Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2

Dream Machines, Getaway Speeds

NA release: 1st October 2002
EU release: 25th October 2002
JP release: N/A
Developer: EA Seattle
Publisher: EA
NGC Magazine Score: 69%
Mods Used: Widescreen Code

The Need for Speed franchise is colossal, with a lot of different entries, some with virtually no similarities other than racing. For the most part, though, Need for Speed games are racing games where cops try to interrupt and stop the race, and the Hot Pursuit games are a pure and simple form of that. There’s no background, story, or anything like that: it’s just about the racing.

And the racing is really good. Handling feels great while keeping the cars feeling weighty enough to be shunted around. Across the tracks, police cars lie in wait, usually focusing on the leaders of the race. Stay away from the cop long enough and they’ll give up. However, the next time you attract the attention of the cop, they’ll try harder, eventually bringing in helicopters to stop you. As the cops mainly focus on the leaders of the pack, it ends up being a more natural feeling catch-up mechanic.

Outside of racing and tournaments, there’s also a mission mode which give you specific themes or races (such as everyone using certain cars), time trials and other events, which provides a bit more to do so you can unlock more cars and race. You can also be the police, although taking out a car is extremely difficult – even if you jam them in place, they respawn. Still, the core racing is a lot of fun, with tracks that have lots of alternative routes and shortcuts.

Fun

Now despite everything being present and correct – with some beautifully designed courses, complete with branching shortcuts through stunning scenery – we can’t help but feel… well, a little gutted. After playing the PS2 version (which was a great, solid racer) this really pales in comparison. Firstly, the fancy camera effects that swept around your vehicle or – complete with fire trails – streaked up the track to give you a view of the road ahead have been inexplicably removed. It was hardly a gameplay enhancement, but it was a sweet addition all the same.
Geraint Evans, NGC Magazine #74

Remake or remaster?

A collection of Need for Speed games from this era would be nice, even if they had to change the cars.

Official Ways to get the game

There is no official way to get Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2.