The one graphic flourish that seems to get everybody's attention is how seamless the transitions are, especially when it comes to switching from the large world map to the street level. Whenever you start a race or pause to view the larger map, the player is catapulted up way over the city of Los Angeles. It's not that it simply switches to an overhead view; it's the way it looks. When you go back to racing the camera falls down to street level in a way that allows you to see all of the surroundings and marvel at how amazing the city looks. This isn't something that necessarily changes the gameplay in any way, but it's hard not to be impressed with the transitions found in the game. Really, this is just one of the many examples of how impressive Midnight Club's graphical touches are.
The game's audio is also good. It's more than just the game's lengthy soundtrack (which features a number of top 40 songs you'll instantly recognize); you also get a lot of good car sound effects. Generally speaking in racing games sound effects take a backseat to the visuals, but it's hard not to overlook how important they are to helping you feel like you're in a life or death race to the finish line. The voice acting is also strong, even though there's really no reason for there to be a storyline.
On top of the game's lengthy (and difficult) single-player story mode, you can also take the game online and play against fifteen other real people. I can't guarantee that your opponents online will be any easier than the computer-controlled racers offline, but at least it will be a level playing field. The best part comes when you realize that there are a number of modes that are downright bizarre to see in a racing game. I'm talking about modes such as Capture the Flag, Team Capture the Flag, Keepaway (get a flag then keep it away from all the other racers), Stockpile (whoever returns the most flags to his base wins), and more. And that's not all, you will also be able to play standard races, as well as customize your own races and try them out online. If you're a fan of fast-paced racing games and love to play online, then Midnight Club: Los Angeles has enough unique modes to keep you busy until Midnight Club 5 hits the shelves.
All in all this is a fun racing game. Unfortunately it's nowhere near the top of the racing heap this year, but it does have enough unique aspects to make it worth checking out if you're a fan of the genre. I definitely like the direction Rockstar Games is going with Midnight Club, I just hope that next time they rework the artificial intelligence and offer a more original single-player campaign. If you can overlook the game's steep learning curve then you're going to have a great time.
B
Midnight Club: Los Angeles isn't without a few problems, including a steep learning curve, unfair artificial intelligence and a lack of originality. However, that shouldn't keep you from having a great time as you race around one of the best looking recreations of Los Angeles I have ever seen!
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