The Games of Christmas '08: GPU Performance Part 1

Need For Speed Undercover

The Need for Speed franchise has been through more sequels than we can count but it has always focused on one thing: balls-out driving. Undercover has been released just in time for the holiday shopping season and it sees you taking the role of an undercover police officer who has to ingrain himself with a particularly seedy crowd of individuals who just happen to be street racers. You get to compete in races, missions and other events in order to earn the trust of the criminals (errr...street racers) so you can be accepted into their organization


Undercover is billed as having some of the most detailed and open environments of any other Need For Speed game and indeed, it covers vast swaths of the fictional “Tri-City”. Everything from highways to dirt-covered back roads is accessible and EA touts the fact that there is supposedly more than 80 miles of roads open to the player.


Another much-touted feature of this game is the fact that there is a broad list of the latest cars available. From the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X to the Bugatti Veyron, there is no lack of high performance rides for you to choose from. The only down side to this is you get to see them absolutely demolished when you are on the run from the fuzz.


With a number of different mission structures and a large environment for you to play in, EA is hoping that this game will appeal to novice and veteran gamers alike.