It is with "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2" that my favorite games in the series begin. The graphics are already good here, and the races are pleasant, and this part of the game remains in memory as a harbinger of a masterpiece that will become a legend.
The main highlight of this game is the opportunity to take part not only in classic races, but also in intense police chases, where you either hide from law enforcement officers or find yourself on the other side of the law, that is, you try on the uniform of a law enforcement officer yourself. Dynamic gameplay, a combination of speed and driving strategy, make every race or chase exciting.
The game offers several modes: from single races and tournaments to the actual "Hot Pursuit" mode. Now, driving with rivals, you will not just have to compete with them, but also avoid collisions with the police. Although let's be honest - it will not be possible to avoid them, and such "meetings" themselves are a pleasure.
The locations deserve special mention. Sandy beaches, winding forest trails, mountain passes with waterfalls, bright city streets and even races near a volcano - each track looks like a postcard. The bright colors and atmospheric soundtrack create a complete immersion. These tracks are not just roads - it's a whole world that you want to explore again and again. It doesn't matter that there is no open world here. This is a matter for future projects. But already in this game there is a sufficient variety of places for races. The developers did their best.
Hot Pursuit 2 offers an impressive-sized "garage" full of licensed cars from well-known brands such as BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. Each car differs not only in appearance, but also in its characteristics, which seems to allow you to adjust your driving style to specific tracks. It's not a bad idea, but I remember that I didn't notice a serious difference in driving.
The game encourages the player's success: new tracks and cars are opened for winning races and completing tasks. The player will have to move through the "tree" of tasks with a lot of branches and go through the game as if he is in the "Career" mode.
The soundtrack of the game sets the right mood for each race. Energetic tracks are perfectly combined with adrenaline-fueled gameplay, and the roar of engines and screeching tires sound impressive - you feel yourself in the center of events.
The arcade style of control makes the game accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of training. The driving physics maintains a pleasant balance between realistic car behavior and true driving pleasure. This allows you to effortlessly race along the track at high speed, enjoying every turn and skid.
"Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2" is a game that not only sets a furious pace, but also pleases the eye. Exciting races, diverse modes and stunning locations make it one of the best parts of the series for me personally. This is the case when every race is fun, whether you are a racer or a chaser. I always remember this part with warmth. She sends her somewhere in her youth, when the graphics reached an acceptable level and pleased the eye, and the set of features in the game became self-sufficient, filling the world of the game with depth and elaboration.
8 out of 10.
