Hey guys! Still playing Need for Speed Underground 2? Awesome! It's a classic for a reason. But let's be real, playing it on modern widescreen monitors can be a bit of a stretch, right? The stretched visuals can take away from the nostalgia and make the game look… well, not as good as you remember. Don't worry, though! I'm here to walk you through fixing that widescreen issue and getting back to racing in all its glory.

Why Widescreen Fix is Needed

Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly talk about why this fix is even necessary. Need for Speed Underground 2 was released way back in 2004, when widescreen monitors weren't as common as they are today. As a result, the game was designed for a 4:3 aspect ratio. When you play it on a widescreen monitor without any modifications, the game simply stretches the image to fill the screen. This leads to distorted visuals, making everything look wider than it should be. Cars look like they've been squashed, circles become ovals, and the overall experience is just not ideal.

Why does this happen? Games render their graphics based on a set resolution and aspect ratio. Old games assume a 4:3 display. Modern widescreen monitors have a 16:9 or even wider aspect ratio. When the game tries to output its 4:3 image onto a widescreen display, it stretches the image to fill the available space, leading to the aforementioned distortion. Think of it like trying to fit a square peg into a rectangular hole – it'll sort of fit, but it won't look pretty.

The widescreen fix essentially modifies the game to render at a proper widescreen resolution, maintaining the correct aspect ratio and eliminating the stretching. This results in a much cleaner, more immersive, and visually appealing experience, bringing the game closer to how it was meant to be seen (but on a modern display!). So, if you're tired of the stretched look and want to relive the glory days of NFS Underground 2 in the best possible way, this fix is definitely for you. This fix is also important because it allows the game to utilize the full potential of modern hardware. With the correct aspect ratio, the game looks sharper, more detailed, and generally more polished. It's a simple change that makes a world of difference, breathing new life into a beloved classic. So, let's get started and fix that widescreen!

Method 1: Using NFS Underground 2 Widescreen Fix by ThirteenAG

This is probably the easiest and most popular method. ThirteenAG has created a fantastic widescreen fix that works seamlessly with the game. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download the Widescreen Fix: Head over to a reliable source, such as a popular gaming modding site (like ModDB or similar), and search for "NFS Underground 2 Widescreen Fix ThirteenAG." Make sure you download the correct version for NFS Underground 2.
2. Extract the Files: Once downloaded, extract the contents of the archive (usually a .zip or .rar file) to a folder on your computer. You'll typically find a .asi file and possibly a configuration file.
3. Copy the Files to Your Game Directory: This is the crucial step. Locate your Need for Speed Underground 2 installation directory. This is usually where you installed the game – for example, C:\Program Files (x86)\EA Games\Need for Speed Underground 2. Copy the .asi file (and any other files included in the fix) into this directory.
4. Configure (Optional): Some widescreen fixes come with a configuration file (usually a .ini file). This allows you to further customize the widescreen settings, such as the specific resolution you want to use. Open the .ini file with a text editor (like Notepad) and adjust the settings as needed. Common settings include ScreenWidth, ScreenHeight, and AspectRatio. If you're unsure what to change, it's usually best to leave the default settings.
5. Run the Game: That's it! Now, launch Need for Speed Underground 2. The game should now be running in widescreen mode without any stretching or distortion. If you encounter any issues, double-check that you've copied the files to the correct directory and that the configuration settings are appropriate for your monitor. Enjoy the revamped visuals!

This method is generally the most recommended because it's easy to install, highly effective, and often comes with customizable options. ThirteenAG's widescreen fix is well-maintained and widely used by the NFS Underground 2 community, so you can be confident that it will work well. Plus, the configuration file allows you to fine-tune the settings to perfectly match your monitor and preferences, ensuring the best possible visual experience. Give it a try and see the difference it makes!

Method 2: Using a Hex Editor (Advanced)

Okay, this method is for the more adventurous types. It involves directly editing the game's executable file using a hex editor. This can be a bit risky if you're not comfortable with this kind of thing, so proceed with caution and always back up your original game executable before making any changes.

