Micro Machines
From Sega Retro
Micro Machines | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publisher: Codemasters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developer: Codemasters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributor: Camerica (US)? Hent Gruppen (SE rental) Ecofilmes (PT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Peripherals supported: Gear-to-Gear Cable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genre: Driving[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of players: 1-2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Micro Machines is a top-down racing game developed by Codemasters, themed around Galoob's brand of toys of the same name. It was originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991, before being brought to the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear in 1994. The Master System version was released exclusively in Europe.
Contents
Gameplay
Micro Machines is a top-down racing game; players observe races from above. Players race in environments such as bathtubs, workbenches, and pool tables. There are a variety of different toy vehicles, such as powerboats, helicopters, Formula One cars, and tanks that can shoot other racers, that are automatically assigned depending on the course. Courses have a predefined path that racers must follow; players are sent back to the track after leaving the defined route for too long. Courses typically have obstacles, such as cereal boxes on breakfast tables and pencil sharpeners on desks.
Vehicles are steered using the D-pad. In the Mega Drive version, accelerates, reverses, and shoots (when driving a tank). In the 8-bit versions, accelerates, reverses, and + shoots (when driving a tank).
There are two game modes: the Micro Machines Challenge and Head-to-Head. In both modes, players select a character, which vary in capability. Each player must select a different character.
In Micro Machines Challenge, a single player races against three computer-controlled opponents and must finish in first or second to qualify for the next round. The player is given three chances; if all three are lost, the game is over. Every three races, the player competes in a Time Trial race in the Rufftrux vehicle to earn an extra chance.
In Head-to-Head, two players race against each other (via Gear-to-Gear Cable on the Game Gear). Players can choose the vehicle type. Players are colour-coded, and the goal is to get lights on the screen to show the player's colour by getting a screen ahead of the other player, so the trailing player is no longer visible. When this happens, one light turns to the colour of the leading player. The game ends when all eight lights are one colour, or after three laps, in which case victory goes to the player with the most lights. If the game is tied, there is a "sudden death play-off", where the next player to win a light wins. The game starts with four lights of each colour. Head-to-Head can be played in either single-player mode or with two players. With two players, certain characters have a handicap to give the other player a better chance.
Vehicles
There are eight standard vehicle classes, each with its own corresponding environment, plus the Rufftrux, which is used for Time Trials.
Power Boats | |
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Power Boats race in the Bathtub. | |
Four-by-Fours | |
Four-by-Fours race on the Breakfast Table. | |
Sports Cars | |
Sports Cars race on the Desktop. | |
Warriors | |
Warriors race on the Worktop. | |
Formula One | |
Formula One cars race on the Pool Table. | |
Turbo Wheels | |
Turbo Wheels race in the Sandpit. | |
Choppers | |
Choppers race in the Garden Hedge. | |
Tanks | |
Tanks race on the Bedroom Floor. | |
Rufftrux | |
The Rufftrux is raced in Time Trials, which occur every three races to give the player an opportunity for an extra chance. |
Courses
The Micro Machines Challenge consists of 25 races. Finishing a race in first or second place fills the shelf with a new vehicle.
Course | Vehicles |
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The Breakfast Bends | Four-by-Fours |
Desktop Drop-off | Sports Cars |
Oilcan Alley | Warriors |
Sandy Straight | Turbo Wheels |
Oatmeal in Over Drive | Four-by-Fours |
The Cue Ball Circuit | Formula One |
Handyman's Curve | Warriors |
Bermuda Bathtub | Speed Boats |
Sahara Sandpit | Turbo Wheels |
The Potted Passage | Choppers |
Fruit Juice Follies | Four-by-Fours |
Foamy Fjords | Power Boats |
Bedroom Battlefield | Tanks |
Pitfall Pockets | Formula One |
Pencil Plateaux | Sports Cars |
The Dare Devil Dunes | Turbo Wheels |
The Shrubbery Twist | Choppers |
Perilous Pit Shop | Warriors |
Wide Awake War Zone | Tanks |
Crayon Canyons | Sports Cars |
Soap Lake City | Power Boats |
The Leafy Bends | Choppers |
Chalk Dust Chicane | Formula One |
Go for It! | Tanks |
Win This Race to Be Champion | Sports Cars |
History
Development
Micro Machines is thought to have been the first Mega Drive game to be developed by Codemasters, however at the time of its announcement, Codemasters lacked an official license to develop Mega Drive games (as was mentioned in initial UK advertising[15]). Despite copies being sent to video game publications for review in the first half of 1993 (and receiving a great reception), Sega objected, and sales of the game were halted[6]. However, by the end of the year, the two parties had reached a settlement, with Codemasters becoming a licensed developer[6].
Legacy
Due to its success, Micro Machines was followed by Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament and numerous other sequels.
Production credits
Mega Drive version
- Programming: Charlie Skilbeck, Neil Hill
- Graphics: Brian Hartley
- Music: Matt Simmonds, Lyndon Sharpe
- From the Nintendo Original by Andrew Graham, Porl and Jon Menzies
Master System and Game Gear versions
- Ashley Routledge and David Saunders
- Copyright Codemasters Software Company Ltd 1993
Magazine articles
- Main article: Micro Machines/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
- Main article: Micro Machines/Promotional material.
Physical scans
Mega Drive version
84 | |
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Based on 50 reviews |
Mega Drive, SE (rental; Hent; orange) |
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Mega Drive, AU |
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Master System version
Sega Retro Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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89 | |
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Based on 12 reviews |
Master System, PT |
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Game Gear version
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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87 | |
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Based on 23 reviews |
Technical information
- Main article: Micro Machines/Technical information.
