I loved NFS:Underground 2 (on PS2) as well. I think if it hadn't been followed up by the insanely popular Most Wanted it would be remembered more. I liked the style and handling. The tuning controls were meaningful without being overwhelming/tedious. The city/map felt more alive than most/all racers since (including Burnout Paradise & Hot Pursuit (2010)). I remember going from hating the drift events to absolutely loving them. I am partial to drift-happy arcade racers, and I don't think there have been any since that era of NFS (or or the PS2 era of Burnout).