The well-balanced, one-part-sim/one-part-arcade controls of previous entries have been spurned for a more cinematic, purely arcade driving experience. Story missteps could be set aside as long as the core driving mechanic succeeded. Subsequently, NFS: Undercover's story falls prey to the unintended kitsch. The idea to use live action scenes is novel, but pulling off such a lofty goal is next to impossible in a video game. Unlike the overtly cheesy Command & Conquer cuts, Undercover's clips take themselves far too seriously, and the dour tone outstrips the production values and actors' abilities. Disappointingly, these scenes would be hard-pressed to make it off the cutting room floor of the next The Fast and the Furious film. The simple story of NFS: Undercover plays out across several incredibly short live-action clips starring Maggie-Q (there's even an appearance by Christina Milian). Nevertheless, the decent online features and excellent skill upgrade system should keep fans of the series occupied for a while. The resulting experience is one that's decidedly forgiving and accessible to novice racers, but it provides for no substantial test of driving skill. Also, Undercover has shunned any and all simulation challenge by switching to the arcade-like Heroic Driving Engine (HDE). Unfortunately, there simply aren't enough varied events to keep players interested for long stints. The open world 'feel' is back, and there are a number of appealing, well-modeled, licensed cars to choose from. Consequently, players will divide their time between street events and outruns (which sometimes become one and the same).

Undercover tries to get back to the days of NFS: Most Wanted (and even Hot Pursuit to some extent) by reintroducing the fuzz into the racing mix.

This time, we're going Undercover to unravel the mysterious link between street racing toughs and arms dealers. Black Box and EA are back at it with yet another edition of Need for Speed (NFS).

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