Need for Speed: Underground (also known as NFSU) is the seventh installment in the Need for Speed series, and was developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts in 2003. It is the first game in the series to use the THX technology.EA GAMES' vaunted Need for Speed series, which first hit the gas in 1995 on the 3DO platform, continues with the multi-platform release of Need for Speed: Underground. As the title suggests, players are embroiled in the shadowy world of illicit street racing. Players will enlist in various underground events held on city streets at dusk. While battling rivals in drag races or more conventional pursuits, players can earn cash used to purchase an assortment of vehicle modifications.All races take place in a generic city at night called Olympic City, though the city bears some resemblance to New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Rather than exotic cars, Underground featured vehicles associated with the import scene. Underground was commercially successful, and inspired a sequel. The player starts straight into the action, at a circuit race driving a uniquely styled Acura Integra Type R with a Mantis wide body kit, easily winning over his opponents...only to be woken up by Samantha (Cindy Johnson) from his daydreaming.Samantha is the player's friend in the new environment; she shows the player how the console with the races works, who's who, and makes fun of the player's starter car. Eddie (and his orange-metallic Nissan Skyline), is the leader of the Eastsiders and current top racer of the streets, and Melissa (Amy Walz) is his girlfriend.Over 20 licensed cars are available to tweak and customize from such manufacturers as Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Suburu, among others. Developed by the same team responsible for 2002's Hot Pursuit 2, the game also features official parts from Bilstein, Audiobahn, Dazz Motorsport, and other providers.J-Tune is a special retail release of Need for Speed: Underground made available in Japan on June 24, 2004 under the "EA Best Hits" label. It was made available for PlayStation 2 as a boxed retail game, but was localised with an aimed release within the Japanese market. Changes include Japanese dubbing, localised car model branding, and seven exclusive Art Factory vinyls which replace some of the Unique vinyls. Features: Featuring licensed music from Mystikal, Crystal Method, Rancid, and Rob Zombie Includes parts from Bilstein, Audiobahn, Dazz Motorsport, and more