Midnight Club: Los Angeles

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 155 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 123 out of 155
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 155
  3. Negative: 10 out of 155
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  1. Jobadkins
    Aug 29, 2010
    9
    This game aggravated me at first with the difficulty but when I got the hang of it,wow it is truly a great game!I love it and the graphics are off the charts good.It puts burnout paradise to shame with the graphics and it wins in the game play by a bit.This company Rockstar is so unbelievable,there geniuses in all the games they make,for a straight up racing game,this game has got itThis game aggravated me at first with the difficulty but when I got the hang of it,wow it is truly a great game!I love it and the graphics are off the charts good.It puts burnout paradise to shame with the graphics and it wins in the game play by a bit.This company Rockstar is so unbelievable,there geniuses in all the games they make,for a straight up racing game,this game has got it all.For people just starting the game, don't get to frustrated in the beginning because there is a learning curb.I rate this game a 9.3.… Expand
  2. MackieS
    Jul 28, 2009
    10
    I Think this is one of the better racing games I've played in awhile. The biggest selling point for me is the free roam online cruise. I love being able to roll around with cool people showing off my cars that I've put a lot of time making look good (like my Inspector Gadget R32 VW car, Dextor's Lab Lambo or my Stewie Lambo to name a few) is Uber' COOL! Also giving I Think this is one of the better racing games I've played in awhile. The biggest selling point for me is the free roam online cruise. I love being able to roll around with cool people showing off my cars that I've put a lot of time making look good (like my Inspector Gadget R32 VW car, Dextor's Lab Lambo or my Stewie Lambo to name a few) is Uber' COOL! Also giving props to those who take as much pride in their cars as I. Then you have the many different ways to race. From checkpoints to drifting. There's many ways to get your racing fix playing this game. As for the offline, I found it easy until I got up into the Exotic A class cars. I did find it frustrating that your driving a car and your up against Ninja's or 1098R's. But After I got used to how the cars handled it was no problem (as any other racing game) it's all about getting used to what you can and can not do with their cars and finding a way to get the most out of the car. Now I'm not saying this game is prefect because it's not. The problems (and there is a big list) such but there is no such thing as a perfect game. So far it's in my top 3 best racing games (and I've played just about all of them) out as of right now. My major complaint are other drivers online. Those people who can not control their car or try to run you off the road because it's the only way they can win. No skill having butts. But this has more to do with A-Hole people and no matter what they will always screw up your fun. If your more about sim racing, then get Forza and have at her. So, all in all. It's a great arcade racing game to date. At least in my opinion. If your a cool person with some skill or cool cars, hit me up on the 360. DirtYTatteR but let me know that you found me on here. Cool.… Expand
  3. Ghostlymatter
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Midnight Club: Los Angeles is probably one of my favorite games of all time. The multiplayer is amazing and the single player was good as well. The only issue I had was when I would run into the occasional modder who, (to put it politely) was not very nice. It is not fun running into one unless you are a modder yourself, but even then they still can mess with you. Over all Midnight Club:Midnight Club: Los Angeles is probably one of my favorite games of all time. The multiplayer is amazing and the single player was good as well. The only issue I had was when I would run into the occasional modder who, (to put it politely) was not very nice. It is not fun running into one unless you are a modder yourself, but even then they still can mess with you. Over all Midnight Club: Los Angeles is one of the best games I have every played on the XBOX 360.… Expand
  4. davidcraig
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Excellent. There are loads of things to customize your car with, the races are pumped with adrenaline. The police chases even more so. I honestly can't pick out many flaws at all. Higfhly Reccomended.
  5. Ps3blaze22
    Feb 20, 2012
    10
    One of The BEST racing games this gen, really underrated too, i mean how can an AMAZING game like this get a 7 or 8 while other **** games get 8 and 9 believe me.. you MUST buy this game.. Its really fun, the story is also AMAZING! You will really like this game, I highly recommend this game to everyone with a console
  6. Pirate69
    Jan 17, 2014
    9
    At first I was upset with extreme difficulty from the very beginning. AI is not just unfriendly. He is angry. He is mad. He really wants to win this race and also to destroy you. But later, when I understand all things about local driving model, I fell in love with this game. That's much better, than NFS Underground, Undercover or other underwear. This game gives you a real challenge. HereAt first I was upset with extreme difficulty from the very beginning. AI is not just unfriendly. He is angry. He is mad. He really wants to win this race and also to destroy you. But later, when I understand all things about local driving model, I fell in love with this game. That's much better, than NFS Underground, Undercover or other underwear. This game gives you a real challenge. Here you can't win just pushing gas and looking at side windows. You must try hard and use every little chance to beat you opponent. Only here you can loose all that you have in a one meter before finish line. Wonderful hardcore and arcade mix. Few words about world. It's a real city with lots of traffic and people. Of course you can't hurt them, but this game is not about that. Day/night cycle, different weather and living city really gives you new emotions. Especially if you play from first person view. Wonderful animation of driver's hands and shaking camera works well and you really have a feeling of driving car on some kind of action movie. Of course it's not GT and hardcore gamers will never play Midnight Club LA, but if you like street racing, furious chases and beautiful views, you will like MC LA.

