London Racer: Destruction Madness (2005)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

London Racer: Destruction Madness (2005)

Overview

London Racer: Destruction Madness is a racing game developed by Razorback Developments and published by Codemasters. It was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in 2005. The game features 12 environments spread across 10 European cities, each with 5 tracks for a total of 60 tracks. These tracks can be played in 4 different time settings, ranging from dawn to dusk.

Gameplay

London Racer: Destruction Madness is a racing game with a focus on destruction. Players can choose to race against opponents in traditional races, or they can compete in Destruction Derby-style arenas. In races, players can use a variety of weapons to take out their opponents, including machine guns, rockets, and EMPs. In Destruction Derby arenas, players can simply ram their opponents into walls or other objects to destroy them.

The game features a variety of vehicles to choose from, including cars, trucks, and buses. Each vehicle has its own unique stats, such as speed, handling, and durability. Players can also customize their vehicles with a variety of upgrades, such as armor, weapons, and engine upgrades.

Environments

The game’s 12 environments are based on real-world cities across Europe, including London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Moscow. Each environment features a unique layout and set of obstacles. For example, the London environment features narrow streets and heavy traffic, while the Paris environment features wide boulevards and iconic landmarks.

Time Settings

The game’s 4 time settings offer a different experience each time you play. Dawn and dusk offer low-light conditions, which can make it difficult to see your opponents and obstacles. Nighttime offers complete darkness, which can make it even more challenging to navigate the tracks. Daytime offers the best visibility, but it also means that you’re more likely to be spotted by your opponents.

Weapons

The game features a variety of weapons that players can use to take out their opponents. These weapons include:

  • Machine guns
  • Rockets
  • EMPs
  • Oil slicks
  • Spikes
  • Land mines

Players can equip their vehicles with up to 3 weapons at a time. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. For example, machine guns are good for taking out opponents at close range, while rockets are good for taking out opponents at long range. EMPs can disable opponents’ vehicles, while oil slicks can cause them to spin out. Spikes and land mines can be placed on the track to damage opponents who drive over them.

Destruction Derby Arenas

In addition to traditional races, London Racer: Destruction Madness also features Destruction Derby arenas. In these arenas, players can simply ram their opponents into walls or other objects to destroy them. The last player standing is the winner.

Multiplayer

The game supports multiplayer for up to 4 players. Players can compete in races or Destruction Derby arenas against each other. The game also features a variety of online multiplayer modes, such as deathmatch and team deathmatch.

Reception

London Racer: Destruction Madness received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s fast-paced gameplay and variety of tracks and environments. Others criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

London Racer: Destruction Madness is remembered as a fun and chaotic racing game. It was one of the first games to feature destructible environments and a variety of weapons. The game’s success helped to spawn a number of sequels and imitators.

Conclusion

London Racer: Destruction Madness is a fun and chaotic racing game that offers a unique blend of racing and destruction. The game’s variety of tracks, environments, and weapons ensures that there’s always something new to experience. Whether you’re a fan of racing games, destruction games, or both, London Racer: Destruction Madness is sure to provide you with hours of entertainment.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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