Does anybody play......NFS Undercover?

[Stephan]

As said in the title, does anybody play NFS Undercover?

I decided to give it another run this time not buying any Tier 1 cars (R8, Veyron, F1, GTR, etc.) and instead limiting myself up to Tier 2 cars only. Of course that includes the Tier 2 car that you acquire from completing a race for GMac. So yes the AIs are hard if you are in the right kind of car (I'm looking at you Master events.) but sometimes miraculously you can beat them.

Anyways I'm obsessed with Rose's 911 GT2 and I never felt that kind of obsession ever since the BMW M3 GTR days. The body kit (which is not available in the PC, PS3, and 360 versions but instead its available in the PS2 and Wii versions) is one thing I gotta including the simple body vinyl.

 

[CleanCut]

Man, I wanted to like this game so much, but unlike NFS 2015, I cannot forgive the flaws in Undercover. It is simply unplayable.

I game on the PC, so keep that in mind, but the bugs in this game are ridiculous. Doesn't support an Xbox controller, and my Logitec controller causes the car to veer back and forth like it's drunk without any input. (It was a known problem at release and they never fixed it). I also suffered frequent crashes to desktop, and several other miscellaneous bugs in which my mission would be blown for no reason other than a glitch, which is infuriating considering some of the cop chases are really hard.

There's other irritating stuff about it as well... There were strange choices made on how customization works, which was a regression compared to Prostreet. Plus the garage is waaay too dark, making it frustrating to customize and showcase. The HDR-style graphics look bleached and desaturated, losing too much detail. The look is okay for some games, but never for car games IMHO.

The car list was much better than Prostreet - that was a plus.

The soundtrack is probably the best NFS soundtrack ever.

- Those, unfortunately, are the only two positive things I can say about it.

 

[Stephan]

Ehhhh. The car list is the same as Prostreet.

The pursuit on the other hand, well at least it might be better than MW and Carbon combined but narrowly. Tip: When a Rhino SUV is in your side, try ramming it with Speedbreaker, it will create hilarious results.

Soundtrack. Yeah it's better.

But anyways, @JakeMR2 are there any hidden stuff in NFS Undercover? I think its time to dig Undercover and see if they have any beta cars, etc.

 

[JR98]

My post in the ProStreet Thread

Been playing through Undercover lately and found that the racing soundtrack is much better than I remembered it being. Not on the same level as other Black Box NFS' but still pretty good. Radio chatter is great, nearly as good as MW's. Cop cars are WAY heavier than in previous games though. Takes ramming one at full speed in the side with speed breaker to even have a chance to roll one over, unless it's a roadblock. I also really like the live action cutscenes, acting in them looks to be pretty good and I quite like the plot, and the game is very well presented overall.

I'm also very suprised my PC can run it. It just about run Most Wanted 05 on medium so being able to run undercover, even on low settings, is incredible. Although it does drop to 20 at certain points of the map. Might pick up Pro Street on PC as well since it'll probably run slightly better due to not being open world.

Handling is the weakest point in the game, very twitchy at high speeds, especially on the highway, which makes the Highway Battles harder than they need to be but at lower speeds it's very managable. The racing AI have also gotten on my nerves constantly. Tried doing one of the master sprint races and nearly everytime I end up getting spun by an AI. One thing I do love about the handling is that some advanced driving maneuvers are really easy to pull of, such as J-Turns and 180's.

Customization is really good, although bodykit options are very limited with just 1 unique bodykit for each car, and it has an amazing vinyl editor that lets you make some really complex designs. Huge car variety (everything from a Renault Megane to Bugatti Veyron) and every car feels great to drive, as long as you're below 160 MPH.

One feature I also really like is that the cops get better as you progress, so when you get a new car you don't have to deal with the incredibly dumb civic cruisers in a fully upgraded Gallardo, by the end of the game every pursuit is pitting you against GT-R's and 911 Turbo's.

Progression could also be improved. Generally you get new missions by levelling up but the game never gives you a clear indication of how far away you are from the next mission so it's just a matter of continually running races until you trigger a cutscene or SMS call.

