Micro Machines V4 (PS2) - Part 5

Channel:

Louis B

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Published on January 19, 2017 1:13:17 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWssCRwtJ3c

Game:

Micro Machines V4 (2006)

Duration: 57:45

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36

As a series, Micro Machines is one of those franchises where changing as little to the formula as possible actually makes the experience better in all. The premise of a literal table-top arcade racer, with little toy cars coming to life in real-world locales is about as easy as entertainment goes. Its timeless.

And yet, in many ways, adding to this simple formula could never work better in Micro Machines V4 and in other ways could never make it operate any worse. What Supersonic Software do right with this one shows in how much it has to offer: There are dozens of tracks, hundreds of cars and the amount of hours in gametime this has to offer is second to none. Even if you are only interested in playing the single player portion of Micro Machines, it would take atleast thirty hours to best many of the challenges that are available in this game.

However, like with its predecessor in V3, this Micro-Machines comes with a number of caveats from the gameplay turning 3D.

The physics in particular are simply not quite there, whatever surface you race on its either too slippy or too tight. Weapons have always been a controversial part of Micro Machines, made no less easier but the limited life-bar on each player's car, but the camera - OH MAN, the camera, has a life of its own and will wreck your races to crap if you haven't memorised the way it moves alongside your machine on the tracks.

I do really dig Micro Machines V4, because its multiplayer can keep you returning to this one years after you first play it, but what I find absolutely maddening comes from how sheer luck dictates the outcome of races. The chicken roost level in particular can be real unfair where a completely randomised egg dropping in the way can spell disaster for your chances at winning.

The sad state of things is that Micro Machines V4 was the last of its kind for over half a decade. Even with the recent Toybox Turbos as well, Codemasters have only reverted the formula back to its basics by slowing the tempo, and ultimately, limiting the amount of content this game has to offer.

Though the appeal of Micro-Machines is always the multiplayer. With the amount of content and oddities on offer in Micro Machines V4, it really is the kind that keeps you coming back for more.

I would say give this game the time of day if you can. Heck, if not on PS2, maybe with its PSP or DS equivalents (both of which deliver excellent conversions). Just don't expect it to be the tightest incarnation of this series either.

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A LEGAL NOTICE:
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Any copyrighted footage I use is covered under fair use laws, or more specifically those listed under Section 30(1) of the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1989 and under section 107 of US Copyright Act 1976. This video exists purely for the purpose of research and crticism. I do not make a profit from any uploaded content, nor do I intend to. Thank you for watching.

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