. Sit all four platforms side by side and you'd have a hard time telling me which is which. In our game theaters in the office, where we have all the platforms set up, you oftentimes have to try multiple controllers before you figure out which platform is showing. It's a big win for the consumer, since you usually have to sacrifice something on each platform. The first time we showed the game at E3, we were asked if it was running on an Xbox. It was actually on the PS2."

Based on that, it appears that EA learned their lesson from the lackluster GC/XB ports of HP2. It was also mentioned during the same interview that U is made with the HP2 engine. Hopefully all versions are pretty close (online aside), so then it'll come down to controller preference if you have multiple consoles.

The previews I've read haven't mentioned who's handling the individual ports, which would be interesting information.

I think the game looks incredible.

Good news indeed. I might be able to switch over to the GC version afterall. I care not for online.

I guess it's just time to wait for playable versions to reach reviewers' hands.

Sounds like they optimezed the hell out of it for PS2 and didn't improve it any for the GC and XBox

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Originally Posted by Chibi Nappa

While picking up Viewtiful Joe I stopped to play some Need for Speed Underground on the PS2 kiosk.

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I did the same thing in the same order.

Did you go to the Concord Pike Gamestop? I didn't preorder, but they still had a couple Joe bobbleheads left and hooked me up.

Need for Speed did look great, I wish EA was online with Xbox.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chibi Nappa

While picking up Viewtiful Joe I stopped to play some Need for Speed Underground on the PS2 kiosk. I was a huge fan of the last NFS (Hot Pursuit 2), and Underground looked so good that I went and put down a pre-order for it. I put down the order for the PS2 version (since that was the best last time around), but that can be changed if need be.

So..... Anybody have any info? Does any version edge the other two out? Will Xbox and Cube be significantly worse again? I would really like to go with Cube if I could this time around due to progressive scan and the Wavebird, but only if it at least equals the quality of the PS2 version.

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I just got NFS Hot Pursuit 2 for PS2 at 25 bucks(Gamestop :D) and after playing it I felt that it was fucking awesome game and that it was one of the PS2's best racers. I'm really anticipating the next game so I was wondering that myself.

I'll most likely get the PS2 version if it indeed is the same on all platforms same with SSX3.

Yup. Concord Pike Gamestop. They offered me an extra bobblehead as well. At first I thought they got the other style in, and I was psyched for that, but then when I saw it was the same one I already had I turned it down.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stormy

Sounds like they optimezed the hell out of it for PS2 and didn't improve it any for the GC and XBox

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Did you play NFS HP2? If Underground is indeed built on the HP2 engine, then it is the GC and Xbox that got all the optimization, 'cause they were hurtin' last time around.

And wow, do those wet street effects look amazing, especially for a PS2.

one thing i really noticed when i played the demo was the sounds from your car... They were startlingly realistic....
seems like a really good racer, judging from the demo.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chibi Nappa

Did you play NFS HP2? If Underground is indeed built on the HP2 engine, then it is the GC and Xbox that got all the optimization, 'cause they were hurtin' last time around.

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but EA had a different team port NFS:HP2 to X-Box and GC, I believe. They were just a case of poor ports.

Back on-topic, I am looking forward to this. The media on this game looks awesome, especially the wet road.