Midnight Club II: Xbox Live Tactics

The Midnight Club II online world of underground street racing is every bit as fast and furious as the real thing. Learn how Cruise mode, off-ramps, and powerups can transform you from chump to champ.

You can almost smell the exhaust. Your pulse quickens as the countdown ticks away … 3, 2, 1, Go! And just like that you're neck deep in the notorious world of illegal street racing. As you probably know, the online world is fiercely competitive. The only way you'll get ahead is by putting in some serious racing time both online and offline. But like with all Xbox Live titles, online competitors are a shrewd bunch, far more cunning than any CPU-controlled vehicle. So what's a rookie to do? Keep reading for some helpful advice that'll gain you respect from racers around the world.

The Fab Four
It's a simple fact. To have a shot at the scoreboard, you need to unlock much of the game offline. The four most popular cars used online are the Veloci, the Torque JX, the Nousagi, and the Tokyo Cop. Don't sound familiar? That's because you haven't progressed far enough into the game to unlock them. And you won't have a shot against any of these cars in any mode if the only car you've unlocked is the Emu. These cars are simply too fast and too maneuverable. After you finish L.A., you'll have a few cars that can compete with these powerful machines. But you really need to conquer Paris and get deep into Tokyo to take on the elite.

Lost? Stop at the Gas Station and Get Directions
Wrong! That's the one thing you can't do in this game. All you'll find at a gas station are fiery explosions. With no tracks to follow, you have to learn these cities inside and out to claim victory. If you're having trouble learning each map offline, join a Cruise game online. Follow some of the players around and chat it up. They're sure to know some really cool spots and shortcuts. And if you're aware of any be sure to share the love.

Feeding Frenzy
Capture the Flag and Detonator modes are similar—snag the flag or bomb and reach the goal. Sounds simple, but there's far more to it than simply getting from Point A to Point B. With flags and bombs randomly spawning, often you won't be able to reach the flag before a competitor scoops it up. You have to know how to play some defense.

Whether playing team battles or solo, one common thread exists—you need to prevent the "carrier" from reaching the goal. Do all you can to slow them down, or better yet, bring that sucker to a full stop. That'll give the rest of the pursuing players time to catch up to help finish the job like sharks in a feeding frenzy. Everyone is a comrade in that no one wants the carrier to score (unless they're on your team, of course). All differences are put aside as everyone pummels the carrier until the flag/detonator is coughed up. Just be ready to snatch any leftovers and make your own dash for the goal.

Dazed and Confused
How else can you keep carriers from scoring? Confusion is a deadly weapon in Midnight Club II. A lot can distract the senses while racing. If you aren't dodging obstacles at 180 mph or worrying about other racers using your car for a slipstream turbo boost, then you're probably frantically scanning your map for the shortest route from A to B. So when out of the blue your steering is reversed, you'll likely smash into something with devastating force before you realize what the heck is going on. Use all of your powerups, not only on the carrier, but on anyone else standing in your way to victory. If the host allows powerups, make them part of your strategy. Are you one of the many racers that grab powerups just because you can't avoid driving through them? When you glimpse a couple on the horizon, pick one—not based on the prettiest color, but on which will help you the most at that instant. Grab the wrong one? Just use it immediately and grab the correct one.

To clear up any lingering confusion:

Nitro: Adds one nitro boost to your stocks. Nab these whenever you see them. You can't have too much nitro.

Stealth: Causes intangibility/invisibility. If you've got the flag and half the city is on your tail, stealth is your best friend. Not only are you invincible to attacks, but you disappear from opponents' maps.

Stop: Brings an opponent's car to grinding halt. When an opponent is trying to burn you on a straightaway, give them a nice gift: a tire-screeching, seatbelt-straining, dead stop.

Disruptor: Makes opponents screen go nuts with funky colors, making it difficult to see. Used for both offense and defense, but overall the least useful powerup.

Shield: Ideal when hightailing it for the goal, the shield protects you from damage. Not very useful on offense, however.

Ice: Makes driving a slippery matter. If you're trying to catch someone or lose them in pursuit, a suddenly slick driving surface will have even the best drivers careening all over the streets.

Pulse: Sends a shockwave through players, knocking them off balance. This powerup is all about timing. Wait until your opponent is making a turn or slightly out of whack. A helpful nudge from a pulse will knock them down the street rolling end-over-end, usually coughing up the flag in the process.

Reverse Steering: This is one of those great all-purpose tools that can be used on offense or defense. When things get crazy and confusing, a little reverse steering can elicit a lot of cursing.

Quad Damage: Four times the damage for the price of one! If you're on the carrier's tail, use this and let the bashing begin.

Go: Gives your opponent's car an unexpected nitro boost. Is a crafty player trying to lose you in some tight, twisty side streets? Zap them with a Go powerup and watch them do their best pinball machine impression off the buildings.

The Off-Ramp of Doom
Highway pursuits sometimes feel like a battle of horsepower with few opportunities to cause widespread havoc like in the city. That doesn't need to be the case, however. If someone is unwise enough to be riding in the slow lane, help them onto an approaching off-ramp. You'll be long gone as they waste precious seconds trying to get back on track.

Note to Self …
Make a mental note of your competition and race accordingly. Unlike Circuit mode, in which raw power and handling is the name of the game, Capture the Flag and Detonator modes reward cunning and creativity. So if you're not driving one of the faster cars, you've still got a fighting chance. To outwit speedy opponents, stay away from straightaways where powerful cars own the road. Take the scenic route instead and try to cause as much confusion and misdirection as possible. Fake a turn in one direction. Duck into an alleyway. Use a powerup. Get massive air on a jump. Do whatever it takes to lose your pursuers.

The More the Merrier
The more racers in a match, the more potential points are up for grabs. Look for rooms that hold eight players and ask the host to wait until it's full. Or better yet, host your own race. For Career and Circuit modes, you get 10 points for first and 10 points for every other player you beat;five points for second andfive points for every other player you beat;two points for third and two points for every other player you beat. Play teams in Capture the Flag and Detonate modes. You're awarded 10 points for a drop andfive points for a teammate making a drop, so the potential to earn points is much greater with more people on your team.