Micro Machines v4

Format PlayStation 2

Developer Supersonic

Publisher Codemasters

Genre Racing / Driving

Funnily enough, most of the scenarios here look vaguely familiar to us. The kitchen, the garden, even the garage... We can't seem to put our finger on it. Ah yes. They're exactly where we used to play with our Micro Machines when we where knee high to a grasshopper, whatever that means. In fact there are probably thousands of the toy cars buried in gardens all over the country. You could get those little Micro City sets to go with them, but what fun were they? Far better to take them out into the real world, then smash the crap out of them.

That's why the Micro Machines games have always been loved. They're like Honey I Shrunk the Kids, only with more casual vandalism. This latest effort carries all the charm and crackers racing of its forerunners, except that this time lots of the action moves outdoors. We can almost smell the soil and dog turds. Talking of which, whatever happened to the old white crumbly ones you used to see? Answers to the usual address. Moving on...

What's this? Chickens hell-bent on destroying anything tiny and motorised? Cooker hobs carelessly left on? Seems the developer, Supersonic Software, has gone all S&M on us. Every environment will have its own set of unique hazards to watch out for while you try to simultaneously pummel the opposition into dust. The science lab is replete with lit Bunsen burners, and the garage has circular saws spinning away, waiting to slice up competitors. As if staying on the track wasn't tricky enough, you'll have to keep your wits about you even if you're well clear of the chasing pack.

As for the racing itself, it's split up into chunks of action lasting around ten seconds each. Points are gained for damaging rivals and staying in higher positions, and the winner of the race is the car with the most points, not necessarily the first to cross the line. From what we've played so far, it seems the right balance has been struck between short, explosive bursts of racing and longer battles of attrition. With racing against up to three other players promised, and vehicle trading with your mates included too, Micro Machines v4 looks like continuing the series' fine bonkers form.

PSW Staff