Title: Micro Machines v4

Date: 07.19.2006

Genre: Racing

Platform: Sony PSP

Developer: Supersonic Software

Publisher: Codemasters

The classic Micro Machines series returns, making its debut on the Sony PSP. V4 doesn't really introduce any new elements to the popular series or even expand, it simply collaborates what is great about the games and pushes them forward for a new installment. While some may consider this a great disappointment, the format converts perfectly to PSP and creates a highly enjoyable title.

The classic structure of Micro Machines, for those who are unaware, is a miniature car racing game, in which races are held throughout everyday locations, which appear giant in comparison to the tiny vehicles. Sounds rather simple, but the concept develops an environment for the player to fall in love with over time. The variety of cars is enormous, with hundreds to unlock (from off-road cruisers to sports racers) and whilst the range of tracks is somewhat limited, there are still enough to provide the player with a choice each time they switch on their system.

Races can take place as just that - races - or as "battles", which is the most common type of race in the game. Races are straightforward - four cars racing around the track and the first over the line after three laps wins. Battle-mode is a more distinct feature of the series. This mode desires players to force themselves ahead of their opponents by a distance in order to win. Once the lead is large enough to push the losing player off-screen, a point goes to the winner and a point is subtracted from the loser. The first player to fill their point meter wins the battle. Rules vary slightly depending on the number of players, but with four cars battling it out, there is an unlimited amount of fun to be had here and this is where the true quick thrills are based within the game.

Ad-hoc wireless multiplayer player is available, but sadly, no infrastructure. Not only can players race against their friends, but also trade cars, in order to build their collection of mini-vehicles. This is arguably the most fun that can be had with the wireless multiplayer feature across the entire PSP range. Definitely worth encouraging somebody you know to pick it up too, simply for this factor of the gameplay. If that isn't enough for you, there are always a few extra challenges like chase mode, checkpoint mode and time trial mode, which should keep you busy for quite a while and even if you manage to unlock everything the game has to offer, the game still holds great replay value in the simple "quick battle" mode. Easy to set-up and great quality gaming.

As mentioned in the title though, there are a number of flaws holding MM back from being a true must-own title. Whilst battle mode shines, race mode is not so impressive. The general structure of each race is that opponents will cruise ahead of you for the first two laps, then catch-up logic will spring to life in the final lap, allowing you to aim for the win. This concept does get old and can be very frustrating, considering that players are generally required to play all three laps on each attempt. Also, the weapons take very little effect in this mode of play, except in very special circumstances. The problem is - race mode isn't optional. It occurs frequently throughout the series of challenges laid out by the game and cannot be avoided if the player wishes to unlock more vehicles and tracks for battle mode. Even the battle mode itself can be highly frustrating at times, with a very steep learning curve and some obstacles placed in such a way that the player simply can't avoid them. These flaws can become extremely irritating in certain situations and not all gamers will be willing to put up with such annoyances.

Overall, MMV4 is a title that's highly recommended to PSP owners looking for solid gameplay that's easy to boot up and great fun to play. Just don't expect to enjoy the game so much when you have something to play for and a challenge to overcome; the frustration can mount to extremes.

Game Score

8.1

Reviewed By: Contributed