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|requirements= [[Pentium]] 166 [[Hertz|MHz]], 32 [[Megabyte|MB]] [[RAM]], 300 MB [[hard drive]] space, 4 MB [[graphics card]], [[DirectX]] 6.x or higher
|requirements= [[Pentium]] 166 [[Hertz|MHz]], 32 [[Megabyte|MB]] [[RAM]], 300 MB [[hard drive]] space, 4 MB [[graphics card]], [[DirectX]] 6.x or higher
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'''''Midtown Madness''''' is a [[racing game|racing]] [[video game]] developed for [[Windows]] by [[Microsoft Game Studios]] and [[Angel Studios (San Diego)|Angel Studios]], and published by [[Microsoft]]. The game was released on April 30, 1999, followed by a downloadable [[game demo|demo]] on January 21, 2001.
'''''Midtown Madness''''' is a [[racing game|racing]] [[video game]] developed for [[Windows]] by [[Microsoft Game Studios]] and [[Angel Studios (San Diego)|Angel Studios]], and published by [[Microsoft]]. The game was released on April 30, 1999, followed by a downloadable [[game demo|demo]] on January 21, 2001. The game is based in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], and features various different modes. The goal of ''Midtown Madness'' is to simply win races and obtain new cars. In addition to offering multiple game modes, players are able to choose the weather and traffic conditions for each race. ''Midtown Madness'' supports [[multiplayer]] gaming over a [[LAN]] or the [[Internet]]. ''Midtown Madness'' distinguishes itself from other racing games by the amount of freedom players have; rather than being restricted to a race track, they play in an [[open world (video games)|open world]] recreation of Chicago. Players can freely explore this simulation of the city via a "Cruise" gameplay mode. The game was generally received positively and scored highly on [[aggregator]] review websites.<ref name=GameRankings /><ref name=MobyRank /> It was praised for its fun aspect and general gameplay, though some reviewers criticized its graphics.

The game is based in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], and features various different modes. The goal of ''Midtown Madness'' is to simply win races and obtain new cars. In addition to offering multiple game modes, players are able to choose the weather and traffic conditions for each race. ''Midtown Madness'' supports [[multiplayer]] gaming over a [[LAN]] or the [[Internet]].

''Midtown Madness'' distinguishes itself from other racing games by the amount of freedom players have; rather than being restricted to a race track, they play in an [[open world (video games)|open world]] recreation of Chicago. Players can freely explore this simulation of the city via a "Cruise" gameplay mode. The game was generally received positively and scored highly on [[aggregator]] review websites.<ref name=GameRankings /><ref name=MobyRank /> It was praised for its fun aspect and general gameplay, though some reviewers criticized its graphics.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==

Revision as of 08:49, 26 July 2008

For the video game series, see Midtown Madness (series).
Midtown Madness
Midtown Madness box art
Developer(s)Microsoft Game Studios, Angel Studios
Publisher(s)Microsoft
SeriesMidtown Madness
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
ReleaseApril 30, 1999
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, Multiplayer

Midtown Madness is a racing video game developed for Windows by Microsoft Game Studios and Angel Studios, and published by Microsoft. The game was released on April 30, 1999, followed by a downloadable demo on January 21, 2001. The game is based in Chicago, Illinois, and features various different modes. The goal of Midtown Madness is to simply win races and obtain new cars. In addition to offering multiple game modes, players are able to choose the weather and traffic conditions for each race. Midtown Madness supports multiplayer gaming over a LAN or the Internet. Midtown Madness distinguishes itself from other racing games by the amount of freedom players have; rather than being restricted to a race track, they play in an open world recreation of Chicago. Players can freely explore this simulation of the city via a "Cruise" gameplay mode. The game was generally received positively and scored highly on aggregator review websites.[1][2] It was praised for its fun aspect and general gameplay, though some reviewers criticized its graphics.

Gameplay

Midtown Madness features four single-player gameplay modes: Blitz, Checkpoint, Circuit, and Cruise. In Blitz, the player must complete the course within a given time limit; in Checkpoint, the player races against other cars and deals with traffic, including police cars and pedestrians; and in Circuit, the player races through a traffic-free circuit. Cruise mode allows the player to drive freely around Chicago.

