Introduction

Jeff's comments in BLACK

Inner City Insanity

I've always gotten a kick out of the Microsoft "Madness" family of games. Each title in the series has been successful with gamers and critics alike, blending fun, open-ended gameplay with technical innovation. Monster Truck Madness, for example, was one of the very first Direct3D games to hit the market. In the heady days of late 1996, MTM was one of the handful of games you could try your shiny new 3D card with, and certainly the only worthwhile D3D title. Motocross Madness shocked everyone last year with its beautiful polygon rolling terrain, seperate rider and bike models, and realistic shadows; gameplay that can only be described as a blast was icing on the cake.

Eww a flower vase

Into the drink

Complete freedom

Midtown Madness, like the other members of the series, is a racing game. But instead of motorcycles or monster trucks, we're racing street cars this time. And like the other madness games, you are not restricted to driving on a fixed track-- anywhere in the level is fair game. The game is set in the city of Chicago, with an accurate portrayal of local landmarks, buildings, and street map. Not "mad" enough for you? Here's where it gets crazy: the city is fully alive during the race! That means working stop lights, pedestrians, cops, traffic lights, and a ton of ambient commuter traffic just minding their own business.

That does not look good

Stand up

Tons of ambient action