6.5/10 - Probably my least favourite of all the Blackbox games but it's by no means a bad game, although there are several improvements that could've been made

but the bugs in this game are ridiculous

After several hours of playing on PC, only 1 bug I ran into was when wheels didn't appear on my car, and that was only in 2 events (one of G-MAC's car thefts and the Rose canyon battle) which disappeared after restarting the game

Doesn't support an Xbox controller

I've had no problems whatsoever with an XB1 controller, I was able to map everything to the button I needed it to and haven't had any controller related issues. Only problem is that pressing the right stick is to pause (no option to remap it) and that B is to select something in a menu and X is to go back (although I've played countless PC games that have this exact same issue)

I also suffered frequent crashes to desktop

Several hours into it and I've had 1 crash, and that was when I was messing around with the display options.

Note: when I say "several hours in" I mean I'm up to the point where I'm about to meet Chau Wu, and have been mostly focusing on progressing through the story.

@FilipinoGTUser1 There's quite a few cars UC has that Prostreet lacks (even if we include PS' DLC) including the M6 Coupe, Lexus IS F, Nissan 370Z, Mercedes CLS63 AMG, Koenigsegg CCX and Lamborghini Gallardo (there's probably others but I can't remember any more off the top of my head).

 

[Stephan]

My post in the ProStreet Thread



After several hours of playing on PC, only 1 bug I ran into was when wheels didn't appear on my car, and that was only in 2 events (one of G-MAC's car thefts and the Rose canyon battle) which disappeared after restarting the game

I've had no problems whatsoever with an XB1 controller, I was able to map everything to the button I needed it to and haven't had any controller related issues. Only problem is that pressing the right stick is to pause (no option to remap it) and that B is to select something in a menu and X is to go back (although I've played countless PC games that have this exact same issue)

Several hours into it and I've had 1 crash, and that was when I was messing around with the display options.

Note: when I say "several hours in" I mean I'm up to the point where I'm about to meet Chau Wu, and have been mostly focusing on progressing through the story.

@FilipinoGTUser1 There's quite a few cars UC has that Prostreet lacks (even if we include PS' DLC) including the M6 Coupe, Lexus IS F, Nissan 370Z, Mercedes CLS63 AMG, Koenigsegg CCX and Lamborghini Gallardo (there's probably others but I can't remember any more off the top of my head).

You're almost done with Undercover. When you meet Chau Wu, this is where the end is near.

My advice, try the Challenge Series after you're done with the story. The rewards are worth trying to unlock for. You can also get the Battle Machine RX-7 from Prostreet.

 

[JR98]

You're almost done with Undercover. When you meet Chau Wu, this is where the end is near.

My advice, try the Challenge Series after you're done with the story. The rewards are worth trying to unlock for. You can also get the Battle Machine RX-7 from Prostreet.

I think I'm about to meet Wu, last time I played UC was on the PS3 many years ago so this is my first time in ages going through the story. I've done all of G-MAC's car thefts and just beat Rose in the canyon battle. I think the next mission I'll get is from Chau Wu asking to steal back his Zonda F (may have been a different car). I've seen the cutscene where Chase gets a call from Wu as well as Carmen talking about Zack taking a big job without telling his brother.

 

[Stephan]

I think I'm about to meet Wu, last time I played UC was on the PS3 many years ago so this is my first time in ages going through the story. I've done all of G-MAC's car thefts and just beat Rose in the canyon battle. I think the next mission I'll get is from Chau Wu asking to steal back his Zonda F (may have been a different car). I've seen the cutscene where Chase gets a call from Wu as well as Carmen talking about Zack taking a big job without telling his brother.

Yep. You are almost there. What are your cars by the way? Mine are a Ford Escort RS Cosworth (from winning Hector's race), Dodge Charger SRT-8 (from winning a duel with Hector), Toyota Supra (from winning one of GMac's races), Lamborghini Gallardo (from completing all GMac car thefts), and Pagani Zonda F.

