Metropolis Street Racer

"Metropolis Street Racer - The best DC racer yet?"

After playing this game all weekend, I can report the following:

(1) Graphics – Amazing detail in terms of buildings, trees and roadside objects with NO pop-up noticeable. The game runs at a constant 30 fps which although not as good as F355 (60 fps), still gives an excellent sensation of speed (especially in first person view). The car models are nicely detailed and have good lighting effects, the driver detail is good, especially when wrestling with the steering wheel during cornering! The game has an excellent atmosphere of ‘being there’ and this is enhanced by the superb levels of detail.

(2) Sound – Excellent engine effects and novel use of music. During the track preview (before each race), a radio station can be heard (DJ voice, adverts etc.), followed by music tracks in the style of the music station (dance, rock, pop etc.) This again adds a lot of atmosphere, music styles range from Oasis, Cher!, Country, Will Smith!!, Jazz etc. This continues as you race.

(3) Handling – Again very good, not as stringent as F355 but still requiring skill to corner correctly etc. Certainly as good as GT1 and GT2 (which I always thought were slightly ‘arcadey’ compared to F355).

(4) Content – This is where the game excels. The Kudos system and being able to adjust targets to gamble for higher rewards is a fantastic (and novel) twist. Certainly the most impressive revolution in driving games for years. This is backed up by having to unlock each challenge and car, plus skilful play is rewarded and bad play punished (no bashing off other cars / roadside objects to win here!).

(5) Presentation – Again the best point. The menus, artwork, intro and all-round look is superb. The local time / time zone system adds so much atmosphere and is backed up by superb time / weather graphical effects. For example, I live in the UK and when racing in London at 10:37pm – BigBen was displaying the correct time, the next race I was in the US in bright sunshine, followed by Japan at night. This adds great interest to the game.

Overall, it is great to see a game delayed at the benefit of final product quality and this game oozes quality!!

Graphics – 8.9 Gameplay – 9.3
Sound – 8.8 Long Term – 10
Overall – 9/10 (not an average)
In terms of other DC racing games, F355 has a better frame rate, detailed cars and is more realistic (in terms of professional racing) BUT MSR makes up for this in presentation, atmosphere and long term appeal. RR5 and MotoGP (PS2) are both good (especially MotoGP) but from the evidence of Midnight Club and Smugglers Run, first generation PS2 titles cannot even compete with MSR (especially in the graphics department [smooth and detailed!]).
Buy ASAP!!

Peace, Pogbee

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/07/00, Updated 11/07/00