NFS : Underground pics and info

Official Car List :

1995 RX-7
1999 Skyline R34 GTR
2003 350Z
2003 S2000
1998 Supra
2000 Integra Type R
1999 Eclipse GSX
2002 Celica GT-S,
2004 Sentra SE-R Spec V
1992 240SX SE
2003 RSX Type S
1999 Dodge Neon 2-door
2003 Focus ZX3
2000 Civic Si Coupe
2003 Lancer ES
1999 Miata – MX5
2003 Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan
2003 Tiburon GT
2003 GTI 2.0 115ps 3 door
2003 Peugeot 206 GTi/S16

Tracks :

No real world locations, no day time races, no weather effects (then explain the water on the roads...)

PS2 and PC gamers will be able to race each other online. ie PS2 gamers can race PC gamers and vice versa.


Q - When is the expected release date and are we going to see a demo before then?
A - The demo was completed last month for the PS2 and should be released soon.

Q - What kind of multiplayer system can we expect? Still with Gamespy? If so can we expect some improved server capabilities over NFS6?
A - We are using an internal Online package, similar to that of Madden, NBA etc.. Because we are using this system we are able to provide more Online features than usual.

Q - Will users be able to create/distribute car parts/mods of their own for the game?
A - No we will not be supporting mods or releasing the SDK.

Q - Will the game be both a single player game and a multiplayer side?
A - Yes we will have single player/split-screen multiplayer and online mode.

Q - If there is a single player area, can we expect to see a similar structure like in other NFS titles, with a graduated system, or perhaps there will be a flat structure with the goal to complete the levels in preferred order (like, I believe GTA VC has).
A - We will have an in-depth event tree structure for Underground Mode which will allow users to pick and choose which races they wish to participate in. Completing events will allow players to unlock and purchase cars, tracks and car parts (both visual and performance parts)

Q - Will it be/is it editable? If so could it be possible for EA to include car & track editors with it? (preferably a track editor) As like the "Car Tool" program that accompanied most versions of NFS4 - High Stakes.
A - No plans for this at present.

Q - Are sounds going to be good. NFS 6 has ok sounds, but they are quite inaccurate to the real car.
A - We will be THX certified on Underground. That should sum it up

Q - Are dash views going to be available, NFS 4 style, but something more up to date?
A - No dash views this time, sorry.

Q - Are we doing to be able to drive in different weather situations and times of day?
A - Because the game is developed with the thought of underground street racing we need to stay true to the culture and only allow races during the late evening/early am.


Q - Is the damage going to be realistic. None of the NFS have good damage. But something near GTA3 and GTA VC would be awesome, except for maybe losing some parts.
A - Realistic car damage is typically only available on games that do not used "real" cars. Since we are using brand name cars the answer is "nope".

Q - How many v8 powered non Japanese cars will there be? Is there a car list available of what will be in game?
A - Sure, here you go: 1995 RX-7, 1999 Skyline R34 GTR, 2003 350Z, 2003 S2000, 1998 Supra, 2000 Integra Type R, 1999 Eclipse GSX, 2002 Celica GT-S, 2004 Sentra SE-R Spec V, 1992 240SX SE, 2003 RSX Type S, 1999 Dodge Neon 2-door, 2003 Focus ZX3, 2000 Civic Si Coupe, 2003 Lancer ES, 1999 Miata - MX5, 2003 Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan, 2003 Tiburon GT, 2003 GTI 2.0 115ps 3 door, 2003 Peugeot 206 GTi/S16

Q - Will NFS:U use Gamespy and will it have online stats like NFS:PU? The reason I ask this is there seem to be a lot of people on here who like to see their name in lights.
A - We will be tracking very detailed online stats with a reputation points based ranking system as well as tracking the top 10 online lap times per track. - Talk about bragging rights!

Q - Are you going to release software to allow us to host our own dedicated servers if we wish?. This is one feature from a lot of other games I have played that I really like. I will use freelancer as an example here, you could ban users from your servers if they cheated etc. at least this way we would have a little more control over what happens when you get those annoying, abusive little sods that swear at you or hack the cars to death.
A - The way our online component is developed we will not be able to support dedicated servers. However, we have spent a great deal of time creating systems to discourage cheaters.

Q - Will it be a console port or a properly coded version for PC?
A - The base PC element will be ported, however we are re-working every screen to be more PC specific.

Q - Make sure the sounds are going to be as close to the real thing as possible. Real hissing dump-valves, barking HKS exhaust pipes etc. !! No fictional crap that sounds like a swarm of bees or something. The sounds are really important, if this is screwed than the cars will be a lot less believable.
A - We know! Our sound engineers have been grinding sound out for a very long time. The cars sound amazing. Each performance part added adds a different element to the car sounds effects, when the cars are fully tuned they sound incredible.

Q - How is the drag mode going to work? Wait for the lights to go green and then just press and hold the accelerator button until you\'ve reached the finish? I really hope that it\'s possible to do some \'real\' clutching; otherwise it will be very boring.
A - We have spent quite a bit of time on the Drag Mode. You will need to know your car like the back of your hand, when to shift, when to NOS and you\'ll need to be looking a mile ahead if you want to avoid hitting anything. The sense of speed is out of this world.

Q - Will the updated car parts make the car behave differently? Lowering a car, uprating the brakes, strut brace, roll cage etc. all change the drivability of a car in real life.
A - Each part will have a big effect on your car\'s performance and handling. If you spend all your money on performance parts instead of tires and suspension, look out!

Q - Are you going to add capabilities for packs/add-on from inside the game, so you can change it?
A - nope

Q - Is there going to be a DECENT replay, like the one in NFS4&5? The main fact that drove me away from NFS6HP2 was the lack of a replay where I could watch from the outside in a cinematic fashion how the race was. Some way to go to a part of the replay (not having to watch the entire replay to watch that cool move at the end of it) or customize the replay would be cool too...
A - No replay this year. We do have in-game slow motion camera\'s to help define the really important moments in game play.

