Need For Speed Underground 2 RTX remaster gets another stunning update

Racing classic, Need For Speed Underground 2, looks better than ever after a stunning RTX Remix update.

Need For Speed Underground 2 was released all the way back in 2004, for the original Xbox, the PlayStation 2 and the GameCube, created and published by EA. While it still holds up nowadays, one talented modder has completely transformed the game with a modern RTX update, and it looks gorgeous.

Uncle Burrito shared a video of the work-in-progress build, which introduces some beautiful ray-traced visuals, as well as updated textures and lighting effects, making the game’s street racers look as fast-paced and breath-taking as some modern-day racing titles like Forza or Gran Turismo.

Everything from the overhead glow of the sky, colourful neon lighting, puddle reflections and much more looks incredible in the build, with the whole demo running smoothly too with no stutters or frame drops. Even more surprising is that this is only the second video Uncle Burrito has shared of the project, with more updates set to be shared in the future.

Fans of the title commented on the update video, sharing their support and admiration for the work that has gone into the reimagining so far.

“Keep it going bro what you're doing is inspiring af. Loving this game since 2007”

“Amazing, to make it look like this and the official mod tools aren't even out yet. This is going to be legendary.”

“I swear this looks like total re-make on new engine like UE5”

It’s quite astounding to see a game from 2004 look this good so many years after its release, though not entirely unsurprising, the modding community have created some truly spectacular updates to old-school and retro titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Resident Evil (1996).

Hopefully future remakes and remasters look this good, though from what we’ve seen of the recently announced Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater remake, it’s looking like that’ll be the case.