 

[JR98]

Yep. You are almost there. What are your cars by the way? Mine are a Ford Escort RS Cosworth (from winning Hector's race), Dodge Charger SRT-8 (from winning a duel with Hector), Toyota Supra (from winning one of GMac's races), Lamborghini Gallardo (from completing all GMac car thefts), and Pagani Zonda F.

Nissan 240SX (Starter Car)
Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (Hector)
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro (Duel)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR (Sunset Hills Race)
Lamborghini Gallardo (GMAC Car Thefts)

Silvia is yellow with a carbon hood and BBS RK's while the 240SX is unchanged from the car you start with.

 

[Stephan]

Now that's one good garage. When I first started Undercover and I got to the point of choosing 3 cars (Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 GT2, and Ford Shelby GT500), it was hard to choose especially the Gallardo and 911 GT2. Both cars look great. So I took the Porsche because I wanted one for my garage.

Well do you have any plans on buying a Tier 1 car?

 

[JR98]

Well do you have any plans on buying a Tier 1 car?

I'm happy with my Gallardo, tops out around 220MPH and handles really well so it should be enough to get me to the endgame. If I were to buy a tier 1 car though I'd probably buy an R8. Maybe when I'm done I'll use a save editor to give myself loads of cash and mess around with customizing all the games cars. Might even continue my pursuit series on Undercover.

When I first had Undercover I went for the 911 GT2 simply because I wanted to recreate Rose's car, but went with the Gallardo this time as I thought it could carry more speed through corners due to it's AWD.

Another reason why I probably wont buy a T1 car is because I'm quite low on funds at the moment. Had 330k when I won the Gallardo but most of that was spent upgrading it. If I can get to 400k before the end of the game I'll buy an R8.

 

[Stephan]

I'm happy with my Gallardo, tops out around 220MPH and handles really well so it should be enough to get me to the endgame. If I were to buy a tier 1 car though I'd probably buy an R8. Maybe when I'm done I'll use a save editor to give myself loads of cash and mess around with customizing all the games cars. Might even continue my pursuit series on Undercover.

When I first had Undercover I went for the 911 GT2 simply because I wanted to recreate Rose's car, but went with the Gallardo this time as I thought it could carry more speed through corners due to it's AWD.

I did the same thing as you but the problem is that the bodykit is not available. Weirdly enough the PS2 and Wii versions have the bodykit needed to recreate Rose's 911 GT2.

I advise you to not buy the R8. In my first run, I had the R8 as my Tier 1 car and it sucks compared to the other Tier 1 cars. I suggest getting the F1, Veyron, GT, GTR, or other Tier 1 cars.

 

[JR98]

I did the same thing as you but the problem is that the bodykit is not available. Weirdly enough the PS2 and Wii versions have the bodykit needed to recreate Rose's 911 GT2.

That doesn't really bother me too much, as long as I can get a similar looking livery, it should be fine with the widebody kit.

I advise you to not buy the R8. In my first run, I had the R8 as my Tier 1 car and it sucks compared to the other Tier 1 cars. I suggest getting the F1, Veyron, GT, GTR, or other Tier 1 cars.

I thought it would (it should really be a Tier 2 car IMO) but I prefer how it looks compared to everything else and it's probably cheaper than the rest of the T1 cars. Plus I'll never race online so how it performs isn't a huge issue for me as there'll only be a few races left to do by the time I get the cash for one.

 

[Stephan]

That doesn't really bother me too much, as long as I can get a similar looking livery, it should be fine with the widebody kit.

I thought it would (it should really be a Tier 2 car IMO) but I prefer how it looks compared to everything else and it's probably cheaper than the rest of the T1 cars. Plus I'll never race online so how it performs isn't a huge issue for me as there'll only be a few races left to do by the time I get the cash for one.

Oh is that it? Well good luck mate.

 

[CleanCut]

My post in the ProStreet Thread



After several hours of playing on PC, only 1 bug I ran into was when wheels didn't appear on my car, and that was only in 2 events (one of G-MAC's car thefts and the Rose canyon battle) which disappeared after restarting the game

I've had no problems whatsoever with an XB1 controller, I was able to map everything to the button I needed it to and haven't had any controller related issues. Only problem is that pressing the right stick is to pause (no option to remap it) and that B is to select something in a menu and X is to go back (although I've played countless PC games that have this exact same issue)

Several hours into it and I've had 1 crash, and that was when I was messing around with the display options.