    A little advice from Russian gamer - try it and you will not be disappointed.    … Expand
  7. GavinB.
    Nov 5, 2008
    9
    One of the better racing games to hit the shelves this year. Yes, the learning curve is steep and the game sometimes unforgiving, but stick with it! The graphics are fantastic and there's absolutely loads to do in the main game, plus loads of multiplayer games to keep you busy. Car customization is deep also. Dare i say it? better than Burnout Paradise? definitely!
  8. DanG.
    Oct 30, 2008
    8
    I'm really enjoying the game. First impressions I wasn't too sure about handling, but after few plays you get to grip with cars. I find I'm able to corner really well now. Its beautiful rendered city has really nice graphics. Some people say its hard including reviews but I've raced prob 15 times and have won 5 times and I'm not a hard core gamer. You need to make I'm really enjoying the game. First impressions I wasn't too sure about handling, but after few plays you get to grip with cars. I find I'm able to corner really well now. Its beautiful rendered city has really nice graphics. Some people say its hard including reviews but I've raced prob 15 times and have won 5 times and I'm not a hard core gamer. You need to make sure you have nitro added to car and slip stream behind other cars or use short cuts to get ahead. But the traffic is set just right its easy to zip between cars. Negative points is cash system, I'm currently getting $300 per race for win. Each race can take upto 10mins. So even after 15 races I'm still stuck with the first car. Hopefully more cash will be given so can buy a nicer car. Also the garage options seem dull and bit slow loading. Hoping with new cars better paint jobs can be performed. Great game though for racing fans. word warning if police chase you and you avoid capture for a long time then get caught, the fine will be really high. I had to pay $1145 once, which is annoying since thats alot of race time money, prob 45 mins play time lost to cops.… Expand
  9. DavinL.
    Feb 9, 2009
    8
    A very entertaining game. +Great controls, gameplay, and concept +Awesome online play +Graphics +Nice customization options -Rendering can be bad in certain parts of the LA map -Out-running the cops is nearly impossible with the first tier of cars. ~Soundtrack is hit and miss...some songs are great for driving, others just suck. Each car's handling is unique, so it's tough to A very entertaining game. +Great controls, gameplay, and concept +Awesome online play +Graphics +Nice customization options -Rendering can be bad in certain parts of the LA map -Out-running the cops is nearly impossible with the first tier of cars. ~Soundtrack is hit and miss...some songs are great for driving, others just suck. Each car's handling is unique, so it's tough to change from one class to another, but more rewarding all the same. Many people complain about the difficulty of this game and I have to disagree - the A.I. make this game that much better. What good's a racing game if you always finish minutes ahead of your opponents? It's not like your opponents are trying to ram you into walls and stuff, but I will agree that a small mistake might cost you first or even second place in a race. I love the free-roaming system of selecting your races so you can gauge where you're at before taking on harder races.… Expand
  10. NoirL.
    Oct 27, 2008
    9
    I think this game is getting panned unfairly. Sure, it's kind of repetitive, but you have to give it props for its online components. This beats Test Drive and competes with Need For Speed for the sense of speed it creates. Throw in customizable vehicles and you have a recipe for a winner.
  11. NikB
    Dec 9, 2008
    8
    In brief: the graphic detail, soundtrack and cars are fantastic - but the difficulty, AI and repetition definitely let the game down.

    It can be brutally hard sometimes, yet unbelievably easy in the next race. Beware that one bad turn and 5 mins of driving goes right down the drain. Overall you definitely get good value from the game - the music and graphics really are fantastic - but    In brief: the graphic detail, soundtrack and cars are fantastic - but the difficulty, AI and repetition definitely let the game down.

    It can be brutally hard sometimes, yet unbelievably easy in the next race. Beware that one bad turn and 5 mins of driving goes right down the drain.

