Twenty years after its release, Need For Speed: Underground 2 made a notable return thanks to an unofficial version developed under Unreal Engine 5. This project, launched by the creator known as “2Unreal5Underground” on YouTube, offers a visually impressive and completely free remake, available for download since the beginning of January. Enough to satisfy the millions of nostalgic players who have been hoping for years to bring the cult 2004 title up to date.
Available as a demo, this recreated version is technically not a complete remake but rather an extensive remastering: the original game was imported into Unreal Engine 5, offering a much more modern graphic rendering while retaining the period gameplay. And the result is stunning.
Modernized graphics, intact gameplay
This amateur remake highlights the limits of EA’s inaction. While other franchises like Gran Turismo Or Forza multiply the opuses, Need For Speed seems frozen in the rearview mirror. However, the community does not give up. On Reddit and YouTube, enthusiastic comments are pouring in, and fans are unanimous: Underground 2 deserves a proper return.
Among the reactions, that of the user DaGuwop sums up the general state of mind well: “After watching the video presenting the amateur “Remastered” mod of Underground 2 under Unreal Engine 5, I can say without hesitation that it is visually impressive and promising. I know Unreal Engine 5’s graphics style isn’t unanimous, but in my opinion, it’s really nice to see NFSU2 with more modern graphics. »
Many players are hoping that this project will make enough noise to prompt EA to take action. A similar strategy is currently animating fans of Star Wars Battlefrontwho are actively campaigning to obtain a third opus. For Underground 2, the approach is the same: the more visible the requests are, the more likely they will be successful.
A full version promised for the end of 2025
While waiting for an official response, this remake under Unreal Engine 5 serves as an unexpected gift. It demonstrates to what extent nostalgia can nourish creation and once again underlines the central role of communities in the survival of cult licenses.
The developers of this remastered version have also announced that the full version should be released by the end of 2025. A promise which is already enough to relaunch the dream machine for an entire generation of players.