Nowadays, Rockstar is mostly known forGrand Theft AutoandRed Dead Redemption, but the studio has also been successful in the realm of racing games. TheMidnight Clubseries started in 2000, and it draws inspiration from the illegal street racing scene to give gamers exhilarating, high-speed experiences in urban settings. With its seemingly endless customization options, car lovers can also go wild crafting the vehicle of their dreams.
Though theMidnight Clubserieswas very popular among gamers, it has remained dormant for many years. It isn’t the only street racing franchise on the market, but no other series has managed to replicate the elements that make it special. Unlike other franchises,Midnight Clubprides itself on its authenticity and faithfulness to the car culture it depicts.
RELATED:Every Franchise Rockstar Games Has Left Behind for Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption
Midnight Club and Street Racing
The 2000s brought with them many gaming trends, including the rise of arcade street racers. These games were popular because they encapsulated the car customization culture that pervaded pop culture, in part due to the popularity of theFast and Furiousfilm series. Many gaming franchises piggybacked off the cultural wave, including EA’sNeed for Speedseries, which dominated the genre withUnderground,Underground 2, andNeed for Speed: Most Wanted.
Rockstaralso entered the scene with theMidnight Clubseries. The series takes its name from the real-world Japanese street racing group that achieved great notoriety before it disbanded following a race that resulted in a terrible accident in 1999. Gamers have been attracted to the series due to the large selection of vehicles on offer, ranging from luxury cars and Japanese imports, to motorbikes and SUVs. Players can go crazy customizing these vehicles with glossy paint and shiny rims.
Midnight Clubalso has a level of authenticity that makes it stand out from its numerous competitors. It features a thumping hip-hop and techno soundtrack that perfectly captures the import car culture of the time. Rockstar’s commitment to authenticity is seen most prominently withMidnight Club 3: DUB Editionwhich was released in 2005. The studio collaborated withDUB Magazine, which is a magazine focused on car customization, and this helped developers fine-tune the game’s aesthetic and car customization options in order to best cater to car lovers.
The Future of Arcade Street Racing
ThoughMidnight Clubhad a long and glorious run, its flame died down withMidnight Club: Los Angeles. It appears that Rockstar has moved on from the franchise in favor of bigger names likeGrand Theft AutoandRed Dead Redemption. This is not surprising, as the arcade street racing genre no longer enjoys the popularity it did in the early 2000s. A few arcade street racers have been released over the years from franchises likeBurnout, but none have managed to replicateMidnight Club’s authenticity, scope, and fun factor. Fans of the genre should not lose all hope just yet, however.Need for Speedhas been doing a fair job of rejuvenating the genre.Need for Speed Heatreceived a lukewarm reception, butNeed for Speed Unboundappears to have the potential to build onHeat’s foundation and finally present something phenomenal.
Midnight Clubwill forever have a legacy within gaming as one of the most iconic arcade street racing franchises, even if it never makes a comeback. Although a reboot of the series would be greatly appreciated by fans, it seems unlikely that Rockstar will go in that direction again. WhileEA’sNeed for Speedmay not be able to make up forMidnight Club’s absence, it could hopefully provide enough fun to keep fans of genre satisfied.