    Overall you definitely get good value from the game - the music and graphics really are fantastic - but a lack of variety and the difficulty stop it from getting a higher score.    … Expand
  12. RyanM
    Feb 8, 2009
    9
    The graphics are great, there are many cars to choose from, and the options for customizing your car are almost endless. I think the main reason it's getting low scores from some people are that they think it's too hard. The beggining is challengeing but once you get the hang of it, it is one of the best racing games you will ever play. The only problem is that once you get a The graphics are great, there are many cars to choose from, and the options for customizing your car are almost endless. I think the main reason it's getting low scores from some people are that they think it's too hard. The beggining is challengeing but once you get the hang of it, it is one of the best racing games you will ever play. The only problem is that once you get a car that can go over 200mph, the graphics will sometimes load slower than the car your driving. I strongly reccomend you buy this game unless you're going to wine about how hard it is. Give it a chance.… Expand
  13. ChrisJ
    Dec 20, 2008
    9
    A all around good racing game. The graphics are solid and the speed is incredible. Dont go in expecting Forza or Gran Turisimo raing. It is first and foremost an arcade racer. You can customize the heck outta everything however it affects nothing at all. Difficulty is based upon wins so loose to make it easier. A new patch has been released to make the difficult game a little easier asA all around good racing game. The graphics are solid and the speed is incredible. Dont go in expecting Forza or Gran Turisimo raing. It is first and foremost an arcade racer. You can customize the heck outta everything however it affects nothing at all. Difficulty is based upon wins so loose to make it easier. A new patch has been released to make the difficult game a little easier as well. All in all its best arcade racer since Need For Speed: Carbon (and in my opinion a little better). I just wish there were more choices in cars. Tip to win: Buy and drive a motorcycle.… Expand
  14. SaadR
    Feb 16, 2009
    10
    I recommend this game to everyone. The reviews are wrong, all except 10 out of 10. I love this game so much that add me as a friend on PSN my ID is SaadRashid. I'll look forward to playing with you.
  15. AnonymousMC
    Dec 13, 2008
    10
    One of the best racing games available. The great city design coupled with gorgeous environments (dawn, day, night, rain) showcases some of the best graphics in gaming. Rockstar did a great job with giving the gamer a strong sense of speed. That said, the racing is often intense. City traffic, coupled with a good AI makes the game challenging (some people think the game is too hard, but IOne of the best racing games available. The great city design coupled with gorgeous environments (dawn, day, night, rain) showcases some of the best graphics in gaming. Rockstar did a great job with giving the gamer a strong sense of speed. That said, the racing is often intense. City traffic, coupled with a good AI makes the game challenging (some people think the game is too hard, but I thought it was just right). My only complaint is the game's lack of cars. Overall, Midnight Club LA is very polished (even the ingame map is great). If your looking for a racing game at least rent it, it will be money well spent.… Expand
  16. GentlemanRick
    Oct 22, 2012
    9
    Would be a 10/10 but as well all have a problem with......... the A.I. On those difficult races and tournaments.... oh you know exactly what im talkin about. Other than that this game baller. And my favorite racing game next to PGR's.
  17. Procritic1
    Feb 20, 2012
    8
    If you are into great looking smooth playing street racing games this is the one for you. there is tons to customize on your car, the races are fun, as is running from the police. you don't really beat it you just play and play until you have the fastest coolest car on the streets of L.A. I had alot of fun with this game. I give Midnight club Los Angeles an 8/10.
  18. Rahsmoove
    Nov 19, 2014
    8
    This game's crazy. It's a total must buy The customizations are great. From nitrous, to different types paint jobs, etc. Rockstar nailed it in that department. The map, is so hugh, and feels just like LA. They have Santa Monica, Hollywood, HollyWood Hills, Wilshire, Central, the long beach, etc. But however I felt they could of included the southern part of it. The graphics were great.This game's crazy. It's a total must buy The customizations are great. From nitrous, to different types paint jobs, etc. Rockstar nailed it in that department. The map, is so hugh, and feels just like LA. They have Santa Monica, Hollywood, HollyWood Hills, Wilshire, Central, the long beach, etc. But however I felt they could of included the southern part of it. The graphics were great. Now let's talk driving and racing. The driving feels very arcadish, but challeneging, and the racing AI is good but sort of weird at the same time. If you try while crashing other racers while racing without this aggro special abilty it won't help. I found that very annoying. The racers do respond to you if you're in first or last. The police are chases are sort of ridicolous. You could lose them and they'll some how find you again. However there are a few cons, and flaws but the racing's, and freeroaming's fun. I was going to give this game 9, but I realized there were too many flaws for that. But it's still a bad ass game.… Expand
  19. gamernick7
    Dec 20, 2014
    9
    Graphics, music, driving, customization are all great. The races and police chases are adrenaline pumping good. I enjoyed this game so much I still play it from time to time. The only issue I have is that the learning curve is steep - when you first start out, the game can be tough especially with heavy traffic slowing you down and cops catching you if you don't know the map. Also, beGraphics, music, driving, customization are all great. The races and police chases are adrenaline pumping good. I enjoyed this game so much I still play it from time to time. The only issue I have is that the learning curve is steep - when you first start out, the game can be tough especially with heavy traffic slowing you down and cops catching you if you don't know the map. Also, be aware the other drivers AI is very well done, they are challenging opponents and at times unfair and they will drive dirty and try to take you out.