Note: when I say "several hours in" I mean I'm up to the point where I'm about to meet Chau Wu, and have been mostly focusing on progressing through the story.

@FilipinoGTUser1 There's quite a few cars UC has that Prostreet lacks (even if we include PS' DLC) including the M6 Coupe, Lexus IS F, Nissan 370Z, Mercedes CLS63 AMG, Koenigsegg CCX and Lamborghini Gallardo (there's probably others but I can't remember any more off the top of my head).

I'm glad you aren't having the same experience I did, believe me. I wanted to like the game, honest. I'm a guy that really tries hard to find the good points in games (hence the reason I still defend the 2015 game when so many want to bash it). I just couldn't play Undercover. Don't know why it wasn't working right for me, but oh well.

As for the car list - yeah, it was better than Prostreet. I think there was an Aston Martin Vantage in the game besides the ones you already mentioned. (But the Koenigsegg and Gallardo ARE available in Prostreet - I've downloaded the files necessary to make them appear, but I couldn't tell you what DLC they were in and/or what you must do in-game to unlock them.)

 

[JR98]

Just finished the story, which was less climactic than I remembered but was still fun in those last few missions.

I went and bought the R8, but it was just before the final chase so all I've used it for so far is taking down Chase Linh

I also made this feature length video with the entirety of Undercovers story missions for me reaching 100 subscribers on YT:

 

[JR98]

Since I've completed the game now I decided to look at the game files to see if there are any cars that were cut.

This is every car missing from the game (in bold) and every car with an STK prefix (in italics). Not sure what the STK prefix means, but it must be something important.
BMW M6 STK '08
Buick GNX STK '87
Chrysler 300 SRT '08
Dodge Challenger STK '71
Dodge Charger R/T STK '70
Ford GT STK '06
Koenigsegg CCX STK '06
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera '08
Mazda RX-7 STK '95
Mazda RX-8 STK '06
Mazdaspeed 3 STK '06
McLaren F1 STK '94
Nissan 350Z '05
Plymouth HEMI Cuda STK '70
Pontiac GTO STK '65
Porsche 911 VTA '08
Subaru Impreza WRX STI '06
Toyota Supra STK '98
Volkswagen Scirocco STK '08

 

[Sonygamer455]

I have it for PS2 and I recently went back into it again to mess around some. While it was very short, I am not going to lie, I actually liked this game a lot and I am not ashamed to admit it either. A lot I could say about it. It was in my opinion, the last good NFS game they ever did. [/unpopularopinion]

 

[JakeMR2]

Since I've completed the game now I decided to look at the game files to see if there are any cars that were cut.

This is every car missing from the game (in bold) and every car with an STK prefix (in italics). Not sure what the STK prefix means, but it must be something important.
BMW M6 STK '08
Buick GNX STK '87
Chrysler 300 SRT '08
Dodge Challenger STK '71
Dodge Charger R/T STK '70
Ford GT STK '06
Koenigsegg CCX STK '06
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera '08
Mazda RX-7 STK '95
Mazda RX-8 STK '06
Mazdaspeed 3 STK '06
McLaren F1 STK '94
Nissan 350Z '05
Plymouth HEMI Cuda STK '70
Pontiac GTO STK '65
Porsche 911 VTA '08
Subaru Impreza WRX STI '06
Toyota Supra STK '98
Volkswagen Scirocco STK '08

They have models for the bolded cars mentioned, Felipe found them in the data.

 

[Sonygamer455]

Plus the garage is waaay too dark,

I haven't played the PS3/360/PC version of the game, but I have seen videos and screenshots of it and I totally agree! Overlooking the obviously lacking graphics of the PS2 version, I actually like how they did it in the PS2 version FAR better than the next gen version. It's mainly because I just don't like the look of it as good, not sure how it is when customizing.

