In the past,
Codemasters has been known to produce some very solid racing titles, along the
lines of TOCA or Colin McRay Rally. Into that mix you can add Micro Machines and
the latest release of Micro Machines v4 for the PC.
MMv4 is a
Hot Wheels style racing vehicle, using small cars along the lines of the
collectible machines and then setting up tracks around everyday areas, like the
starting area, which is a pool table. Ordinary items can be obstacles and the
game can be set up to allow for a racing experience or an arcade-like experience
complete with power-ups.
The game
style is reminiscent of the original title, which released on the NES. For some
odd reason, it feels like the 2006 release could well have been as comfortable
on the elder console system. The game does not take advantage of modern
technological advancements in graphics or physics, but rather keeps it all
simple. This may be for a younger target audience, and if that is the case, then
MMv4 succeeds at keeping it light. However, the AI of the game seems intent to
make certain that each race is fair. If a player, competing against the AI, is
way behind, the AI will slow the lead car or cars down. Some of this can be
attributed to a power-up known as the equalizer.
The game has
hundreds of micro machines, 750 in fact (and you can unlock them all by playing
the game) all with a somewhat-similar look but different attributes. There are a
lot of tracks as well, and if the variety does not suit you, you can use the
track editor to create your own. There are 76 challenges to beat and unlock as
well. Track areas cover 25 areas (with several tracks per area) and include a
pool table, museum, kitchen, roof top, street, chicken coop, loft, sewer, garden
centre, supermarket and the beach.
Game modes
include single player and multiplayer (four controllers on the same machine, no
online component). In the single player you can practice (quick battle and time
trial), go into the garage, use the track editor or enter micro tournaments. The
tournament mode has four divisions and there are sub categories for each
division.
Creating a
track is not all that hard. There are area/zone templates and you connect
waypoints to create a circuit. But you do not have a lot of flexibility in the
design, as a whole.
Each time
the game quit to Windows, an error message popped up about the client
encountering an error.
The controls
of the game are very straightforward. Hit the accelerator, power slide and bump
your opponent when you get near an unbordered edge. When you get far enough
ahead, the game stops, awards you a point and restarts the cars side by side.
Graphically
the game is average at best. The tracks are entertaining, but can become
redundant and the sound is comprised of techno-based music, the same
high-pitched revving sound and squealing tires.
Micro
Machines v4 is not a bad game; it is just not the type of racing title that one
truly expects from a motor-racing game in 2006. This is a game that might have
felt right about six years ago, but with the technology available, a little bit
more is expected from a racing title.
That said,
if you are a fan of micro collectible cars, like the idea of head-to-head
competition on the same machine, and enjoy racing around tracks built out of
ordinary everyday locations, then you may enjoy this title. For those who are
hardcore racing fans, you may want to pass on this game.
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Gameplay:
7.0
Whether using a
joystick, gamepad or the keyboard, the game is very easy to understand and
control. Load times are quick.
Graphics:
6.0
The cars have
minor physical differences, but they do have an array of attribute differences.
The tracks are fine, but not up to the standard of some of Codemasters other
racing releases.
Sound:
6.0
The music is
average, but mostly techno based and can be turned down or off
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
There are three
difficulty levels but the AI helps where it can as well.
Concept:
6.5
This seems like a
game that might have been better than it is, but still, one cannot deny that
this game is very heavy in providing players with cars and tracks.
Multiplayer: 5.7
Up to four
players can play on the same machine but hooking up controllers. It can get very
crowded around a monitor.
Overall:
6.0
While the game is
not overly strong when it comes to racing, it may appeal to younger gamers or
those who are not looking for the more hardcore racing action that will lead to
white-knuckle action. The game’s AI seems determined to make a race out of it,
even if that means slowing down cars for no apparent reason, thereby undermining
the inherent challenge. Still, the game does have some intriguing tracks, a
track editor, and a wide assortment of cars.
