Micro Machines V4

"Woohoo! Mad Multiplayer Mayhem!"

Micro Machines V4 is a racing game, based upon the famous brand of miniature toy cars, developed by British development team Codemasters. V4 features a variety of rapid, blistering small cars such as: beautiful sports cars, gorgeous street cars, as well gigantic, imposing 4x4s and much, much more, which can compete in a number of intelligent, creative and of course very vivid and colourful tracks, which are actually based very creatively on everyday objects and buildings such as: the kitchen, the bathroom, and even the sandy beach and adventurous garden. Furthermore, explosively fun power-ups are also implemented to thwart your rivals, giving you the advantageous upper hand. Micro Machines V4 could be the game for you...

GRAPHICS:

In terms of the graphical nature of this particular title there isn't really anything to shout about. In fact, there is only one word fit to describe the visuals in this game: satisfactory. Although the graphics are dull, and nothing special, it gets the job done and that's all that matters at the end of the day. The visuals aren't terrible, but they aren't brilliant, amazing, or mesmerizing either. V4 does boast a colourful affair and through its visuals and presentation it oozes the quality of a fun, not-so-serious kid's atmosphere which may appeal to some.

5/10

GAMEPLAY:

This is where the game picks up considerably. Although the single player can be tedious and too simple and easy, the fun and addicting multiplayer more than makes up for these downfalls and pitfalls. There are literally millions of cars which all have different personalities and abilities along with their advantages and disadvantages to unlock, as well as a variety of creative tracks which are all unique, and fun to compete against three other friends on the same console (using the mutlitap accessory). Also, there are many power-ups which are scattered throughout each race which you race through to pick them up and potentially use, like rockets and bombs (as well as creative natural hazards in the races themselves such as rolling balls, moving trains and places where you could fall of the track altogether) which are great to let loose against your mates. These power-ups cause superficial damage as well as actual damage to your car's speed and handling (your wheels could come flying off!). Furthermore, each car has a small health bar, the shorter the health bar is, the weaker your car will become and the more worn out it will look. However, don't go thinking this is a realistic racer, because this game is the complete opposite of the word. When playing in multiplayer, all four cars race against each other in the same screen (not in split-screen). This brings up the question: how on earth would this work? Well, it's simple really, because this screen layout is what makes the game: as you race against your opponents you have to keep up with the leader or even race to the front of the pack, because the leader controls the pace of the camera, and if you fall short of the camera's view (or get knocked out of the track or badly damaged) you are out of the race. When all but one racer is left, which is the winner, points are given out: 2 points for the winner, 2nd position gets one point and 3rd and 4th lose points. The winner of the whole race is the racer to reach 8 points first. This gameplay is almost identical in the single player except your friends are replaced by dodgy AI who are way too simple to race against and become a bore. The game in itself is an incredibly action packed, fast paced, pick-up and play, fun experience, perfect as a game to play with friends and family. You will revel in the memories of the great times playing this game with family and buddies. There is however, one negative, irksome quirk: the camera view, which obviously needs getting used to. In shorter terms, the single player isn't worth playing, but the multiplayer is very fun and addictive and it's difficult to put the controller down!

8/10

SOUND:

Again, like the graphics the sound isn't anything special. There isn't really any music or sound affects and what there is, is of only satisfactory quality nothing more and nothing less.

5/10

LONGEVITY:

This is another shining highlight of the game as a whole. With tons of cars and tracks to unlock as well as the addictive multiplayer you will be playing for hours and hours on end. Also, an added bonus is a track editor. All in all this a great, affordable package.

8/10

Micro Machines V4 is an enjoyable and very repayable pick up and play racer, featuring an endless amount of differing cars and creative tracks as well as fun and satisfying power-ups. Although, the single player is a bore and the graphics and sound are below par, you won't even care as you are having so much fun with friends and family. There is one word to describe this game which could have made up the entire review itself: FUN!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/27/09, Updated 07/28/09

Game Release: Micro Machines V4 (EU, 06/30/06)