" By the time this review goes up I'll probably have forgotten about the game. "

      Title: Roadkill by Midway

      Format: Xbox driving combat

      Reviewing Monkey: Dungapult

      The Hype: Ever since Twisted Metal brought the genre into the modern age car combat games have been a dime a dozen. That's not to say they're all bad, or all good, but just that they are prolific. Now Midway enters the fray with Roadkill, a bawdy snarling attempt at critical violence in a driving package. But are we looking at the next Mad Max or just blood on the pavement? Read on, my monkeys…read on.

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Graphics: I never mind when a game is released cross-console and appears on multiple systems-everyone should get to join in the fun regardless of what console you own. That is, I never mind, unless the graphics suck ass because you have to not only appeal to the lowest common denominator but also because you don't have the time to properly code any of them. Such is the case here. Roadkill unquestionably suffers from the strain and appears more dated and primitive than just about anything else I've seen in the last few years. With blocky models, jagged environments, and clipping/warping issues to beat the band (with a really heavy stick) it's a whole long way from impressive. 2 out of 5

      Playability: Playing a bit like a hybrid between Twisted Metal and Grand Theft Auto, the game takes you from city to city taking on assignments and doing battle with various gangs. Play is entirely in vehicle (though there are a ton to choose from) and weapons are entertaining but uninspired which leaves you with an entirely "been there, done that" feel. Run around, blow stuff up, collect power ups, get better car, repeat ad nauseum. It's not that it's bad, per se, but rather that it's so incredibly trite. I've played this game before, in a dozen other incarnations, and no one was more memorable than the last. 3 out of 5

      Story and Drama: Very reminiscent of Twisted Metal, there is a story-that you'll never really understand or care about. Also reminiscent, but this time of Grand Theft Auto, you can piss off and befriend gangs through the missions you choose and, thus, there is a bit of a random element to the game. But, honestly, despite the effort put in you won't much care to listen to any of it. What you will care to listen to, and the only story I really paid attention to in Roadkill, was from the talk radio stations in the car. They are, to put it mildly, both the single best example of vulgarity just for vulgarity/shock value's sake in a video game to date and one of the most hilarious uses of offensive stereotypes, gratuitous descriptions of sexual acts, and general buffoonery ever. Though they will likely offend more casual people and are definitely not for minors, if you have a ribald sense of humor they are to be enjoyed. 3 out of 5

      Multiplayer and Replayability: Though the game is fairly expansive I don't think there's much replayability to be had here. It is, at heart, just the same stuff over and over again and I can't really imagine anyone going back after they've beaten it. There is also a multiplayer component, but one that is limited to 4 player split screen…which, for those of you who have read my other Xbox reviews, will know I find unconscionable. To put out a combat game on the 'Box, and not include Live support, or system link at a minimum, is a crime that should be punishable by a mandatory Rosie O'Donnell mating. 3 out of 5

      The Verdict:

In the end Roadkill isn't a bad game, just a totally uninspired and unoriginal one. Fun but not enthralling, amusing but not enticing, it's likely doomed to the hall of forgotten "me too" titles.

      The Good: Decent combat with a variety of cars, expansive, and great radio stations.

      The Bad: Horrible graphics, a "middle of the pack" vibe, and no real multiplayer support.

      The Overall Ugly: By the time this review goes up I'll probably have forgotten about the game.

      What it's Worth: Rainy day rental.