Developer: Angel Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
Over the last couple of years first-person shooters have been blamed for numerous violent acts Considering the logic behind these beliefs, it is likely that in the not so distant future there could be rallying cries that computer and video games actually encourage teenagers and twenty-somethings to drive badly! After all, reckless and thoughtless driving is pretty much the point behind popular game titles like Driver, Crazy Taxi, and Carmageddon. Of course, one of the most successful of the anti-social driving simulations was the Microsoft published title Midtown Madness, which allowed players to take a spin through an impressive digital recreation of Chicago. The Windy City hadn't been the home to such mindless vehicular activity since the Blues Brothers headed to town.
The madcap driving and racing excitement continues later this fall with Midtown Madness 2, from developer Angel Studios, and this time the action heads to two new locations, London and San Francisco. While no exact rational is given for why these two cities were chosen, they are excellent settings for this kind of game as they each offer unique driving experiences. Each city has been previously featured in other racing titles, but never to the extent that they are here. Those familiar with either city will note the serious attention to detail on major landmarks, although some liberties were obviously taken for the sake of gameplay. Most of the trendy locations of each city are included; from the North Beach, Embarcadero and Soma parts of San Francisco as well as a substantial portion of London's West End. It is disappointing that the less trendy East End of London, including the Millennium Dome, didn't make the simulation.
