Jumping into the game couldn't be easier. Players can hop straight into a quick race or a split-screen two-player race where a selection of pimped-out cars awaits. A large choice of different race styles can be chosen now, including drag, circuit, sprint, and the awesome drift mode. PC and PS2 owners get the exclusive option of hooking up online for some showdown action, and the best part is that both platform versions are compatible. This increases the chance of finding a worthy opponent in the online gaming space, and let's true console versus PC gaming take place for probably the first time ever. Online races can be set up to accommodate a roster of four human players, matching the experience offered by the CPU opponents in the single-player modes.

The real meat of the game occurs in the "Go Underground" mode, where you'll start out your racing career as a total newbie with a budget rent-a-wreck ride. Initially, you'll be given 10,000 smackers with which to purchase a car from a small pool of brand names. Honda, Mazda, Dodge, and Volkswagen offer stock cars, and the idea is that you'll win races and earn money, along with a reputation, as you proceed.