Need for Speed: Underground 2 has been brought to web browsers through a fan project that transforms the classic PlayStation 2 racer into an unusual online multiplayer experience. NFS Underground 2 Revived lets players explore and race through the game’s city without downloading or installing anything.
Released in 2004, Underground 2 became known for its open-world structure, nighttime street racing and extensive car customization. The new browser version preserves the original solo experience, but also offers optional multiplayer, allowing large numbers of players to occupy the same streets at once.
According to data displayed by the project’s website, thousands of people have been playing the port. Viral clips have shown groups of player-controlled cars colliding and causing traffic chaos in areas that were not designed for this kind of multiplayer activity. Players who prefer the original experience can disable the online component and drive alone.
NFS Underground 2 Revived was released late last month and recently attracted wider attention through social media posts. The developer said the project was inspired by childhood memories of playing Underground 2 and was created to let people “play together again.” The creator added that the project worked better than expected and eventually grew beyond its initial scope.
The project’s GitHub documentation also states that AI tools were used during development. The port remains a fan-made project, and its future could depend on whether Electronic Arts, the original publisher of Underground 2, takes action against it.
Sources: Kotaku.