Micro Machines

Publisher:
Atari

Release Date:
03-19-2003

Genre:
Sports / Sports - Racing

ESRB Rating:
Everyone

Description:
Everybody's favourite pocket sized racers are back, and on PlayStation 2 for the first time! Experience the fast paced, top down racing antics of a veritable arcade classic with an all new PS2 graphical makeover. Miniaturised racing has never looked this good, with a huge variety of locations and all new courses to tear around. Defeat your opponents by skillfully outmanoeuvring them, or just scupper their chances of success with one of the crazy weapons or power-ups littering the tracks. This latest instalment of the much loved and long running series features more emphasis on drivers' personalities, with eight hilariously screwy characters lining up to pilot the game's miniscule motors. Each driver has different vehicles to suit the various terrain types which, along with an abundance of gameplay modes, will keep you coming back time and time again.

Based on the Hasbro toy cars of the same name, Micro Machines is one of the gaming world's best loved franchises. This all new PlayStation 2 version from Infogrames Sheffield House doesn't stray too far from the tried and tested formula of previous games in the series - the action is still from the old top down perspective - but it does bring lots of nice little new touches. Among them is the game's new zany cast of characters, which includes US beat cop Callaghan, brain dead made-from-spare-parts monster Frank N Stein and 80s racing playboy Miami Mike. Each character has at their disposal a standard car, a sports car, a motorbike, an off road vehicle and an aquatic vehicle, which they'll need to tackle the diverse challenges thrown up by each environment. The vehicles all have subtle differences in terms of handling; the off road vehicle, for example, can turn on a sixpence, while the motorbike and aquatic vehicles both require you to master the powerslide for optimum performance through corners.

Of course, it wouldn't be Micro Machines without a devastating arsenal of weapons and powerups, and there's plenty to keep the more hostile player happy, from the trajectory based 'up and over' Bazooka to the Electro Charge, which causes high voltage electric surges to arc from your car and push opponents out of the way. Then there's the Liquid Nitrogen, which encases your opponents in a giant ice cube, causing them to skid off the track, and the giant comedy frying pan for bashing enemies with. You can race and fight it out across loads of single and multiplayer modes, including Micro Machines Race mode, Micro Machines Mode, Micro Machines GP mode (all of which include Time Trials, Single Race Events and Championships / Tournaments) and the all new Micro Machines Bomb Tag.

Combing timeless arcade style gameplay with an impressive new graphical look, Micro Machines is a winner for gamers of all ages. There's plenty of modes to keep the single player busy, but the game really comes to life in the classic multiplayer modes. Especially recommended for 4 players!