EA sends word that the latest installment in the Need for Speed series is gold, and will be racing into North American stores on November 17. Here's the news:

EA today announced that Need for Speed Underground has gone gold. The game will begin to ship in North America on November 17 under the EA GAMES brand for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube and PC.

Need for Speed Underground thrusts players into the adrenaline-filled world of urban racing, challenging gamers to win cash, cars and respect as they put their driving skills to the test in their own fully-customizable urban exotic supercar. The game features 20 of the most sought-after tuner cars from manufactures including Nissan Motor Co., Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi Motors. Gamers will be able to customize their cars with hundreds of aftermarket parts from 52 manufacturers, including NOS, Sparco, HKS, and more.

The game also features online play for the PlayStation 2 (broadband connection and network adaptor required) and PC – and even allows the two platforms to seamlessly compete online for the ultimate in bragging rights.

A demo of the PC version of the game and more information is available at: www.needforspeed.com