1. Backup Your Executable: Before you do anything, locate your speed2.exe file in the game's installation directory and make a copy of it. Store this copy in a safe place. This is your backup in case something goes wrong.
2. Download a Hex Editor: You'll need a hex editor to modify the executable file. There are many free and paid hex editors available online. A popular choice is HxD, which is free and easy to use.
3. Find the Aspect Ratio Values: Open speed2.exe with your hex editor. Now, you need to find the hexadecimal values that control the game's aspect ratio. These values can vary depending on the game version, but here are some common values to search for:
   • 39 8E E3 3F (for 16:9 aspect ratio)
   • 26 B4 17 40 (for 21:9 aspect ratio)
4. Modify the Values: Once you've found the correct values, replace them with the appropriate values for your desired aspect ratio. For example, if you want a 16:9 aspect ratio and you found 39 8E E3 3F, you don't need to change it. If you want a 21:9 aspect ratio and found 39 8E E3 3F, you would replace 39 8E E3 3F with 26 B4 17 40.
5. Save the Changes: After modifying the values, save the changes to speed2.exe. Be sure to save it in the same location as the original file, overwriting the original (that's why you made a backup, right?).
6. Run the Game: Launch Need for Speed Underground 2. The game should now be running in your chosen widescreen aspect ratio. If you experience any issues, restore your backup speed2.exe file and try again.

Why is this method more complex? This method requires a deeper understanding of how games store data and how to use a hex editor. Incorrectly modifying the executable file can lead to game crashes or other issues. However, it can be a useful method if you want to customize the aspect ratio beyond what's offered by other widescreen fixes, or if you're having trouble getting other fixes to work. Only attempt this method if you're comfortable with editing binary files and understand the risks involved.

Important Considerations: Remember to always back up your original executable file before making any changes. If you're not sure what you're doing, it's best to stick with the easier methods. Also, be aware that modifying the game's executable file may violate the game's terms of service, so proceed at your own risk.

Method 3: Using a Compatibility Tool (dgVoodoo2)

This method is useful not only for fixing widescreen issues but also for improving overall compatibility with modern systems. dgVoodoo2 is a wrapper that emulates older graphics APIs, often resulting in better performance and compatibility with older games.

1. Download dgVoodoo2: Head over to the official dgVoodoo2 website and download the latest version.
2. Extract the Files: Extract the contents of the downloaded archive to a folder on your computer. You'll find several .dll files and a configuration utility (dgVoodooCpl.exe).
3. Copy the DLL Files: Copy the D3D8.dll and D3DImm.dll files from the dgVoodoo2 folder into your Need for Speed Underground 2 installation directory (where speed2.exe is located).
4. Run the Configuration Utility: Run dgVoodooCpl.exe. This will open the dgVoodoo2 configuration window.
5. Configure dgVoodoo2:
   • In the configuration window, select the tab corresponding to the Direct3D version used by NFS Underground 2 (usually DirectX 8).
   • Set the desired resolution in the "Virtual Resolution" section. Choose a widescreen resolution that matches your monitor's aspect ratio (e.g., 1920x1080 for 16:9).
   • You can also experiment with other settings, such as antialiasing and texture filtering, to improve the game's visuals. However, be mindful of performance – increasing these settings too much can impact frame rates.
   • Make sure to apply the changes before closing the configuration utility.
6. Run the Game: Launch Need for Speed Underground 2. The game should now be running with the specified resolution and potentially improved compatibility.

Why use dgVoodoo2? This method is beneficial because it addresses not only the widescreen issue but also potential compatibility problems with older games on modern systems. dgVoodoo2 can improve performance, fix graphical glitches, and enhance overall stability. It's a versatile tool that can breathe new life into many classic games. However, it may require some experimentation with the settings to achieve the best results. Different systems may require different configurations, so be prepared to tweak the settings until you find what works best for you.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Three different methods to fix the widescreen issue in Need for Speed Underground 2. Whether you choose the easy route with ThirteenAG's fix, the adventurous path with a hex editor, or the compatibility-focused approach with dgVoodoo2, you'll be able to enjoy this classic racer in all its widescreen glory. Remember to back up your files, proceed with caution, and have fun getting back on the streets! Happy racing!