Some quick background before I get into this review, I started writing this during the Spring Tour, but as I waited until the end of the month, and since I was at the beach at the time, I never got to finish it. I just recently found it again buried in some of my old files. Enjoy!
Oh, Micro Machines, how do I love you. The original Micro Machines, released in 1991, was revolutionary in the world of games, as it was one of the first truly creative racing game to be this much of a success. This second installment of the original toy car turned video game series sure has a lot to offer, so let's jump right in!
Graphics 8: The graphical limitations of the Gameboy can not even be seen in terms of picture quality. Every pixel has a purpose, without ever having the low resolution problem that many games this generation are plagued with. Even without colour, this game's graphics look amazing. And with the course set up of pencils, desktops, and countless household doodads, the great graphics sure are appreciated. The plethora of humorous characters each have their own unique expressions giving them many varying personalities.
Sound 9: Man, does this game have some delicious music. Just add a dash o' salt! Play this game for ten minutes, and you'll be whistling its tunes all day. The music goes very well with the wacky feel of the game. The sound effects are simple and effective, screeching when you drive off track, a different screech when you turn too hard. It's just wonderful. My only complaint is a small one, the menu sounds aren't very pleasing.
Addictiveness 10: I believe top down racing games are just addictive as expletive word here. I played the original on my brother's old Gameboy as a kid, and I fell in love. All my life, I've gone back to this game whenever I got a chance, and loved it every time. This game has the right mix of everything that makes a great racing game great. My favourite thing to do is try beating my fastest lap times on each course. Then doing it again. My advice with this game is: Clear your schedule for the next few days, because this game will certainly take you on a ride!
Story 2: If this game has any story, it's all inferred. As far as I can tell, the story is that four friends are racing their toy cars on a low-budget track with oddly specific acceleration, braking, and boundary rules. This story, for the most part, should be very familiar to anyone who's ever been a child. The expressions on the racer's faces at the end of the races is all that the game truly gives in lieu of storytelling.
Depth 5: With three single player modes and a multiplayer versus mode, this game has a lot to offer. Though they use the same tracks, as far as I can tell, the differences in play can change your experience. The stats screen adds another layer of depth, as you can see what you've accomplished.
Difficulty 4: Let me start by saying, this game is really easy. Once you know the tracks, the CPU's will trail far behind, often being overlapped by your own car. I have to imagine this, of course, but I'm sure playing with friends would be much, much harder. Especially when every time you mess up, someone's there to see it.
Overall 6.3: As much as I love this game, and wanted it to score higher, 6.3 was the average. The game might not be too difficult, or have as much to offer as other racers, but it sure is a fun cult classic, and, along with the original, a great addition to any library.
Some quick background before I get into this review, I started writing this during the Spring Tour, but as I waited until the end of the month, and since I was at the beach at the time, I never got to finish it. I just recently found it again buried in some of my old files. Enjoy!
Oh, Micro Machines, how do I love you. The original Micro Machines, released in 1991, was revolutionary in the world of games, as it was one of the first truly creative racing game to be this much of a success. This second installment of the original toy car turned video game series sure has a lot to offer, so let's jump right in!
Graphics 8: The graphical limitations of the Gameboy can not even be seen in terms of picture quality. Every pixel has a purpose, without ever having the low resolution problem that many games this generation are plagued with. Even without colour, this game's graphics look amazing. And with the course set up of pencils, desktops, and countless household doodads, the great graphics sure are appreciated. The plethora of humorous characters each have their own unique expressions giving them many varying personalities.
Sound 9: Man, does this game have some delicious music. Just add a dash o' salt! Play this game for ten minutes, and you'll be whistling its tunes all day. The music goes very well with the wacky feel of the game. The sound effects are simple and effective, screeching when you drive off track, a different screech when you turn too hard. It's just wonderful. My only complaint is a small one, the menu sounds aren't very pleasing.
Addictiveness 10: I believe top down racing games are just addictive as expletive word here. I played the original on my brother's old Gameboy as a kid, and I fell in love. All my life, I've gone back to this game whenever I got a chance, and loved it every time. This game has the right mix of everything that makes a great racing game great. My favourite thing to do is try beating my fastest lap times on each course. Then doing it again. My advice with this game is: Clear your schedule for the next few days, because this game will certainly take you on a ride!
Story 2: If this game has any story, it's all inferred. As far as I can tell, the story is that four friends are racing their toy cars on a low-budget track with oddly specific acceleration, braking, and boundary rules. This story, for the most part, should be very familiar to anyone who's ever been a child. The expressions on the racer's faces at the end of the races is all that the game truly gives in lieu of storytelling.
Depth 5: With three single player modes and a multiplayer versus mode, this game has a lot to offer. Though they use the same tracks, as far as I can tell, the differences in play can change your experience. The stats screen adds another layer of depth, as you can see what you've accomplished.
Difficulty 4: Let me start by saying, this game is really easy. Once you know the tracks, the CPU's will trail far behind, often being overlapped by your own car. I have to imagine this, of course, but I'm sure playing with friends would be much, much harder. Especially when every time you mess up, someone's there to see it.
Overall 6.3: As much as I love this game, and wanted it to score higher, 6.3 was the average. The game might not be too difficult, or have as much to offer as other racers, but it sure is a fun cult classic, and, along with the original, a great addition to any library.
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