I actually could make a list of reasons why I still stick to the PS2 version and that is among one of them.

But anyways, @JakeMR2 are there any hidden stuff in NFS Undercover? I think its time to dig Undercover and see if they have any beta cars, etc.

Do you ever look at 379Felipe's channel on Youtube? He covers this stuff all the time and he has made videos about this game already, PS2 version to be exact. I highly recommend checking out his videos, his content is awesome!

I don't know about the next gen version, but the PS2/Wii version of Undercover was pretty much built upon NFS Carbon and many of the cars from that game still exist in the game files. Heck, even the hex codes are the same as Carbon and MW and you can hex edit the game the same way as you would in Carbon. I would be doing a lot of this, but sadly the "methods I use to do so" won't read save games for it properly and unless I get that fixed, won't be doing anything extraordinary.

 

[JakeMR2]

I forgot to tell you guys that some people have the Prototype of Undercover, pretty early in fact. I may touch on it when I get a decent PC to handle such a feat, but who knows.

 

[Stephan]

Since I've completed the game now I decided to look at the game files to see if there are any cars that were cut.

This is every car missing from the game (in bold) and every car with an STK prefix (in italics). Not sure what the STK prefix means, but it must be something important.
BMW M6 STK '08
Buick GNX STK '87
Chrysler 300 SRT '08
Dodge Challenger STK '71
Dodge Charger R/T STK '70
Ford GT STK '06
Koenigsegg CCX STK '06
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera '08
Mazda RX-7 STK '95
Mazda RX-8 STK '06
Mazdaspeed 3 STK '06
McLaren F1 STK '94
Nissan 350Z '05
Plymouth HEMI Cuda STK '70
Pontiac GTO STK '65
Porsche 911 VTA '08
Subaru Impreza WRX STI '06
Toyota Supra STK '98
Volkswagen Scirocco STK '08

STK means stock maybe? As for the Porsche well I searched for what it means and I got this:

I highly doubt that the car in that picture is the same because there's no way that Black Box added a late model Porsche in that time. Probably could be a cut die cast car that you could unlock through cheat codes.

 

[JR98]

STK means stock maybe?

But if that was the case, why doesn't every car folder have the STK prefix?

Probably could be a cut die cast car that you could unlock through cheat codes.

Could be, or maybe a pre-tuned car that never made it to the final release. Or maybe it's even a Porsche 911 GT2 that has the proper bodykit to match Rose's?

 

[rallymorten]

Ah, Undercover. Has there ever been a Need For Speed game players love to hate more than this?

Except ProStreet.

And The Run.

And 2015.

And every game that doesn't involve imports with overly large rear wings.

Ok, point taken, and some of the hate is justified. Most notably the physics. Not a particular fan of those. It says a lot when tap-brake-to-drift is preferable over these.

I started playing it again some time ago and just got around to finish it. Then promptly gave myself a billion monies, because PC Master Race and because I don't want any post-game fun ruined by a lack of cash and the grinding that follows, just to be able to drive those cars freely. Yep, that's what I do once I've completed a game.

Here's some of the cars I've filled my garage with:

Spoiler: For some reason this consists mostly of muscle cars for game enjoyment rather than racing

It says in some holy script that if a game has a V10 Lamborghini in it, I own one:

Cannot go wrong with a classic 'Vette:

Like above, but a classic (although modified) Shelby Mustang:

One of the "weird and wonderful" cars of this game, a '65 GTO that wants to be a Trans Am:

Also, Aston Martin DB9. Been a companion since Most Wanted. Truly one of the best looking cars out there:

..and, featuring prominently in probably the best photo I've ever taken on a NFS game:

Say what you want, but this game knows how to cinematics, the map is huge and full of interesting and beautiful locations, the soundtrack is up there as well, the story is cheesy and cliché enough to make a Hollywood spy movie.. dare I say one of the most hated games is actually one of the best in terms of overall package?

 

[Sonygamer455]

Like above, but a classic (although modified) Shelby Mustang:

Ironically Chau Wu's Mustang in the PS2 version looks almost exactly like that. Not sure how the next gen version goes, but on the PS2 version, you steal it from him and use it in a mission.

