Midtown Madness - Reception

Reception

Reviews of the game were generally 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. Next Generation Magazine said the graphics were impressive, it praised the "thoroughly detailed" random occurrences of "cars hurtling in front of you" and "cringing pedestrians when you lurch onto the sidewalks". 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. PC Zone praised Angel Studios for avoiding gimmicks, instead presenting "accurately modelled cars and a meticulously recreated city" to the player. Allgame said Midtown Madness "possesses superb, immersive graphics", using the different times of day and weather as an example. However, it complained that cars not controlled by the player were lacking in details. Computer and Video Games said that as well as being "structurally and visually consistent", the Chicago setting in Midtown Madness was "brought to life"—for instance, a "city bus legitimately pulling out at a four-way junction" can end the race for a player by destroying their car. However, Total Video Games called the game's presentation "far from optimal" even at the recommended system requirements. Reviewer Noel Brady pointed out "a serious lack of detail" and blockiness, especially without a graphics card.

IGN described the in-game narration as "a nice touch", but noted some glitches among the otherwise "distinctive engine and horn sounds". 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". PC Zone praised the in-game radio system, and the support for external media players. Allgame said players "get a dose of reality" with other drivers and pedestrians "hurling insults and exclamations your way". Total Video Games was critical of the AI, declaring that cars often drive "without noticing at all". 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.

Reviews of Midtown Madness attributed the most praise to its gameplay for "fun" elements. IGN wrote that the game "doesn't rely heavily on driving authenticity; this game's all about fun." The review also praised the simplicity whereby players can "pick a real-world car and go". GameSpot wrote that "it's fun to be able to drive like a maniac because you know you can't in real life." Computer and Video Games remarked on the game's humor, provided by other drivers, police, contenders (described as maniacs), and the "carnage that unfolds before your windscreen". PC Zone recommended the game, calling it highly refreshing; 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. Allgame called it a "must-buy for the driving game enthusiast", and argued that it would appeal to those not otherwise fans of the genre. Next Generation Magazine concluded its review by stating that Midtown Madness was not groundbreaking, but that "it'll stay on your hard drive for a while and keep you playing".