DESCRIPTION

Have you ever wondered how much it'd take to just snap and drive wild through the streets of Chicago, leaving pedestrians diving and mailboxes flying over your hood?

Welcome to Midtown Madness, Microsoft's latest release in its "Madness" series. Race options include circuit, a race against your competitors, blitz race, which pits you against the clock, checkpoint race, which challenges you to get to the checkpoints before your opponents, and cruise mode, an option to let you drive anywhere as you please.

As you fly through the streets in one of 10 different car models, which include the new VW Beetle, a city bus, and a Mustang police car, in any of the 5 modes, you'll have to choose the best routes to beat your competitors. Midtown Madness does not have a set 'course'. In fact, your competitors will try every trick in the book to cut corners, including jumping bridges, to finish before you.

Are you the type of driver who hits everything in your path? Maybe the city bus or the flatbed truck are for you. Are you careful and cautious? The zippy, light VW Beetle would probably be up your alley. Cars take damage, and if you pound your car against enough other vehicles or buildings, you'll see (and hear) the signs of damage.

Put your foot to the floor and hold on! Is this where you want to go today? ~ Chris Couper, All Game Guide