Micro Machines V4

MICRO Machines V4 is probably the strongest sequel since this franchise made its debut on the venerable NES almost two decades ago.

Once called "the most playable game in the world" the original was the party game of choice for the 16-bit generation and now the tiny cars that race around crazy circuits are back to entice a whole new peer group once again.

Nominally a sequel to the last Micro Machines game launched on the original PlayStation, V4 is packed full of crazy racing cars, explosive weapons and beautifully scaled circuits where workaday household objects take on massive proportions.

As if to make amends for the length of time fans have been kept waiting, the creators have thrown in a vast array of racing vehicles to choose from. Codemasters reckons there are more than 750 vehicles in 25 different classes. That's enough to make even Gran Turismo look like a lightweight.

Whatever your passion, it's sure to be here. Choose from sports cars, stock cars, off-road vehicles, desert racers, lowriders and muscle cars and take them into battle over 50 improvised circuits.

Players who enjoyed the original will recognise some of the venues such as the kitchen, the bathroom and the pool table. This time, however, you get to race beyond the confines of the back garden across roofs, in the sewers, through shops, a hair dressing salon, museums and even down on the farm (where you need to watch out for the hen house).

By all means tear up the circuits, but you have to watch out for everyday household objects that become deadly obstacles, such as the gas hob on the cooker or the torrent of water pouring from the bath taps. One wrong move and you (and your micro machine) are history.

The hen house, in particular, is a deadly maze where giant chickens try to peck your wheels and massive eggs dive bomb you from a huge conveyor belt.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Micro Machines game without a bewildering variety of power ups.

There are 25 to collect, including the traditional missiles and bombs plus new ways of beating your opponent by using flamethrowers, plasma guns, cluster bombs and a car-mounted giant hammer. The last one, in particular, is something that the luckless Wil.E. Coyote of Road Runner cartoon fame would be proud.

Bagging as many power-ups as possible is one of the keys to success. A well-timed assault on your opponent can see your car leap into first place on the final lap but you need to watch out for sneak attacks yourself.

In-game icons show your race position, number of laps completed, time lapses and number of points acquired.

The difficulty level can be adjusted depending on your experience and success unlocks more tracks. If you have a PSP the hand-held can be linked to a PS2 to swap tracks - a neat idea that's only available to Sony owners. Nintendo and PC players have to go it alone.

Interestingly, there is little graphical difference between the PSP and the PS2 versions. Oh, apart from the wi-fi multiplayer on the hand-held.

On the PS2 up to four players can take part in the break-neck fun, dodging between the tracks around a model train set or tearing up the baize on a pool table.

There's also a fairly rudimentary track editor that enables you to create your own personal racing environment.

It's a shame, however, that the PS2 game doesn't have an on-line element. Imagine a Micro Machines match up with literally scores of human controlled model cars. Now that would be a laugh.

It may sound rather simplistic but that's exactly what makes a Micro Machines game such fun. And beneath the cartoon-like veneer you'll find an absorbing (if not particularly challenging) little racing game awaiting your input.

Micro Machines V4 will appeal to racers of all ages.

Your kids will love the mini cars concept and adults will find themselves drawn back to "have another go" time after time.

It's the little game with a well deserved huge reputation.