This element of the game alone is what really carries the single player campaign because in all of those race restarts, you may know the track you're on, but the other drivers will be the X-factor.

A wicked smile will cross your face when you see the race leader bend a corner right into the back of a semi-truck because you'll know that's something you could've done and still might. The result is, no two races will run exactly the same because the AI drivers are reacting to dynamic traffic conditions just like you are and they'll take chances and make mistakes, just like you will. Rockstar San Diego has developed technique that allows the AI drivers to think for themselves when it comes to decisions about how best to reach a checkpoint. If the AI's toughness doesn't get you, then their realistic driving patterns will. And, if you already own the game, get the strategy guide. In this feature we break down everything in a point-by-point comparison with side-by-side screenshots! Head-to-Head Available! Want to know if should buy the Xbox, PS2, or PC version of Rockstar's high-octane, inner-city racer? Just head over to IGN Insider to learn all about each version.

Early on the enemy drivers will tap your bumper trying to get you to fishtail in the middle of a turn or run you down the wrong intersection or off-ramp. The AI in MC2 is extremely aggressive and there is absolutely no shame in resetting the race when you screw up even a little bit, because it usually will be catastrophic. You have to beat everyone to unlock the new cars and advance you career. You'll have a rival in each race, usually the character that brought you to the race, and it's not enough just to beat them in a multi-car race. The races themselves will require you to race through a set of checkpoints in order or to race through them in any order but as quickly as you can. The ride over to the starting grid is how you'll learn some of the game's more obvious shortcuts and jumps that will come in very handy later on, perhaps even in the race you're about to undertake. They'll lead you on a crazy path through the city to get you to a starting area. Before races you'll get cruise time where you can ride around and find the character you want to race against. The single player game is very well designed to get gamers used to the speed and mechanics of the vehicles and to get them familiar with the three cities -Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo- they'll be racing in. You get wide open cities that can be roamed freely but during a race you'd better stick to the prescribed path if you want to win.

Apparently there's this subculture of people out there that likes to race in the streets illegally and Midnight Club II is designed to capture this essence.

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