In the past, Codemasters has been known to produce some very solid racing titles, along the lines of TOCA or Colin McRay Rally. Into that mix you can add Micro Machines and the latest release of Micro Machines v4 for the PC.

MMv4 is a Hot Wheels style racing vehicle, using small cars along the lines of the collectible machines and then setting up tracks around everyday areas, like the starting area, which is a pool table. Ordinary items can be obstacles and the game can be set up to allow for a racing experience or an arcade-like experience complete with power-ups.

The game style is reminiscent of the original title, which released on the NES. For some odd reason, it feels like the 2006 release could well have been as comfortable on the elder console system. The game does not take advantage of modern technological advancements in graphics or physics, but rather keeps it all simple. This may be for a younger target audience, and if that is the case, then MMv4 succeeds at keeping it light. However, the AI of the game seems intent to make certain that each race is fair. If a player, competing against the AI, is way behind, the AI will slow the lead car or cars down. Some of this can be attributed to a power-up known as the equalizer.  

The game has hundreds of micro machines, 750 in fact (and you can unlock them all by playing the game) all with a somewhat-similar look but different attributes. There are a lot of tracks as well, and if the variety does not suit you, you can use the track editor to create your own. There are 76 challenges to beat and unlock as well. Track areas cover 25 areas (with several tracks per area) and include a pool table, museum, kitchen, roof top, street, chicken coop, loft, sewer, garden centre, supermarket and the beach.

Game modes include single player and multiplayer (four controllers on the same machine, no online component). In the single player you can practice (quick battle and time trial), go into the garage, use the track editor or enter micro tournaments. The tournament mode has four divisions and there are sub categories for each division.

Creating a track is not all that hard. There are area/zone templates and you connect waypoints to create a circuit. But you do not have a lot of flexibility in the design, as a whole.

Each time the game quit to Windows, an error message popped up about the client encountering an error.

The controls of the game are very straightforward. Hit the accelerator, power slide and bump your opponent when you get near an unbordered edge. When you get far enough ahead, the game stops, awards you a point and restarts the cars side by side.

Graphically the game is average at best. The tracks are entertaining, but can become redundant and the sound is comprised of techno-based music, the same high-pitched revving sound and squealing tires.

Micro Machines v4 is not a bad game; it is just not the type of racing title that one truly expects from a motor-racing game in 2006. This is a game that might have felt right about six years ago, but with the technology available, a little bit more is expected from a racing title.

That said, if you are a fan of micro collectible cars, like the idea of head-to-head competition on the same machine, and enjoy racing around tracks built out of ordinary everyday locations, then you may enjoy this title. For those who are hardcore racing fans, you may want to pass on this game.

Gameplay: 7.0
Whether using a joystick, gamepad or the keyboard, the game is very easy to understand and control. Load times are quick.

Graphics: 6.0
The cars have minor physical differences, but they do have an array of attribute differences. The tracks are fine, but not up to the standard of some of Codemasters other racing releases.

Sound: 6.0
The music is average, but mostly techno based and can be turned down or off

Difficulty: Easy/Medium
There are three difficulty levels but the AI helps where it can as well.

Concept: 6.5
This seems like a game that might have been better than it is, but still, one cannot deny that this game is very heavy in providing players with cars and tracks.

Multiplayer: 5.7
Up to four players can play on the same machine but hooking up controllers. It can get very crowded around a monitor.

Overall: 6.0
While the game is not overly strong when it comes to racing, it may appeal to younger gamers or those who are not looking for the more hardcore racing action that will lead to white-knuckle action. The game’s AI seems determined to make a race out of it, even if that means slowing down cars for no apparent reason, thereby undermining the inherent challenge. Still, the game does have some intriguing tracks, a track editor, and a wide assortment of cars.