L.A. Rush
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Midway Studios Newcastle |
| Products | L.A. Rush (video game) |
L.A. Rush is a 2005 open world racing video game created by Midway Studios Newcastle and distributed by Midway for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox platforms. In 2006, it was adapted for Microsoft Windows and launched as Rush on the PlayStation Portable. This title represents the fourth and concluding chapter in the Rush franchise. The game includes voice performances from Orlando Jones, Bill Bellamy, André 3000, and Twista. Critical reception was mixed.
Initially intended for release on the Gizmondo, the project was cancelled on 6 February 2006 following the discontinuation of that console. The Xbox edition featured downloadable car skins accessible via Xbox Live. Currently, L.A. Rush is supported on Insignia, a revival server that restores online play for original Xbox titles. However, compatibility with the Xbox 360 is not available for this version.
Gameplay
Players experience an open-world environment with racing mechanics akin to those in Need for Speed: Underground 2. The GPS system allows players to set waypoints that are displayed on the minimap during gameplay. The game includes a roster of 50 vehicles—30 licensed models alongside Midway's original concepts—30 cruise missions, and multiplayer functionality on PSP through Wi-Fi connectivity. Vehicle customization options come from leading manufacturers and West Coast Customs, complemented by a soundtrack blending hip hop and rock genres with artists such as Twista, Lil' Kim, and J-Kwon.
There are two primary gameplay modes: Battle mode, carried over from the home version of Rush 2049, where competitors race head-to-head employing power-ups; and Stunt Arena mode, exclusive to the PSP, which focuses on performing aerial tricks off ramps to accumulate points by landing safely.
The game features two mission categories: Reacquire missions task players with retrieving repossessed vehicles while minimizing damage and avoiding pursuers; Retribution missions involve destroying various properties owned by Lidell through different methods.
Plot
Trikz Lane (Luis Da Silva), a prominent street racer in Los Angeles, rose to prominence behind the wheel of his blue Nissan 240SX (S14), aided by his friend Ty Malix (voiced by Orlando Jones). Their achievements brought them financial success, a mansion in Beverly Hills, and an extensive car collection. During a party at their mansion—attended by Rides magazine and featuring modifications to the S14 by West Coast Customs for a magazine cover—they encounter Lidell Rey (Bill Bellamy), a local race promoter who organizes the Lidell Rey Street Slam events. Lidell opposes Trikz, aiming to prevent his planned Maui vacation and win over Lana, Trikz’s girlfriend.
Upon returning from their trip, Trikz and Ty discover their mansion deserted and all their possessions repossessed—Lidell leveraged his influence to seize their assets. Seeking revenge, Trikz enters Lidell’s street racing circuit while Ty searches throughout Los Angeles for their missing vehicles.
Trikz secures victories in Hollywood and Santa Monica, carrying out directives from Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs to demolish Lidell’s billboards and the Pacific Wheel. Lana assists in tracking down the lost cars. In South Central Los Angeles, they collaborate with West Coast Customs to upgrade the S14. After winning there, Trikz faces off against Lidell’s professional racer in South Bay, where he steals one of Lidell’s concept cars mid-race and destroys it by driving it into an oncoming train.
The climactic stage takes place in Downtown Los Angeles, where Trikz challenges Lidell’s racer in a high-stakes rematch. Following Ryan’s orders, Trikz sabotages Lidell’s luxury vehicles prior to the race. Ultimately, Trikz triumphs over Lidell in a duel using a Saleen S7, reclaiming their property and restoring their mansion. The S14 returns outfitted with luxury enhancements. The story concludes with Trikz departing for Maui alongside Lana, intending to resume racing afterward.
Reception
The Xbox, PlayStation 2, and PSP editions of L.A. Rush garnered generally "mixed or average" feedback according to the review compilation site Metacritic.
A frequent point of criticism was the restricted vehicle customization, as players lack direct control over upgrades; instead, enhancements are automatically installed by the West Coast Customs team. GamesRadar commented: "Drive your car into the shop and they'll outfit it with whatever they choose."
Additionally, the absence of significant Los Angeles locations, including the San Fernando Valley, drew negative remarks.
On the other hand, certain reviewers commended the authentic driving mechanics, drawing favorable comparisons to games such as Juiced and Need for Speed: Underground 2.
Nominations
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Nominated | Satellite Awards | Best Sports/Fighting/Racing Game |