- Release Year: 2002
- Platforms: GameCube, Windows, Xbox
- Publisher: Electronic Arts, Inc.
- Developer: Electronic Arts Canada
- Genre: Driving, Racing
- Perspective: 1st-person, Behind view
- Game Mode: Hotseat, LAN, Online PVP, Single-player
- Gameplay: Arcade, Street racing, Vehicle simulator
- Average Score: 90/100
Description
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 is an arcade racing game set in exotic locales, featuring high-speed pursuits between players and police officers in a roster of luxurious sports cars. Despite its stunning graphics and detailed environments, the game emphasizes arcade-style racing mechanics with criticized AI and damage systems.
Gameplay Videos
Where to Buy Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
PC
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Free Download
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Cracks & Fixes
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Serial Keys
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Patches & Updates
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Mods
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Guides & Walkthroughs
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Reviews & Reception
gamespot.com : Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit II is easily one of the best games in the series.
ign.com (90/100): EA returns to the series’ zenith.
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Cheats & Codes
PlayStation 2
Enter codes at the main menu.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| Left(2), R2(3), Left, R1, Square | Unlocks Alpine Trail (reverse) Track |
| Square(2), Triangle(2), Left(2), L2(2) | Unlocks Alpine Trail Track |
| Right(2), Left(3), Right, L1, Square | Unlocks Ancient Ruins (reverse) Track |
| R2, Right, R2, Right, Triangle, Left, Triangle, Left | Unlocks Aston Martin V12 Vanquish |
| R1(2), Right(3), R1, R2, Triangle | Unlocks Autumn Crossing (reverse) Track |
| Right(2), Triangle(2), R1(2), Left(2) | Unlocks Autumn Crossing Track |
| Square, Right, Square, Right, R2, Triangle, R2, Triangle | Unlocks BMW Z8 |
| Triangle(2), Right(3), Triangle | Unlocks Calypso Coast (reverse) Track |
| R2(2), R1(2), L1(2), Triangle(2) | Unlocks Calypso Coast Track |
| L1, Square, R2(3), R1, L1 | Unlocks Championship Event 31 |
| L2, R2, L2, R2, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Square | Enables Cheat Mode |
| Square, Right(3), R2, R1(2), Right | Unlocks Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Need For Speed Edition |
| Left, R2, Left, R2, L1, R1, L1, R1 | Unlocks Chevrolet Corvette Z06 |
| L2, R2, Left, Square, Left(3), R2 | Unlocks Chrome Paint |
| L1, L2(3), Right, Triangle(2), L2 | Unlocks Dodge Viper GTS Need For Speed Edition |
| L2, L1, R1, Square, R1(3), L1 | Enables Motion Blur Effect |
| Triangle, Square, Right, R2, Right, Right, Right, Square | Enables Heavy Fog |
| L1, L2, L1, L2, R1, Triangle, R1, Triangle | Unlocks HSV Coupe GTS |
| Right, R2, Right, R2, R1, L1, R1, L1 | Unlocks Lamborgini Diablo 6.0 VT |
| Triangle, R2, Triangle, R2, Left, Square, Left, Square | Unlocks Lotus Elise |
| Triangle, L1, Triangle, L1, R1, Left, R1, Left | Unlocks McLaren F1 |
| Square, L1, Square, L1, Triangle, Right, Triangle, Right | Unlocks McLaren F1 LM |
| R1, Square, Square, Square, R2, Left, Left, Square | Unlocks Mclaren F1 LM NFS edition |
| Left, Triangle(3), L2, Square(2), Triangle | Unlocks Mclaren F1 NFS edition |
| L1, Right, L1, Right, L2, Square, L2, Square | Unlocks Mercedes CL55 AMG |
| R2, R1, R2, R1, Left, Triangle, Left, Triangle | Unlocks Mercedes CLK GTR |
| L1, R2, R2, R2, Left, Square, Square, R2 | Unlocks Murcielago NFS |
| Left, Right, Left, Right, R1, R2, R1, R2 | Unlocks Porsche Carrera GT |
| Left, Square, Left, Square, R2, R1, R2, R1 | Unlocks Pursuit Mustang Cobra R |
| Right, Triangle, L1, R1, L1, L1, L1, triangle | Unlocks R/C Car |
| Right, Square, Left, Left, Left, R2, Right, Square | Unlocks Racer Bonus Event |
| Square, L1, L2, L1, L2 | Unlocks Porche |
| L1, R1, Right, Square, Right, Right, Right, R1 | Enables Video Mode |
| R1, L1, Left, Triangle, Left, Left, Left, L1 | Enables Monochrome graphics |
| L2, L1, R1, Square, R1, R1, R1, L1 | Enables Blurry Mode |
| L1, Square, L1, Square, Right, R1, Right, R1 | Unlocks Ferrari F550 |
| R2, Square, R2, Square, Triangle, L2, Triangle, L2 | Unlocks Ferrari 360 Spider |
| L1, Triangle, L1, Triangle, Right, L2, Right, L2 | Unlocks Ferrari F50 |
| Left, Square, Square, Square, R1, L2, L2, Square | Unlocks Ferrari 360 Modena |
| Triangle, L1, L1, L1, Left, Right, Right, L1 | Unlocks Ferrari F50 Need for Speed Edition |
| Triangle, Left, Left, Left, L1, L2, L2, Left | Unlocks Clk GTR NFS |
| R2, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, R1, Square, Square, Triangle | Unlocks Carrera GT NFS |
| Right, Left, Right, Left, R2, Square, R2, Square | Unlocks Ford TS50 |
| R1, Square, Square, Square, R2, left, left, Square | Unlocks F1 LM NFS |
| Right, Triangle, L1, R1, L1, L1, L1, Triangle | Unlocks R/C Car |
| Square, L1, L2, L1, L2 | Unlocks Porsche |
| X,B,BL,L,Y,up,down,right,up | Unlocks all tracks |
PC
Use command line parameters by modifying the game shortcut with a + sign before the parameter, or use the specified file editing methods.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| +ghost | Player car is invisible to opponent |
| +opentree | Locked events can be played |
| +nofrustration | Disable confirmation |
| +nomovie | Disable movie demos |
| +nomusic | No music |
| +nosnd | No sound |
| +noreverb | No reverberation |
| +nofrontend | No HUD |
| +nomipmap | Disables mipmapping |
| +noparticles | Disables particle effects |
| +minfront | Enable main menu |
| +helicoptersOnly | Cops only use choppers |
| +screenshots | Screenshots enabled |
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2: Review
Introduction
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (2002) stands as a pivotal title in the storied Need for Speed franchise, bridging the gap between the series’ early simulation roots and its eventual shift toward street racing culture. Developed by EA Black Box for the PlayStation 2 and EA Seattle for the GameCube, Xbox, and Windows, this game marked a return to the high-speed police chases that defined its predecessor, Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit. With its emphasis on arcade-style racing and exotic car roster, Hot Pursuit 2 aimed to capture the thrill of evading law enforcement while delivering an adrenaline-fueled driving experience. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy, ultimately assessing its place in video game history.
