Games review : Micro Machines: World Series
Micro Machines have been under our feet and around the living room since 1976, but it was 1991 when gamers got their hands on them.
It's fair to say the original Micro Machines was a smash hit, with well-proportioned tracks really highlighting the size of the little vehicles. I'd challenge any 30-year-old gamer to honestly declare they can't remember places like the trusty pool table.
In the 26 years since we've had a handful of releases, many not quite reaching the acclaim of the original but providing fans of the series with more of what they loved about the franchise.
With the dawn of modern consoles and programming complexity the only recent release was the like-named 'World Series' on iOS and Android last year, but now we've got the revival on home computers, Xbox One and PS4.
One thing that's worth pointing out is that this version of 'World Series' isn't the same as the mobile version.
There is no form of single player championship. There's local play against friends or A.I, but there's no structure to these events. You'll be relying on in-house competition to make it feel worthwhile.
Outside of the half-hearted single player offering, there's the much more impressive online mode. In structure this is closer to Overwatch than any racing title, with the initial selection of Battle, Elimination or Race taking you to a lobby where maps rotate and you race or battle online opponents. You are rewarded with XP and unlocking loot boxes as you level up. There are also special events you can take part in, again adding to the online options.
However, it's also somewhat limited. There's not the largest selection of tracks with only 10 in total. There are just 12 vehicles, which means there is just nowhere near enough quality content to really make you push for every last loot box.
Some might argue that such a multiplayer component doesn't really fit Micro Machines, but with well-populated lobbies, I found online play fun and rewarding. Once ranked was unlocked at level 10, there's then enough of a challenge to keep you playing.
The loot boxes are a nice touch, and nobody will complain at receiving the select few skins and upgrades which are visually appealing enough to feel worthwhile. But the primary enjoyment is the fast arcade action which feels as fresh and exhilarating as it did 26 years ago.
Sadly, though, some people just won't get on with the constant online battles. Many will prefer to play alone vs the A.I, and unfortunately that means nothing more than half an evening and bitter disappointment.
A simple career mode, requiring a win to progress, racing each circuit forwards and in reverse wouldn't have been that difficult to incorporate. Instead, skirmish leaves you setting up the game and then having to back out to the main menu if you don't want to replay the exact event, without any fanfare, unlocks or reward.
Thankfully for those who are ignited by the throttle of online play, there are plenty of positives to consider. There are sharp, colourful visuals and well made 'giant' surroundings which make your vehicle look adequately minuscule, while keeping action at the forefront without the need to toggle with camera settings.
Spilled milk is spread around the table, pool balls ricochet off the surroundings and lamps buzz with electricity as you hurtle past. There's some fantastic attention to detail and it's all topped up with some great vocal work for announcements and each vehicle giving your selection a little personality.
Bottom Line
Micro Machines: World Series is great fun if you are looking for online battles and nothing more. Those looking for more of a complete package will feel let down by the £24.99 asking price when there are cheaper and more feature-packed titles available.
Gameplay: 7.5/10.
Graphics: 7.5/10.
Sound: 7/10.
Story: 5/10.
Value: 5/10.
