Need for Speed Undercover Application Review

If you are anything like me (and if you are reading this I assume you are), you know that iPods and iPhones have become great competitors in the portable gaming system world. Soon after selling my PSP and Nintendo DS, I found myself craving something to replace the experience I got from these distinguished portable gaming systems. Well, Need for Speed Undercover was my answer.

When Electronic Arts released Need for Speed Undercover (NFSU), it became an instant must have, a great accomplishment for a $9.99 application. Electronic Arts had a reputation for great apps, but they truly outdid themselves with NFSU. Anyways, let’s get into the app.

From the time you see the loading screen of this game, you know you’ve got yourself a great racing app. Need for Speed is a great series of games, and it’s continued it’s reputation with NFSU. As usual, you start off with limited cars and limited racing options. But as you continue and work your way up, NFSU boasts a total of 20 of the hottest cars ever, 8 unique racing types, and 3 different locations to race in. In total, there are 24 challenges making for a great overall game.

The storyline of this game is quite simple. Your an amateur and you have to make your way up to the big leagues. Simple enough, right? Think again. Some of the challenges take tons of attempts to succeed in and complete.

Graphics-wise, this game is the BEST! It is incomparable to anything else on the iPod Touch and/or iPhone. The visuals of this game are absolutely stunning, making it highly addictive. This, however brings us to the biggest con of the game- length.

As previously stated, NFSU has 24 challenges that you must accomplish to win the the game. 24 may sound like a lot, but with the addictiveness of this game, it is quite a small amount. I found myself playing nothing except this game for a mere couple of days and then it was over; I completed the game. But I wanted more. Sadly, the replay value of the game was, well, “lacking”. After I had finished NFSU, all I could do was replay all 24 of the challenges. No bonus levels, no bonus cars, no nothing.

So overall, EA Games has lived up to their high expectations in making superb applications. NFSU showcases many of the capabilities of the iPod Touch and iPhone.

Pros:

• Luscious, stunning 3D graphics
• Intense, exciting soundtrack with the ability to play your own music during game play
• Amazing vehicle selection with outstanding customization capabilities

Cons:

• Price
• Game-Length
• Replay value

Overall:

• 8.5/10
• This app is a must buy for all fans of racing games, and should be taken into serious consideration for everyone else

- Zayman3