Micro Machines

From Sega Retro

n/a

  • Sega Mega Drive
    NTSC-U
  • Sega Mega Drive
    PAL
  • Master System
  • Game Gear

Micro Machines Title.png

MicroMachines MD EU TitleScreen.png

MicroMachines SMS Title.png

MicroMachines GG Title.png

Micro Machines
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Codemasters
Developer:
Distributor: Camerica (US)?
Peripherals supported:
Sega Game Gear
Gear-to-Gear Cable
Genre: Driving[1]

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$49.9949.99[2] 15001
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		T120016-50
Sega Mega Drive
DE 		DM 99.9599.95[7] T120016-50
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£34.9934.99[4][5] T120016-50
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU 		$99.9599.95[6]
Sega Master System
EU 		19001
Sega Master System
PT 		MS17001
Sega Master System
UK 		£29.9929.99[9][8] 19001
Sega Game Gear
US
Sega Game Gear
EU 		17001
Sega Game Gear
UK 		£27.9927.99[11][12] 17001
Non-Sega versions

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.

Gameplay

Micro Machines, Character Select.png

Micro Machines, Champion.png

Micro Machines Challenge

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, B accelerates, A reverses, and C shoots (when driving a tank). In the 8-bit versions, 2 accelerates, 1 reverses, and 1+2 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.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Power Boats.png

Power Boats
Power Boats race in the Bathtub.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Four by Four.png

Four-by-Fours
Four-by-Fours race on the Breakfast Table.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Sports Cars.png

Sports Cars
Sports Cars race on the Desktop.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Warriors.png

Warriors
Warriors race on the Worktop.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Formula One.png

Formula One
Formula One cars race on the Pool Table.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Turbo Wheels.png

Turbo Wheels
Turbo Wheels race in the Sandpit.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Choppers.png

Choppers
Choppers race in the Garden Hedge.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Tanks.png

Tanks
Tanks race on the Bedroom Floor.

Micro Machines, Vehicles, Rufftrux.png

Rufftrux
The Rufftrux is raced in Time Trials, which occur every three races to give the player an opportunity for an extra chance.

Courses

Micro Machines, Shelf.png

Shelf

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
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[13]). 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
Source:
In-game credits
Micro Machines MD credits.png
[14]


Master System and Game Gear versions

  • Ashley Routledge and David Saunders
Copyright Codemasters Software Company Ltd 1993
Source:
Title screen
MicroMachines SMS Title.png
[15]


Magazine articles

Main article: Micro Machines/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Micro Machines/Promotional material.

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
80
[16]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
63
[17]
Console Mania (IT) NTSC-U
92
[18]
Consoles + (FR)
80
[19]
Cool Gamer (RU)
70
[20]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
93
[21]
Computer & Video Games (UK) PAL
89
[4]
Digitiser (UK)
78
[22]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
70
[23]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
80
[24]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
93
[25]
Game Mania (UK)
93
[26]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
70
[27]
Game Power (IT) NTSC
93
[28]
GamesMaster (UK) PAL
93
[29]
GamesMaster (UK)
87
[30]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
89
[31]
Hyper (AU)
90
[32]
Joypad (FR)
76
[33]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
89
[34]
Mega (UK) PAL
92
[35]
Mega Action (UK)
90
[36]
Mega Action (UK) PAL
92
[5]
Mega Force (FR)
78
[37]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
76
[38]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
92
[39]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
86
[40]
Magazina Igrushek (RU)
75
[41]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
93
[42]
Player One (FR)
89
[43]
Play Time (DE) PAL
75
[44]
Power Up! (UK)
86
[45]
Power Unlimited (NL)
95
[46]
Score (CZ)
67
[47]
Sega Magazin (DE)
81
[7]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
82
[48]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[49]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[50]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
89
[51]
Sega Force (SE)
86
[52]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
90
[53]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
95
[54]
Super Juegos (ES)
83
[55]
Supersonic (FR)
86
[56]
Todo Sega (ES)
90
[57]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
90
[58]
Video Games (DE) PAL
79
[59]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
80
[2]
Sega Mega Drive
 85
Based on
48 reviews

Micro Machines

Mega Drive, US
MicroMachines MD US alt cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, US (U.K. Number 1 Best Seller)
Micro Machines MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Micro Machines MD US cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, EU (93%)
MicroMachines MD EU cover.jpg
Cover
MicroMachines MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Micro Machines MD UK Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, EU (97% - UK.N°1 BESTSELLER)
MicroMachines MD EU alt cover.jpg
Cover
Micro Machines MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Micro Machines MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, SE rental (HENT orange)
Micro Machines MD SE Rent Box.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU

