Micro Machines (video game series)

Micro Machines
Developers	Codemasters, Big Red Software, Merit Studios, Mindscape, Supersonic Software, Infogrames Sheffield House
Publishers	Codemasters, Camerica, Ocean Software, Midway, THQ, Infogrames, Chillingo
First release	Micro Machines 1991
Latest release	Micro Machines (iOS) 14th July 2016

Micro Machines is a series of computer and video games featuring toy cars, developed by Codemasters and published on several platforms (including MS-DOS, Nintendo Entertainment System, Amiga, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, PlayStation 2, Nintendo 64, Xbox, Sega Game Gear and iOS devices). The series is based on the Micro Machines toy line of miniature vehicles.

Micro Machines games feature tracks based on household settings: for example, kitchen tables and desktops. The tracks also contain obstacles in the form of household items; often the possibility of falling off the track is a hazard in itself.

Games

Main series

Micro Machines

Micro Machines is the first game in the series laid the foundation of the gameplay: a top-down racing game with miniature vehicles. The race tracks are unconventionally themed. For example, some races take place on a billiard table while others occur in a garden. The cartridge itself was sold in several versions. There was a gold (black in PAL regions) cartridge with a switch at the bottom in order to be compatible with the American and European hardware.^[1] In Europe there also was a version where the cartridge was in the form of a plug through cartridge, a cartridge you plugged on another, normal NES cartridge and then inserted it in the machine.^[2] It was also released as an add-on to the Aladdin Deck Enhancer created by Codemasters.^[3]

A remake of this game was later released in 2002. This version features advanced graphics as well as drivers having unique vehicles.

Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament

Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament was released in 1994^[5] and featured vehicles which required different handling techniques for each course, including hovercraft and helicopters. There are different playing modes including "head-to-head", in which each player earns points by driving a full screen ahead of the opponent. TV presenter Violet Berlin features as a playable driver. The MS-DOS version featured a track editor which allowed players to create their own custom vehicles, backgrounds and obstacles and export and import tracks.

A selling point for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive version was the J-Cart, a cartridge including two control ports, thus eliminating the need for a 4-player adaptor.^[6] It also included a 'pad-sharing' feature which allowed 2 players to share a single joypad; thus it enabled 8 players to compete simultaneously, on certain tracks.

An updated version of Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament was only released in PAL regions for the Mega Drive entitled Micro Machines Turbo Tournament '96. The updated version featured new tracks combined with some updated tracks from Micro Machines 2. It also featured a track construction kit previously included in the MS-DOS version.

Micro Machines V3

Micro Machines V3 featured 3D-graphics and 8-player multiplayer matches. It featured circuits in different areas of the household and had multiple weapons; it also included the controller share multiplayer option.

An N64 port of Micro Machines V3 was released in 1999 entitled Micro Machines 64 Turbo. This port can let 8 people play simultaneously while using a Pad Share, where one person uses one side of the controller, steering with the Directional pad, while the other player uses the four C-buttons. The vehicles accelerate automatically in these modes. An official micro machines vehicle was packaged with each copy.

Micro Machines V4

Micro Machines V4 is the sequel to Micro Machines V3.^[7] It features over 25 tracks, 750 vehicles and a track editor, although the track editor is not present in the PSP or DS versions. Tracks also feature new settings such as a supermarket or swimming pool. The game was developed by Supersonic Software Ltd.

Micro Machines (iOS)

Micro Machines is a free-to-play racing game for iOS devices released on the 14th July 2016,^[8] published by EA subsidiary Chillingo and developed by Codemasters. The game, based extensively on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 racing game Toybox Turbos, allows players to compete against one another across the internet, local WiFi or Bluetooth in races and vehicular battles. Although free to play, the game features in-app purchases allowing players to speed up progress by purchasing coins and gems, which in turn are used to buy additional parts for a variety of cars, ranging from transportation such as buses and taxis to rally cars, military vehicles and construction equipment. Players can also join a club of other racers and compete with other clubs for weekly rewards.

Spin-offs

Micro Machines Military

Only released in PAL regions for the Sega Mega Drive, this game features all new tracks and military vehicles. These vehicles feature weapons enabling the player to attack opponents. The game is developed by Supersonic Software.

Micro Maniacs

Micro Maniacs is a racing game that takes an unconventional step considering it a near spin-off as part of the series by replacing the vehicles by running characters, though they occasionally use vehicles for certain tracks, such as jet-skis, skate-boards or even bees. It also features 3d graphics and up to 8-player multiplayer games. The 12 available characters each have different special attacks.

Reception

Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Game Gear version of the first game a 6.75 out of 10, citing the variety of unique track settings, good graphics, and general fun of the game.^[9] GamePro was more critical; they commented that the game is very charming with its track designs and props, but that the sounds are average even by Game Gear standards and the races "aren't that involving", citing the sameness of the vehicles and the lack of a clock. They nonetheless concluded that "Younger gamers will eat up this sugary game, though veterans may get a toothache from all the sweetness."^[10] The game was ranked the 14th best game of all time by Amiga Power,^[11] while Mega placed the game at #10 in their Top Mega Drive Games of All Time.^[12] MegaTech gave the game 92% and a Hyper Game award.^[13]

The 93% review in Mega described Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament as "multi-player fun at its best".^[14]

See also

• VS. Racing 2 - a similar racing game with a top-down perspective made for iOS in 2012.
• Table Top Racing - a similar racing game involving racing toy cars in household environments, released for iOS in 2012.

References