HISTORY
NFS Most Wanted 2: The 2005 Game and the 2012 Reboot
Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2 was not released as a numbered sequel. Most Wanted (2005) follows Underground 2 in the series list. Most Wanted (2012) is a separate reboot by Criterion, not Underground 3 and not 'Most Wanted 2' on the box.
Checked 2026-10-29: EA's own product page calls the Criterion game Need for Speed Most Wanted, without a 2. Wikipedia independently distinguishes the 2005 and 2012 releases. Two Wikipedia pages alone would not be two independent publishers.
Two games, one name
Both are real. Neither is Underground 3.
| Game | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Most Wanted (2005) | The next mainline game after Underground 2. Blacklist career, Rockport, not Bayview. |
| Most Wanted (2012) | Criterion reboot; EA's product title has no 2. It is not an Underground sequel. |
| Most Wanted 2 | No row on the series list. |
| Underground 3 | Also absent. See that page. |
Why the search exists
Sequel numbering is how people ask for 'the next one' after a game they liked. After Underground 2 the numbered underground line stops. Mods and browser ports of Underground 2 are not a 2012 release either.
Questions
Should I buy the 2012 game if I want Underground 2?
No. It is a different city, a different handling model, and a different developer. It will not load an Underground 2 save.
Is there a Most Wanted 2 ROM?
There is no released game under that title in the series list. This site does not link ROMs.
Keep going
Sources
Checked 2026-10-29. One source alone is labeled as such. Disagreements are left side by side.