Midnight Club II

Midnight Club returns to the PlayStation 2 racing circuit, but can it compete with the likes of Need for Speed and Burnout 2: Point of Impact?

Midnight Club got a lot of attention when it was first released in 2000?primarily because it was one of the first racing games for the PlayStation 2. The tire-squealing sequel, Midnight Club II, retains the fast and furious feel of the original but adds steeper competition and a sharper, street-wise attitude.

The Fast and The Furious
Of MCII?s modes of play, Career is the most arresting as you take to the streets of three major cities?Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo?and win better cars with each victorious race. Not only are there other racers to worry about, but?this being illegal street racing and all?police also join the fray and pursue you in cruisers and helicopters. New wheels aren?t the only rewards here: You can also unlock new maneuvers and driving tricks to help you through the tougher contests?all of which provide decent replay value. You can even race motorcycles against automobiles.

Rounding out the options are several multiplayer contests, including capture-the-flag and head-to-head online play for up to eight drivers via broadband. For solo drivers, the tuned computer A.I. keeps races exciting and fair most of the time, but some tracks require multiple races in order to learn various traffic patterns and the fastest route to the finish line. The challenge also gets steep quickly and the drivers more tenacious, and one wrong turn or fender-bender during a race is a fatal setback.

The Driver
MCII?s play elements match the game?s ambition. The visuals move at an unfaltering pace, and the tracks are loaded with atmospheric touches, such as pedestrians running for cover and interactive objects like streetlights that spit sparks when hit at high speeds.

The ambient sound effects also shine with an aesthetic array of screeching tires, crumpling fenders, and shattering glass. But motor-mouth competitors are an annoying distraction as they repeat the same digs, slights, and insults far too often.

Gone in 60 Seconds
Racing games seem to be a dime a dozen these days, but MCII nicely holds its own against even the staunchest competitor. If you?re looking for some down-and-dirty, high-octane, fender-bending racing, join the Club.

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