Development History & Context
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 was developed during a transitional period for the Need for Speed series. The game was conceived as a direct sequel to Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit, which had been praised for its intense police chases and accessible arcade-style gameplay. EA Black Box, known for their work on the Need for Speed series, led the development for the PlayStation 2 version, while EA Seattle handled the GameCube, Xbox, and Windows ports. This division in development led to notable differences between the versions, particularly in terms of graphics and gameplay features.
The game was unveiled in October 2001 and showcased at E3 2002, generating significant buzz among racing enthusiasts. The development team faced the challenge of modeling cars that were not yet available in the global market, relying on photographs and 3D artistry to create accurate representations. Consultants, including stunt drivers, were brought in to ensure realistic driving behaviors and AI racers. Motion capture was used to animate characters during arrest sequences, adding a layer of authenticity to the game’s police chases.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 lacks a traditional narrative, focusing instead on the thrill of high-speed racing and evasion. The game’s primary theme revolves around the cat-and-mouse dynamic between racers and law enforcement. Players are tasked with navigating a series of races while evading police pursuits, which adds a layer of tension and excitement to the gameplay. The absence of a deep storyline is compensated by the game’s emphasis on adrenaline-pumping action and the satisfaction of outmaneuvering the law.
The game’s setting is diverse, featuring environments reminiscent of Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and the American Southwest. These locations are not just backdrops but integral parts of the gameplay, offering unique challenges and shortcuts that enhance the racing experience. The game’s soundtrack, featuring licensed rock and techno music, complements the high-octane action, creating an immersive atmosphere.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 offers a variety of gameplay modes, including World Racing Championship, Hot Pursuit Ultimate Racer, Single Race, and multiplayer options. The game features several race types, such as Circuit, Knockout, Lap Knockout, Point to Point, Time Trial, and Tournament, each offering unique challenges and rewards.
One of the game’s standout features is the “Be the Cop” mode, where players take on the role of law enforcement, pursuing speeders and using tactics like roadblocks, spike strips, and helicopter support. This mode adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, allowing players to experience the thrill of the chase from both perspectives.
The game’s car roster is impressive, featuring exotic and high-performance vehicles from manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and McLaren. Each car has unique handling characteristics, adding depth to the racing experience. The game’s physics engine, while not realistic, provides a satisfying arcade feel, with responsive controls and exhilarating speed.
World-Building, Art & Sound
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 excels in creating immersive environments that enhance the racing experience. The game’s locations, inspired by real-world settings, are richly detailed and offer a variety of terrains and weather conditions. The PlayStation 2 version includes an additional Desert environment, adding to the game’s diversity.
The game’s visuals are polished, with high-polycount models and detailed textures that showcase the exotic cars in all their glory. The art direction emphasizes speed and style, with dynamic camera angles and effects that amplify the sense of velocity. The soundtrack, featuring licensed tracks from artists like Uncle Kracker and Hot Action Cop, complements the gameplay, providing an energetic backdrop to the high-speed chases.
Reception & Legacy
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 received generally favorable reviews, particularly for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions. Critics praised the game’s arcade-style fun, impressive car roster, and challenging police chases. The game was awarded “Console Racing Game of the Year” at the 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, highlighting its impact on the racing genre.
Despite its success, the game faced criticism for its simplistic AI and lack of depth in certain gameplay elements. The GameCube and PC versions were noted for their technical shortcomings compared to the PlayStation 2 version. However, the game’s legacy endures, influencing subsequent titles in the Need for Speed series and setting the stage for future police chase-focused racing games.
Conclusion
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 is a landmark title in the Need for Speed franchise, successfully capturing the thrill of high-speed racing and police chases. While it may lack the depth of later entries in the series, its arcade-style gameplay, impressive car roster, and immersive environments make it a standout title. The game’s legacy is cemented by its critical acclaim and influence on the racing genre. For fans of arcade-style racing and exotic cars, Hot Pursuit 2 remains a must-play experience, offering a timeless blend of speed, style, and adrenaline.