Master System version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Computer & Video Games (UK)
93
[60]
Joypad (FR)
88
[61]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
79
[62]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
93
[9]
Player One (FR)
90
[63]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
94
[8]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[64]
Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video! (FR) PAL
93
[65]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
92
[66]
Todo Sega (ES)
89
[67]
Video Games (DE) PAL
78
[68]
Sega Master System
 89
Based on
11 reviews

Micro Machines

Master System, EU
Micro Machines SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
Micro Machines SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
MicroMachinesSMSEUManual5L.pdf
Manual
MicroMachinesSMSEPoster.jpg
Poster
Master System, EU (alt)
MicroMachines SMS EU alt cover.jpg
Cover
MicroMachinesSMSEUManual5L.pdf
Manual
MicroMachinesSMSEPoster.jpg
Poster
Master System, PT

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Consoles + (FR)
91
[69]
Computer & Video Games (UK) PAL
89
[70]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
93
[60]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
68
[71]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
85
[72]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
73
[10]
Joypad (FR)
89
[61]
Megablast (DE) PAL
78
[73]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
79
[62]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
94
[74]
Player One (FR)
90
[75]
Power Up! (UK)
88
[76]
Power Unlimited (NL)
95
[77]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
95
[8]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
87
[78]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
86
[79]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
90
[80]
Sega Master Force (UK) PAL
90
[81]
Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video! (FR) PAL
94
[65]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
92
[82]
Todo Sega (ES)
87
[83]
Video Games (DE) PAL
78
[84]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
80
[85]
Sega Game Gear
 87
Based on
23 reviews

Micro Machines

Game Gear, US
MicroMachines GG US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngMicroMachines GG US Box Front.jpg
Cover
MicroMachines GG US Cart.jpg
Cart
Micro Machines GG US Manual.pdf
Manual
Game Gear, EU (Stickers)
MicroMachines GG EU Box Back.jpgNospine.pngMicroMachines GG EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
MicroMachines GG EU cart.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, EU (No Stickers)
MicroMachines GG EURO Box Back.jpgMicro Machines GG EU ALT Side.jpgMicroMachinesGG EUALT BoxFront.jpg
Cover
MicroMachines GG EU ALT Cart.jpg
Cart
MicroMachines GG EU ALT manual.jpg
Manual
Game Gear, EU (1994 Re-Release)
MicroMachines GG EU1994 BoxBack.jpgMicroMachines GG EU1994 BoxSpine.jpgMicroMachines GG EU1994 BoxFront.jpg
Cover
MicroMachines GG EU1994 Cart.jpg
Cart
MicroMachines GG EU1994 Manual.jpg
Manual

Technical information

Main article: Micro Machines/Technical information.

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Mega Drive
✔
CRC32 7ffbd1ad
MD5 bdd8341f55f01202a48fcddf5bf80ff7
SHA-1 6c822ab42a37657aa2a4e70e44b201f8e8365a98
512kB 1991-03 Cartridge (US/EU)
Sega Mega Drive
✔
CRC32 e5cf560d
MD5 096a90957fe6945593ccdc9e34894daa
SHA-1 bbcf8a40e7bfe09225fdc8fc3f22f8b8cc710d06
512kB 1991-03 Cartridge (US/EU)
Sega Mega Drive
✔
CRC32 50081a0b
MD5 aee593260dc6d484534b30914bba1768
SHA-1 56a8844c376f2e79e92cf128681fa3fef81c36d6
512kB 1991-03 Cartridge (EU) From Double Hits: Micro Machines / Psycho Pinball cartridge.[86]
Sega Master System
 ?
CRC32 a577ce46
MD5 a90cf8d68fa8b1f0ba00f0ddb9d547b7
SHA-1 425621f350d011fd021850238c6de9999625fd69
256kB Cartridge (EU)
Sega Game Gear
 ?
CRC32 f7c524f6
MD5 c08b950e8ab836a737b07374f8235955
SHA-1 7b2d39b68622e18eac6c27fd961133b1d002342b
256kB 1993-11-24 Cartridge (EU)
Sega Game Gear
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
1993-10-22 Page

