Need for Speed Underground 1: Unlocking Speed Demons and Conquering the Night
You are diving back into the neon nights of Need for Speed Underground 1. You’ve got a burning question: “What’s the fastest car?” You’re not alone. Everyone wants to rule the streets. In Underground, that means having the right ride. Pinpointing the “fastest” car is tricky.
The intel does not crown a speed king in Underground 1. Instead, it’s like a treasure map guiding you to automotive riches. Think of it as supplying you with knowledge to build your own speed machine. Let’s break down what we know and how to dominate those midnight races.
The Garage Roster: 20 Licensed Beasts
NFS Underground 1 has a solid lineup of 20 fully licensed cars. Twenty! That’s a solid stable for any street racer wannabe. The game does not hand these beauties on a silver platter. You must earn your garage glory.
Unlocking Your Dream Machine: Progression is Key
Want the hottest wheels? Get busy in Underground Mode. This isn’t some Sunday drive; it’s a racing gauntlet. As you race through events, victories unlock more cars. Think of it as performance-based car shopping – the better you race, the more showroom doors swing open.
But wait, there’s more! It’s not just about Underground Mode for your garage. Quick Race mode offers some perks too. Racking up Style Points in Underground Mode unlocks cars for Quick Race. It’s like the game says, “Yeah, you have style. Here’s a new toy.” These milestones help expand your rides, even when you want a fast race without the grind.
The Mazda RX-7: A Drift King’s Ransom
The Mazda RX-7 gets special mention in our intel. This car isn’t just any car; it’s an icon for drift fans. Want to add it to your collection? Conquer event #73, named “Drift for Fifth,” in Underground Mode. Sounds like a challenge, right? But the reward is worth it.
Once you prove your drifting skills and win “Drift for Fifth,” the RX-7 is yours for purchase at 30,000 Bank. That’s in-game currency, not your actual savings. After unlocking, you can use it in Underground Mode, Quick Race, or multiplayer. Since customization reigns in Underground, you can add upgrades and paint jobs to make it yours.
Race to 111: The Long Haul
Think you can finish Underground 1 in an afternoon? Think again. There are 111 races to conquer. Finishing all of them is a marathon, not a sprint. One seasoned player mentioned it gets “very tedious.” But hey, bragging rights are a nice bonus, even if your thumbs scream for mercy.
If focused on main goals, expect around 14 hours invested into Need for Speed Underground. That’s a chunk of time for racing and customization madness. Of course, if aiming for 100%, prepare for an even longer ride.
Sequel Speed: Underground 2 and Garage Expansion
Underground 1 was such a hit, it spawned a sequel: Need for Speed Underground 2. Released in 2004, Underground 2 cranked up everything. More cars, more customization, and a vast open-world city to explore. If you love Underground 1, 2 is like hitting nitrous on an awesome experience.
One upgrade in Underground 2 is owning up to five cars! Five garage slots to fill with creations. Unlocking extra slots takes time, but it’s worthwhile for car lovers and racers. More cars mean more styles and ways to dominate streets.
Speaking of time, Underground 2 is bigger than its predecessor. Focusing on the main story might take around 20-24 hours, while completionists can easily spend over 30 hours exploring Bayview and maxing out their car collection. If looking for long-term racing commitment, Underground 2 has you covered.
Cheat Your Way to Victory (or at least more tracks)
Feeling impatient? Need a shortcut to more racing variety? Underground 1 offers cheat codes. Want to unlock all drag tracks? There’s a code for that. Drift tracks? Code for that too. Circuit and sprint tracks? You guessed it, more codes. They won’t magically improve your driving, but they give access to more racing grounds.
The Cover Star: Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34)
Ever wondered which car graced the cover? It’s the Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34). This Japanese legend symbolizes speed and tuner culture. It’s the perfect poster child for a game about street racing. While not explicitly the “fastest,” its cover presence speaks volumes about its desirability.
NFS Trivia: Beyond the Finish Line
Fun fact! NFS stands for Network File System. Bet you didn’t expect that. It’s like finding out “LOL” originally meant “lots of love” – mind blown. Okay, maybe not quite that dramatic, but still a neat piece of trivia.
If you’re a geography buff, NFS Underground’s city heavily draws from Seattle, Washington, with a dash of San Francisco. When tearing through rain-slicked streets, imagine cruising through a virtual version of the Emerald City. Fans of Underground 2 might recall Caleb’s crew dissing you as a “chump from up north,” hinting at Seattle’s influence in the game.
So, Fastest Car? It’s More Complicated Than That.
Back to the burning question: “What’s the fastest car in NFS Underground 1?” The info doesn’t offer a clear answer but highlights a game where speed is earned and customization rules. Instead of chasing one “fastest” car, focus on unlocking various rides, mastering tuning skills, and conquering those 111 races. In Underground, true speed isn’t just about the car; it’s about the driver behind the wheel.