Q - Just HOW much of the car will be modifiable?
A - I\'m struggling to answer this question, I can\'t think of anything that can\'t be modified. Oh yeah, custom cup holders wont make it in the game.

Q - Will the sound on the car\'s engine change when you put on an exhaust or turbo?
A - You better believe it!

Q - In the video of NFS:U there was a scene where a sound system was put into the car, is this just for the video? Or will this be in game, if it\'s in game, what purpose will it serve?
A - We had plans to include an entire section of Audio Systems in the game, unfortunately this wasn\'t able to make it in.

Q - Also, will the traffic be stupid like in every other NFS series, or will they actually hit the breaks hard and swerve out of your way?
A - Traffic is what traffic does. Let\'s put it this way, I was out driving my Alfa Romeo the other day, I hit about 90mph and some person decided to turn right in front of me. I had to swerve into on-coming traffic to avoid her and guess what, the on-coming traffic was so surprised they didn\'t do anything to avoid me. So I wound up having to avoid them. Realistic? Yep we got that.

Q - In multiplayer, is it possible that you can have spectators (to officiate a race for tournaments?) (or Riders in the car)
A - We have a built in Ranking system online, which will act as the judge and jury.

Q - If there are going to be police, will they try to bust ALL cars or just you?
A - No police in Underground, this game is more about racing tuner cars.

Q - Will there be Police in Multiplayer?
A - Nope

Q - Will you be able to tweak the nitrous settings?
A - We have different sized bottles, it\'s up to you how much you want to use. You can even bleed some NOS at the start of a race.

Q - Will you be able to listen to your OWN music in the races?
A - We have a huge variety of music tracks coming in, so I don\'t think you would want to.

Q - Will EA release new Cars every month? Will there be an official EAGAMES Ladder for prizes?
A - There will be an online rankings board, it\'s about bragging rights.

Q - How many players are able to race in one multiplayer server?
A - We will support up to 4 players in a race and everyone will be on the same server able to challenge each other.

Q - How much traffic is able to run during a single player race? (NFS6 had barely and traffic)
A - We have tunable levels for traffic. Heavy traffic is exactly how it sounds.

Q - Are the physics good enough so you can drift in the game without using the handbrake?
A - Yes the physics system is incredible. Corner too fast and you\'ll be drifting. Did I mention we have Drift Mode?


Q - Are there pedestrians on the sidewalks?
A - Nope, they\'re all sleeping.

Q - Is there a free run mode so you can jus cruise around (with police as an option)
A - Of course, practice up. However, no police.

Q - Can you choose your driver?
A - "You" are the driver.

Q - Will the parts system be kind of like motor city online? As in, the parts catalog changes daily/weekly, and rare parts show up once every now and then? So, basically, 2 cars almost cannot be identical?
A - We don\'t really need that, last time I checked there were over 2 billion different combinations per car, including decals, pain vinyl\'s, body parts, performance parts.

Q - Will we be able to challenge other racers while cruising around like in Tokyo Xtreme Racer? Or the races are already setup like in the other NFS games.
A - No we don\'t believe in open ended cities, if you do that there is no track design. Tracks are supposed to give you the best racing experience possible. To quote the Executive producer "If the Tracks suck, the game sucks".

Q - Will be a clutch in the NFS Underground?
A - We tried a few variations of implementing a clutch, but nobody liked it so last time I checked it was removed.

Q - We know that it will be a city in the game! So - would it be possible to drift in the city via multiplayer?
A - Yeah, I think that can be arranged.

Q - Will there be any clear hoods, so you can see the engine? And if so, if you mod your engine from the stock one, will the engine change when you add parts as part as the add-on go? Will the engine be 3-D? Will each engine be different for each car (if you can see it that is)?
A - Yeah, each car will have its own engine, and each engine will change as you upgrade your car.

Q - Will the dash be customizable as well? Have different models and be able to customize their own.
A - No Dice, No dash.

Q - Will the headlights work?
A - It would be pretty scary to race at night without headlights!

Q - Will there be linear tracks and not just looped ones?
A - Both.

Q - A minor detail, but will we be able to operate the headlights, turn signals, wipers, and horn while driving?
A - No, you should concentrate on the driving, that\'s how accidents happen.

great post racer,...
i cant wait for this game, btw will the pc version be released at the same time as the ps2 version?

^^

Yeah apparently. I find it interesting that PS2 and PC players can verse each other online. Is this the first game ever to be able to do that???

[Kurt Angle]

Good info, sounds like it should be good.

Originally posted by ##RaCeR##

 Is this the first game ever to be able to do that???

only for the ps2, i belive their was a DC game which implemented the same thing, i think it was quake. not really sure tho.

PS2 and PC gamers will be able to race each other online. ie PS2 gamers can race PC gamers and vice versa.

a nice new step into the online gaming imo. Maybe we\'ll also see console vs. console soon.

Maybe it was done in a game before? i just hope more Devs will follow that idea.

This is an EA game, and EA are SONY Online exclusive if I remember correctly.

no..

EA arent exclive to sony. they menaced MS to stop making "online" game for them because of their online policies. MS can make new deal with \'em and they will make game for x-box

/shrug

No 1988 Honda Accord LX? Pfffft...

Am i spoiled or is that list somewhat small with mainly predictable cars and a couple only mediocre at that? Plus, a peugeot 206? The regular version? Id like to see a screen of that.

Where the hell is a 1996 Mitsubishi FTO GPX??? Thats what I want to know. Effects look pretty good though.