References

  1. ↑ File:MicroMachines GG EU Box Back.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 VideoGames, "October 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 42
  3. ↑ Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 32
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Computer & Video Games, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-15), page 74
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mega Action, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 16
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Megazone, "October 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 11
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Sega Magazin, "September/Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-01), page 88
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Sega Magazine, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 108
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Mean Machines Sega, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-01-28), page 96
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 122
  11. ↑ Sega Force Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 74
  12. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "October 1994" (UK; 1994-09-15), page 106
  13. ↑ Sega Power, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-04), page 19
  14. ↑ File:Micro Machines MD credits.png
  15. ↑ File:MicroMachines SMS Title.png
  16. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 129
  17. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-13), page 53
  18. ↑ Console Mania, "Ottobre 1993" (IT; 1993-xx-xx), page 106
  19. ↑ Consoles +, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 170
  20. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 123
  21. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 109
  22. ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1993-07-21)
  23. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 30
  24. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 332
  25. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 70
  26. ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 80
  27. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 6 No. 12 December 1993" (US; 1993-1x-xx), page 192
  28. ↑ Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 43
  29. ↑ GamesMaster, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-21), page 48
  30. ↑ GamesMaster (UK) "Series 2, episode 25" (1993-03-18, 24:00) (+4:40)
  31. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 72
  32. ↑ Hyper, "December 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 64
  33. ↑ Joypad, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 126
  34. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 34
  35. ↑ Mega, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-21), page 32
  36. ↑ Mega Action, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 64
  37. ↑ Mega Force, "Ete 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 122
  38. ↑ Mega Fun, "09/93" (DE; 1993-08-18), page 74
  39. ↑ MegaTech, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-20), page 46
  40. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 43
  41. ↑ Magazina Igrushek, "2/1995" (RU; 1995-xx-xx), page 72
  42. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-28), page 70
  43. ↑ Player One, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-07-10), page 70
  44. ↑ Play Time, "9/93" (DE; 1993-08-04), page 107
  45. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, July 31, 1993" (UK; 1993-07-31), page 1
  46. ↑ Power Unlimited, "Nummer 3, Oktober 1993" (NL; 1993-09-29), page 35
  47. ↑ Score, "Únor 1994" (CZ; 1994-02-01), page 47
  48. ↑ Sega Power, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-04), page 40
  49. ↑ Sega Pro, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-14), page 50
  50. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 66
  51. ↑ Sega Zone, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-20), page 16
  52. ↑ Sega Force, "7/93" (SE; 1993-11-04), page 6
  53. ↑ Sega Force, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-14), page 88
  54. ↑ Sonic the Comic, "24th July 1993" (UK; 1993-07-24), page 10
  55. ↑ Super Juegos, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 68
  56. ↑ Supersonic, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 29
  57. ↑ Todo Sega, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 52
  58. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 114
  59. ↑ Video Games, "8/93" (DE; 1993-07-28), page 108
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 113
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 Joypad, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 100
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Mega Fun, "04/94" (DE; 1994-03-23), page 124
  63. ↑ Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 110
  64. ↑ Sega Pro, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-01-27), page 74
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video!, "Juin 1994" (FR; 1994-05-16), page 40
  66. ↑ Sonic the Comic, "March 18th 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 10
  67. ↑ Todo Sega, "Marzo 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 88
  68. ↑ Video Games, "5/94" (DE; 1994-04-27), page 111
  69. ↑ Consoles +, "Décembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 190
  70. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 87
  71. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 42
  72. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 6 June 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 86
  73. ↑ Megablast, "2/94" (DE; 1994-03-30), page 85
  74. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-09-28), page 94
  75. ↑ Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 104
  76. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, March 05, 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 1
  77. ↑ Power Unlimited, "Nummer 11, Juni 1994" (NL; 1994-05-25), page 44
  78. ↑ Sega Power, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 44
  79. ↑ Sega Pro, "Xmas Special 1993" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 36
  80. ↑ Sega Zone, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-25), page 28
  81. ↑ Sega Master Force, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-10-14), page 74
  82. ↑ Sonic the Comic, "March 18th 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 10
  83. ↑ Todo Sega, "Abril 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 62
  84. ↑ Video Games, "2/94" (DE; 1994-01-26), page 111
  85. ↑ VideoGames, "April 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 81
  86. ↑ http://www.progettoemma.net/mess/gioco.php?game=2psymmac&list=megadriv


Micro Machines

Micro Machines Title.png

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Sega Game Gear
Prototypes: 1993-10-22



Micro Machines games for Sega systems
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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