I've been lately playing NFS: U2 and while I've finished POP2, I'm attempting on getting the alternative ending (which is done by getting all 9 life upgrades). And while I loved NFS:U1, the sec game doesn't feel as good.

Just like gamespot said, the open ended gameplay takes alot of the fun away. u have to drive pretty much everywhere u want to go. Still the customization is top notch and hopefully I'll get a chance to play it online later.