Players have a choice of up to ten cars, though only five are available at the start of the game. New cars can only be driven once a player has won a certain number of races in a specific mode.[3][4] Before a race, players can also alter the in-game weather (which can affect their vehicle's performance) or the race duration. Additionally, the frequency with which police cars are encountered can be modified, as well as the amount of traffic and the number of pedestrians.[5][6]

The game is set in a city modeled after Chicago, and includes notable landmarks such as the "El-Train", Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, and Soldier Field.[7] Its traffic is controlled by traffic lights, though the player is under no obligation to obey them. The game environment features many objects that the player can run in to: bins, parking meters, mailboxes, and street lights can all be knocked down.[7]

Midtown Madness supports multiplayer games in which several players can play together via LAN, IP address, or serial cable connection. When released, the game was supported by Microsoft's MSN Gaming Zone, though this service was retired on June 19, 2006.[8] The game is now supported by similar services such as GameSpy Arcade and XFire, via DirectPlay.[9][10] Multiplayer gameplay includes a Cops and Robbers game mode, inspired by television program World's Deadliest Police Chases. This is a capture the flag style game in which players must secure gold and return it to their hideout.[11][12]

Development

Midtown Madness was one of the first computer games to be developed by Angel Studios. The studio had previously worked in other 3D entertainment areas, such as game development for the Nintendo 64 console. Microsoft, meanwhile, was following up on their previous Madness computer games, Motocross Madness and Monster Truck Madness.[12] A demo of the game was released for download on January 27, 2001, featuring three vehicles (Mustang, Panoz Roadster, and City Bus), as well as all of the driving modes available in the final version.[13] The demo also included featured not available in the final version, such as the ability to send billboards flying.[14] Numerous additional tracks and miscellaneous features were released on the same day as the demo's release.[15] Angel Studios announced they were considering making a custom map designer, but this never happened.[16]

The original idea behind Midtown Madness, according to project director Clint Keith, came to two Microsoft employees while they were "trying to cross a busy Paris street".[11] They pitched their idea for a game to Angel Studios, who at the time were attempting to sell Microsoft a 3D vehicle simulator. Keith notes that Angel Studios were initially hesitant to accept Microsoft's offer, as it "seemed too large a challenge to pull off".[11] Ultimately they agreed, and chose Chicago for the backdrop because of its prominence in famous film car chases, such as The French Connection and The Blues Brothers. To ensure that the city was faithfully recreated, Angel Studios had Chicago residents playtest the game. Gary Whitta of PC Gamer reported that the representation of the city was mostly accurate, though some landmarks were changed to improve the gaming experience.[11]

The game was distinctly different from other racing games—IGN noted the difference from the Need for Speed series—because of what Microsoft called "an unprecedented degree of freedom to drive around in a virtual city."[12] Keith said the idea behind an "open space" game was to give more variety to they gameplay, and to add "an element of discovery", using the example of the shortcuts players can take in game to reach the finish line first.[12] Whitta described the game as open racing: "you still have checkpoints to hit ...[but] you don't have to follow the A-B-C-D standard to do it".[11]

Angel Studios and Microsoft decided to depict some ordinary cars as part of Midtown Madness, as well as the "overpowered Italian sports cars" often seen in racing games.[17] The developers had to obtain permission from manufacturers to use the likeness of the vehicles. IGN reported that Microsoft received permission from Volkswagon for the Beetle, and was also planning on using the Ford Mustang and F350.[11][17] Angel Studios required players to unlock half of the cars available in the game; they described this as promoting the "spirit of competitiveness".[16]

Microsoft specifically told Angel Studios not to allow players to run over pedestrians in gameplay. After deciding against rendering pedestrians in two dimensions, Angel Studios developed 3D pedestrian models that could run and jump out of the way of cars. As pedestrians do not have an impact on gameplay, and as they can significantly affect system performance when in a group, Angel Studios included the option of not displaying them. This in part contributed to the game not requiring a 3D graphics card.[11]

Reception

Reception of the game has generally been positive. IGN rated the game's appearance highly, noting that overall "the downtown portion of Chicago is portrayed very accurately", though generic looking portions of the city were criticized.[20] GameSpot approved of the variety in third-person, first-person dashboard, and widescreen driving views. However, it complained of the game suffering from "choppy frame rates" and unconvincing visual effects.[22] PC Zone praised Angel Studios for avoiding gimmicks, but instead presenting "accurately modelled cars and a meticulously recreated city" to the player.[21] Allgame said Midtown Madness "possesses superb, immersive graphics", using the different times of day and weather as an example. However, it compained that non-player cars were lacking in details.[18] Computer and Video Games said that as well as being "structurally and visually consistent", the Chicago setting in Midtown Madness was "brought to life".[6] However, Total Video Games called the game's presentation "far from optimal" even at the recommended system requirements. Reviewer Noel Brady pointed out a "a serious lack of detail" and blockiness, especially without a graphics card.[23]