 

[rallymorten]

It's been so long since I've played the PS2 version.. they really did use and abuse the basics of Rockport back then, huh?

I do remember the chase mode being quite fun and the best way to make money post-game.

 

[Sonygamer455]

It's been so long since I've played the PS2 version.. they really did use and abuse the basics of Rockport back then, huh?

Well they certainly did reuse a lot of the MW's map, but truthfully I didn't mind it. (If anything I liked it) I actually like its map better than MW's.

I do remember the chase mode being quite fun and the best way to make money post-game.

Oh yes! That was a high light for me back in the days and it still is. When I go back to the game every now and then, that is one of the things I do. May not have been much, but I loved it!

 

[JakeMR2]

started playing it again some time ago and just got around to finish it. Then promptly gave myself a billion monies, because PC Master Race and because I don't want any post-game fun ruined by a lack of cash and the grinding that follows, just to be able to drive those cars freely. Yep, that's what I do once I've completed a game.

You're not the only one who does such things when it comes to playing old games, even on the PS2 I would find ways around the issue of lack of money in one game, it's easy to do and simple. I need a powerful PC to run that PS2 emulator, but I want to enjoy those old games for the most part though. Pro Street is the same way to me, tune the best I can and share my tunes with the community.

 

[rallymorten]

Well they certainly did reuse a lot of the MW's map, but truthfully I didn't mind it. (If anything I liked it) I actually like its map better than MW's.

T'was decent. Quite fun to have your brain set to Most Wanted-mode only to be confused by the different roadside objects and the mirrored layout. I have actually gotten lost one or two times like that


What you said about Chau Wu's GT500 also just started some thoughts on EA Logic regarding the cars. Isn't is a silver/gray color? Because Carmen drives a gray GT500 in the newer-gen version. Then, of course, there's the Porsche, which is either the final boss (I do find the final missions are better on the PS2 version) or just another person you need to deal with, the M6 turning into aforementioned Porsche on older-gen, Nickels Viper that cannot decide if it wants to be a SRT10 or a blue GTS..
It's almost like they came up with two different scripts, shredded both, mixed thoroughly and put them back together as either the newer-gen or older-gen versions, paired with three character sheets done in the same way.

 

[Stephan]

The PS2 version of Undercover is the one I enjoyed the most unlike the newer gen versions of Undercover. Oh in the PS2 version of Undercover, instead of the BMW that you have to chase Chase (no pun intended), instead Chase drives Rose's Porsche and to me that should have been the car from the beginning because it felt more of a car fitted for Chau Wu considering he's rich.

Do you think Undercover should have been a movie instead just like what The Run is?

 

[Sonygamer455]

T'was decent.

The long highways were good for testing your cars top speed granted the traffic didn't get in the way and MW didn't really have many good places for testing top speed. I generally liked the scenery a lot better based upon my recent play through. Having access to the old bridge at anytime is also a plus.

Quite fun to have your brain set to Most Wanted-mode only to be confused by the different roadside objects and the mirrored layout. I have actually gotten lost one or two times like that

As a guy that has spent the past few months playing MW constantly prior to revisiting Undercover earlier this month, I never had this problem.

It's actually kind of relaxing going from Most Wanted to Undercover seeing how much easier Undercover is in comparison.

What you said about Chau Wu's GT500 also just started some thoughts on EA Logic regarding the cars. Isn't is a silver/gray color? Because Carmen drives a gray GT500 in the newer-gen version. Then, of course, there's the Porsche, which is either the final boss (I do find the final missions are better on the PS2 version) or just another person you need to deal with, the M6 turning into aforementioned Porsche on older-gen, Nickels Viper that cannot decide if it wants to be a SRT10 or a blue GTS..
It's almost like they came up with two different scripts, shredded both, mixed thoroughly and put them back together as either the newer-gen or older-gen versions, paired with three character sheets done in the same way.

Well to be fair, the PS2/Wii and PS3/360/PC versions are both 2 different games. From what I have seen, it's almost like comparing MW 2005 to MW 2012.