Video games, like any art form, have their own unique subcultures. One such subculture is the racing genre, a space where speed demons and gearheads alike can indulge their passion for high-octane thrills. Within this vibrant landscape, Underground Garage emerges, a game that promises a unique blend of customisation, street racing, and a deep dive into the world of automotive modification. But does Underground Garage truly deliver on this promise, or does it get lost in the garage, never to see the light of day?

A Tale of Two Tuners

Underground Garage presents players with a narrative that unfolds through a series of races, challenges, and interactions with a diverse cast of characters. The story revolves around the player’s journey to become a renowned tuner, customising and modifying a variety of vehicles to achieve peak performance. As the player progresses, they unlock new parts, discover hidden locations, and form alliances with other tuners, all while navigating the competitive world of street racing.

In terms of gameplay, it’s pretty simple: you obtain a car, fix it and/or improve it, then drive it around. However, the way that these aspects are implemented are very impressive indeed and it was hard not to have fun and experiment to see exactly how your changes affect the overall performance of each vehicle! Fancy a more powerful exhaust? Or perhaps a spoiler does it for you? What about a set of luxury bumpers? Perhaps you might even go for a full engine upgrade, adding significantly more power to your ride? Well, provided you have both the funds and the ability to install them, the world is your oyster!

Under the Hood

Underground Garage boasts a robust system for vehicle customisation. Players have extensive control over their vehicles, from engine upgrades and suspension tuning to aerodynamic modifications and aesthetic enhancements.

Underground Garage also features a wide array of parts from renowned manufacturers, allowing for intricate and personalised builds. However, as alluded to in the previous section, the true depth of the customisation system lies in its impact on performance. Every modification, from a new exhaust system to a subtle spoiler adjustment, has a tangible effect on the vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and top speed. Better still is that you can literally test out your work the moment it is complete to see exactly how the vehicle is affected!

Chrome and Thunder

Underground Garage impresses with its attention to detail in both its visual and audio presentation. It features a vibrant and stylised art style, capturing the essence of the urban street racing scene due to richly-detailed environments. In addition to that, car models are varied and all look great. The level of shine on the vehicles is impressive, and it’s hard not to be impressed with the sheer number of paint jobs available to you at the (literal) touch of a button!

The audio design is equally impressive, with a dynamic soundtrack that perfectly complements the high-octane action. The roar of engines as you practically fly along the road, the screech of tires, and the pulsating beat of the music all contribute to an immersive and exhilarating racing experience!

The Road Ahead

Underground Garage offers a significant amount of replayability. The sheer number of vehicles to customise, the multitude of races to conquer, and the ever-evolving online community provide ample incentive for players to return to the game long after completing the main story. The game’s focus on player agency and the depth of its customisation system encourage experimentation, ensuring that each playthrough offers a unique and rewarding experience. It is, of course, a mission-based game, but the fact that it is open world means that you are free to explore at will, meaning that you are able to enjoy the game in your own unique way each time you play.

Conclusion

Underground Garage is a compelling entry into the customisation-racing genre, offering a unique blend of customisation, competition, and community. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it delivers a polished and engaging experience that will appeal to both casual and hardcore car and racing enthusiasts. Underground Garage’s strengths lie in its deep customisation system, its vibrant world, and its engaging multiplayer modes. Some players may find the learning curve to be somewhat steep, and the story may not resonate with everyone. However, what sets Underground Garage apart is its fusion of in-depth car restoration and upgrade mechanics with open-world exploration, where each modification unlocks new possibilities. It’s hard not to have fun with this one!

Grade: 8.5/10