A heavily damaged Cadillac Eldorado hitting oncoming traffic while being pursued by a police car. Moments like this earned the game praise for making it "fun to be able to drive like a maniac...because you know you can't in real life".[22]

IGN described the in-game narration as "a nice touch", but noted some glitches among the otherwise "distinctive engine and horn sounds".[20] GameSpot called the game's sounds exceptional, approving of its variety of car noises such as the "warning beeps when the bus goes in reverse".[22] PC Zone praised the in-game radio system, and the support for external media players.[21] Allgame said players "get a dose of reality" with other drivers and pedestrians "hurling insults and exclamations your way",[18] while Computer and Video Games pointed out that a "city bus legitimately pulling out at a four-way junction can end your attempt instantly and tragically."[6] Total Video Games was critical of the setting, arguing that it felt as if cars "are often driving without noticing you at all".[23] In his book AI Game Engine Programming, Brian Schwab described Midtown Madness' gameplay as "arcade style" and "fast and loose" and said the in-game traffic was great.[24]

Reviews of Midtown Madness attributed most praise to its gameplay or "fun" elements. IGN wrote the game "doesn't rely heavily on driving authenticity; this game's all about fun", praising the simplicity whereby players can "pick a real-world car and go".[20] GameSpot wrote "it's fun to be able to drive like a maniac...because you know you can't in real life."[22] Computer and Video Games said the game contained humor aspects, provided by other drivers, police, contenders (described as maniacs), and the "carnage that unfolds before your windscreen".[6] PC Zone recommended the game, calling it highly refreshing, while Total Video Games said the game seemed a good choice, but suggested that it would be outdone by GT Interactive's Driver, released soon after.[23] Allgame called it a "must-buy for the driving game enthusiast", and argued it would appeal to those who were not otherwise fans of the genre.[18]

References

  1. ^ a b Midtown Madness — PC. Game Rankings. Accessed June 18, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Midtown Madness for Windows. MobyGames. Accessed July 12, 2008.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference AllgameO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Trent C. Ward (March 12, 1999) Midtown Madness Preview. IGN. Accessed June 20, 2008.
  5. ^ Bob Colayco (April 2, 1999) Details, details. FiringSquad. Accessed June 20, 2008.
  6. ^ a b c d e Kim Randell (August 15, 2001) Put your foot down in Chicago. Computer and Video Games. Accessed June 20, 2008.
  7. ^ a b Bob Colayco (April 2, 1999) Chi-town. FiringSquad. Accessed June 20, 2008.
  8. ^ Midtown Madness and Motocross Madness matchmaking has been retired on MSN Games – thank you so much for playing! (June 19, 2006). MSN Gaming Zone. Acessed June 21, 2008.
  9. ^ Supported Games (Alphabetical Listing). GameSpy Arcade. Accessed June 21, 2008.
  10. ^ Midtown Madness. XFire. Accessed June 21, 2008.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Gary Whitta (March 1999). "Scoop! Midtown Madness". PC Gamer. pp. 34, 35.
  12. ^ a b c d Pedal to the Metal (January 26, 1999). IGN. Accessed June 19, 2008.
  13. ^ Midtown Madness Demo Coming Soon (January 27, 2001). Computer and Video Games. Accessed June 19, 2008.
  14. ^ Midtown Madness Playable Demo (January 27, 2001). Computer and Video Games. Accessed June 19, 2008.
  15. ^ New Midtown Madness Tracks And Add-ons (January 27, 2001). Computer and Video Games. Accessed June 19, 2008.
  16. ^ a b Joe McGinn (December 7, 1999). Midtown Madness (PC) Interview. Sports Gaming Network. Accessed June 19, 2008.
  17. ^ a b Drivers Found (March 4, 1999). IGN. Accessed June 19, 2008.
  18. ^ a b c d Chris Couper. Midtown Madness > Review. Allgame. Accessed June 21, 2008.
  19. ^ Edge Online: Search Results. Edge. Accessed June 22, 2008.
  20. ^ a b c d Tal Blevins (June 11, 1999). Finally, a driving game that will make your console-owning friends jealous. IGN. Accessed June 18, 2008.
  21. ^ a b c Steve Hill (August 13, 2001). Midtown Madness. PC Zone. Accessed 18 June, 2008.
  22. ^ a b c d e Greg Kasavin (May 27, 1999). Midtown Madness for PC review. GameSpot. Accessed June 18, 2008.
  23. ^ a b c d Noel Brady (January 12, 2000). Midtown Madness: Chicago Edition Review. Total Video Games. Accessed July 12, 2008.
  24. ^ Brian Schwab (2004). AI Game Engine Programming. Charles River Media. p. 183.
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