Inspired by the wildly popular toy cars, trucks and other vehicles, the video game Micro Machines is a classic racing game that was released in the middle nineties. It spawned one direct sequel, sequentially numbered, and numerous others…with more games still being released in the modern era. The game featured a top down view point of miniature race vehicles on a variety of tracks. It was developed by Codemasters Software Company Limited, and was originally published by Camerica. It was ported to numerous formats following its arrival on the personal computer and remains popular to date.
Micro Machines offers the user a plethora of choices in the game. The driver can either race against a very fun and competent computer AI, or against his friends. He can race tournaments, careers, or single head-to-head races. There is a wide variety of vehicles from which to choose, such as speed boats, helicopters, tanks, jeeps, and more traditional race cars, such as Formula One cars and standard racers. There are also over twenty unique drivers to choose as opponents, each with his or her own story and personality. The tracks are as diverse as the vehicles and their drivers. Since Micro Machines is based on tiny vehicles, the courses are nothing like the giant super speedway ovals that come to mind in a conventional racing game.
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Instead, races will occur anywhere from the kitchen countertop to a billiards table. Most of the tracks are household locations. Others include a school desk and the family garden. There are numerous other venues in between that will keep the user interested, and on his toes as he attempts to navigate some very unique and track specific obstacles. Sometimes, if the track is an elevated area, such as the kitchen table, just staying on the track is a must for survival.
On top of the wide variety of options available to add to replayability and depth, the game also features controls that are simple and easy to master, as well as some pretty good graphics, especially for its time frame. The sound effects are zippy and fun and add nicely to the overall flavor of the game.
Overall, Micro Machines is a great little racing game and awesome change of pace from the classic “turn left and go fast” conventional racing games. It offers enough choices and flexibility to make it entertaining for any age and skill level, and surely has something to offer even the most serious race fan. Micro Machines is a highly recommended download.
