Wanna Race?

Racing games on the Playstation 2 have had a lot of hype since November 24th when the ‘super’ console was released. However, many of these games that were due for release on the 24th have been put months ahead. Such games include what was to be called Gran Turismo 2000 which had to change its name (because of continuous development of the game) to Gran Turismo 3: A Spec. The game is still not out yet, supposedly it’ll be released sometime in June/July.

Before I stary too far away from the subject, I’d better get back to the game that is; Midnight Club.

Anyone who has played the game may notice that the game is very similar to Grand Theft Auto (read my other op). That is probably because it’s produced by Rockstar and Take 2, sound familiar? They’re the GTA producers as well.


THE GAME FEATURES:

There are quite a few features in the game. The actual career mode is very good with a lot of hidden features. You start with a car, and just a car. No money is involved or won from other drivers, just cars. The game starts in New York and finishes in London. Basically you cruise about the streets until someone forces a race, if you can keep up and then go on to beat them one-on-one you get their cellphone number. Whenever you feel like a race, you just give them a bell and a one-on-one is arranged. If you win, their car is yours. As the game progresses, you get faster and faster cars, which even the pros can’t handle.

If you just want to joyride by yourself or with upto 3 mates then that option is available in either London or New York. You can also set traffic and pedestrian rates.

GAMEPLAY:

Being a Playstation 2 game, you wouldn’t expect any jumping graphics or broken polygons, and you don’t get any. The game uses the usual controls (X – accelerate, etc…) yet uses realistic speeds compared with the other cars. It also has the nice feature that Driver didn’t – the ability to run people over.

GRAPHICS:

The graphics are amazing, Rockstar take advantage of the 8 million polygons a second on offer and use it to their advantage. I suppose if I were to compare it to another game, the closest would be Driver, but with more polygons and a lot smoother. Each and every car and building is individually designed for that unique feeling that the game has got.

SOUNDS:

The game has got the traditional radio in the cars replaying the same songs over and over again but they are nothing special. The sound effects are good, you get the nice screeching of the tyres each corner (even if you don’t break!). Plus there is a great ‘thud…..…arrggg’ when you run someone over.

VERDICT:

It’s really a great game, but it’s also Driver with better graphics and features. Some might call it Driver for the Playstation 2.

If you own a PS2, then get this game, it’s a must-have.