ROM dump status
System | Hash | Size | Build Date | Source | Comments | |||||||||
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✔ |
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512kB | 1991-03 | Cartridge (US/EU) | ||||||||||
✔ |
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512kB | 1991-03 | Cartridge (US/EU) | ||||||||||
✔ |
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512kB | 1991-03 | Cartridge (EU) | From Double Hits: Micro Machines / Psycho Pinball cartridge.[91] | |||||||||
? |
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256kB | Cartridge (EU) | |||||||||||
? |
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256kB | 1993-11-24 | Cartridge (EU) | ||||||||||
? |
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1993-10-22 | Page |
References
- ↑ File:MicroMachines GG EU Box Back.jpg
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 VideoGames, "October 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 42
- ↑ Sega Pro, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 28
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Computer & Video Games, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-15), page 74
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mega Action, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 16
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Megazone, "October 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 11
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Sega Magazin, "September/Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-01), page 88
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Sega Magazine, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 108
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1994-03-07), page 17
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Mean Machines Sega, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-01-28), page 96
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 122
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1994-03-07), page 17
- ↑ Sega Force Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 74
- ↑ Computer & Video Games, "October 1994" (UK; 1994-09-15), page 106
- ↑ Sega Power, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-04), page 19
- ↑ File:Micro Machines MD credits.png
- ↑ File:MicroMachines SMS Title.png
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 129
- ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-13), page 53
- ↑ Console Mania, "Ottobre 1993" (IT; 1993-xx-xx), page 106
- ↑ Consoles +, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 170
- ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 123
- ↑ Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 109
- ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1993-07-21)
- ↑ Electronic Games (1992-1995), "August 1993" (US; 1993-07-22), page 70
- ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 30
- ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 332
- ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 70
- ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 80
- ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 6 No. 12 December 1993" (US; 1993-1x-xx), page 192
- ↑ Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 43
- ↑ Gamers, "August/September 1993" (DE; 1993-07-23), page 24
- ↑ GamesMaster, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-21), page 48
- ↑ GamesMaster (UK) "Series 2, episode 25" (1993-03-18, 24:00) (+4:40)
- ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 72
- ↑ Hyper, "December 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 64
- ↑ Joypad, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 126
- ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 34
- ↑ Mega, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-21), page 32
- ↑ Mega Action, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 64
- ↑ Mega Force, "Ete 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 122
- ↑ Mega Fun, "09/93" (DE; 1993-08-18), page 74
- ↑ MegaTech, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-20), page 46
- ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 43
- ↑ Magazina Igrushek, "2/1995" (RU; 1995-xx-xx), page 72
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-28), page 70
- ↑ Player One, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-07-10), page 70
- ↑ Play Time, "9/93" (DE; 1993-08-04), page 107
- ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, July 31, 1993" (UK; 1993-07-31), page 1
- ↑ Power Unlimited, "Nummer 3, Oktober 1993" (NL; 1993-09-29), page 35
- ↑ Score, "Únor 1994" (CZ; 1994-02-01), page 47
- ↑ Sega Power, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-04), page 40
- ↑ Sega Pro, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-14), page 50
- ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 66
- ↑ Sega Zone, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-20), page 16
- ↑ Sega Force, "7/93" (SE; 1993-11-04), page 6
- ↑ Sega Force, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-14), page 88
- ↑ Sonic the Comic, "24th July 1993" (UK; 1993-07-24), page 10
- ↑ Super Juegos, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 68
- ↑ Supersonic, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 29
- ↑ Todo Sega, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 52
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 114
- ↑ Video Games, "8/93" (DE; 1993-07-28), page 108
- ↑ 64.0 64.1 Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 113
- ↑ Gamers, "Juli/August 1994" (DE; 1994-07-01), page 19
- ↑ 66.0 66.1 Joypad, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 100
- ↑ 67.0 67.1 Mega Fun, "04/94" (DE; 1994-03-23), page 124
- ↑ Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 110
- ↑ Sega Pro, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-01-27), page 74
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video!, "Juin 1994" (FR; 1994-05-16), page 40
- ↑ Sonic the Comic, "March 18th 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 10
- ↑ Todo Sega, "Marzo 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 88
- ↑ Video Games, "5/94" (DE; 1994-04-27), page 111
- ↑ Consoles +, "Décembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 190
- ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 87
- ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 42
- ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 6 June 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 86
- ↑ Megablast, "2/94" (DE; 1994-03-30), page 85
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-09-28), page 94
- ↑ Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 104
- ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, March 05, 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 1
- ↑ Power Unlimited, "Jaargang 2, Nummer 6, Juni 1994" (NL; 1994-05-25), page 44
- ↑ Sega Power, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 44
- ↑ Sega Pro, "Xmas Special 1993" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 36
- ↑ Sega Zone, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-25), page 28
- ↑ Sega Master Force, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-10-14), page 74
- ↑ Sonic the Comic, "March 18th 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 10
- ↑ Todo Sega, "Abril 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 62
- ↑ Video Games, "2/94" (DE; 1994-01-26), page 111
- ↑ VideoGames, "April 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 81
- ↑ http://www.progettoemma.net/mess/gioco.php?game=2psymmac&list=megadriv
Micro Machines | |
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Prototypes: 1993-10-22
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Micro Machines games for Sega systems |
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Micro Machines (1993) | Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament (1994) | Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament '96 (1995) | Micro Machines: Military (1996) | Micro Machines V3 (unreleased) |
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