    Overall, a lot of great things about the game but it isn't perfect. Still a great game though and I recommend it if you like arcade racers.    … Expand
  20. Riddlemethis21
    Feb 7, 2015
    10
    This game is SUPERB. I am a huge car & racing game enthusiast (loved NFS UG 1&2 NFS MW) if you're looking for a long but exciting street racing game that never gets old this is the game. The story is actually pretty decent and there is so much to do in game. The cops have a very minimal part of the game which has it's pros and cons. Honestly one of my favorite things about the game is howThis game is SUPERB. I am a huge car & racing game enthusiast (loved NFS UG 1&2 NFS MW) if you're looking for a long but exciting street racing game that never gets old this is the game. The story is actually pretty decent and there is so much to do in game. The cops have a very minimal part of the game which has it's pros and cons. Honestly one of my favorite things about the game is how realistic it is, the super cars are quite hard to manage in this game. Meaning, that you need to take the time in the start of the game to master the lower end cars before just jumping to the fastest car. Even then they can be a lot to handle, I like this because it makes the game more open. You don't just want to get to the best car and quite playing. The car customization is unreal! If you love being able to mod your cars, this game is second to none. Also a huge plus is motorcycles, they are super fun and well integrated into a car based game. This game is so cheap now, if you're even thinking about getting it, just do it! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.… Expand
  21. hentaimaster69
    Apr 11, 2017
    10
    Midnight Club LA is one of the best open-world racing games I've ever played. It would be at least up with the forza horizons and maybe in some ways surpassing them. This game is nearly 10 years old being released in 2008, but even to this day the game still looks awesome. I would even say it looks better than the Xbox 360 version of GTA 5. If you consider yourself a fan of Rockstar orMidnight Club LA is one of the best open-world racing games I've ever played. It would be at least up with the forza horizons and maybe in some ways surpassing them. This game is nearly 10 years old being released in 2008, but even to this day the game still looks awesome. I would even say it looks better than the Xbox 360 version of GTA 5. If you consider yourself a fan of Rockstar or racing games, do yourself a favor and play this game. Its pretty cheap and you'll get a lot of fun out of it.… Expand
  22. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Feb 5, 2021
    8
    "Midnight Club: Los Angeles" is an exciting racer with a good selection of cars, modes and customization options. It has a difficult learning curve, but is always fun. Graphically, the game looks fantastic and the recreation of L.A. is great (if not entirely accurate). And while the story mode is fine, it does lack the grittiness of Rockstar's GTA series. The game is also very similar to"Midnight Club: Los Angeles" is an exciting racer with a good selection of cars, modes and customization options. It has a difficult learning curve, but is always fun. Graphically, the game looks fantastic and the recreation of L.A. is great (if not entirely accurate). And while the story mode is fine, it does lack the grittiness of Rockstar's GTA series. The game is also very similar to its predecessor without the over-the-top scenarios. So in this installment, there's no driving over rooftops, it's just strictly street racing. Overall, MC: LA should please fans of the genre. It's fast, challenging fun that holds its own against similar titles. I would rate it with an 8.3 out of 10.… Expand
  23. storygamer
    Oct 12, 2020
    8
    I always loved racing games like Need For Speed or Burnout but Midnight Club: Los Angeles is excellent, just like its predecessors. The feeling of the races is decent, thanks to perfect controls, stunning graphics and superb gameplay. The only flaw of MC:LA is the brutal difficulty. But as an arcade racing fan you will be very satisfied!
  24. HenriqueB_RASIL
    Feb 19, 2021
    10
    Midnight club its the best car game i even played i think he's underrated thats really sad for a nice car game, the game have nice graphics for 2009

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
38
#38 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
11
#11 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 66 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 66
  3. Negative: 0 out of 66
  1. 1UP
    75
    While MC:LA won't necessarily wow you beyond its technical achievements -- it sticks too close to the feel and formula of preview MC games -- it still offers plenty of thrilling (and sometimes frustrating) driving.
    Read full review
  2. Official Xbox Magazine
    80
    An extremely solid racer with moments of greatness; but just enough flaws to keep it from the ranks of the classics. [Dec 2008, p.82]
    Read full review
  3. GamesRadar+
    90
    By sticking to its roots, Midnight Club Los Angeles may not be a master of innovation, but as one of the most polished, finely honed and adrenaline-filled racing games, you won’t find any that do it better.
    Read full review
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