We first looked at Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 at our last forum gaming session held earlier this month. The initial buzz was positive, and quite a few heads were turned. We're pleased to say that the final version does not disappoint. The Need for Speed franchise is renowned for seat of the pants thrills, and while Hot Pursuit 2 deviates little from this successful formula, the attention to detail and longevity of this installment set it apart from it's predecessors.

If you're not aware of the Need for Speed/Hot Pursuit format, where have you been?! A number of game modes are featured, centering around the main 'cops & robbers' style Hot Pursuit, and the 'no authorities' World Racing.

All up, there are some 50 cars to unlock, from all the manufacturers you've come to expect – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Jaguar etc. There are only a couple of playable tracks to start off with, with a total of 30 becoming available as you progress. 'NFS points' are also awarded, the accumulation of which sees more tracks and vehicles being unlocked. Catch air off jumps, run road blocks and avoid spike strips to earn bonus points. More detail? Read on...

Hot Pursuit

'Quick Race' randomly chooses one of the available tracks and cars, and you're away with no messing around! 'You're the Cop' puts you behind the wheel of one of the unlocked police vehicles (there are five in all), which are equipped with Nitrous Oxide for that mega Speed Boost. A friend can also join in as a speeding maniac in 2 Player split-screen mode. 'Challenge' is straight out racing with AI controlled opponents or another human, and 'Ultimate Racer' lets you choose your own path through an "Event Tree", unlocking more races, tracks and cars.

World Racing

'Quick Race', as above, 'Challenge', as above, and the straight racing 'Championship' comprise 'World Racing' – all without the pesky fuzz on your tail. Decent placing in 'Championship' mode sees you setting your own path through the tree in your quest to become World Champion.

The Track

There are a brilliant 30 tracks to unlock, and after several days, we've a considerable number still to go. They are lush and drenched in detail – go past a smoldering little forest fire on the first lap, and by the fourth it's a raging inferno with thick smoke obscuring the track. Insane jumps (a la GTA3) are dotted throughout the tracks as well as tons of crazy short-cuts. "Long-cuts" also feature, so it pays to learn the tracks well. Desert, jungle, city and country themed tracks (among others) are very nicely rendered.

The Car

The cop cars! The ugly, yet remarkably versatile Ford CrownVictoria is the only choice early in the game. The monsters follow – BMW M3, SVT Cobra, Corvette Z06, and the amazing Lamborghini Murcielago are all unlockable as police pursuit cars. Now just stop for a second, close your eyes, and imagine a Nitrous Oxide enhanced Lamborghini Murcielago. Talk about OFF THE WALL!