I have to admit that when I
first turned on Micro Machines V3, I was underwhelmed. The graphics were so unremarkable
that at first I didn't notice how solid the gameplay was. I didnt notice how many
tracks there were and how nicely they were laid out. I just focused on vehicle models and
was unimpressed. It was like watching a really good movie with one really bad actor (Much
Ado About Nothing anyone?) where, when the movies over, all you can talk about is
that one bad performance. It takes time for you to see just what a really great piece of
work it is. You may not be impressed your first time around the track, but make no
mistake--Micro Machines V3 is one of the best racing games available for the Game Boy
Color.The
box promises "Maximum Multi-Player Racing" but any mention of a link option is
conspicuously absent. Micro Machines V3 gives you the option of going head to head on the
same Game Boy where you and a friend get shoulder to shoulder and try to fit all four
hands on this tiny console. Player one uses the D-pad and select button while player two
uses the A and B buttons with the start button. If this seems a little cramped, it is. The
box also promises that up to eight players can play. This is done through a simple turn
based tournament. Again, it wasn't quite what I expected. Now, Ive got to give them
credit for trying something new, but as a parent I cant help but see a lot of
potential for sibling-on-sibling violence when trying to play this game
"together."
There
are a lot of vehicles and tracks, but after awhile the vehicles all start to look the
same. However, I really liked how the handling varies from vehicle to vehicle. This is
where the game really shines. From car to boat to tank they all have their own unique
feel. You can choose from a wide variety of racers, but graphically I couldnt really
see the difference. All of the vehicles looked like little colored blocks. Ironically, the
great thing about the whole Micro Machine franchise is the detail that they are able to
work into such tiny toys. The detail is totally lost on the Game Boy Color. Some might say
that I'm asking too much from my little GBC, but I've played enough games to know what it
is capable of.
The
tracks themselves are varied and fun. Some of the objects are rendered in a sort of poor
man's 3D. It is both a pretty cool and fairly distracting feature. As you drive around the
track your viewing perspective is changed and the taller objects appear to shimmer. It's a
neat effect, but it can sometimes take your eyes off the race.
The power ups are a nice addition to any race game. Whats the point of just
driving around the track if you cant blow some things up or leave a little oil spill
behind you? Fans of kart type racing wont be disappointed.
With dozens of tracks and over a dozen vehicles, Micro Machines V3 serves up almost
limitless replay value. A link function and a battery save could have made this a perfect
game, but if you're looking for a race game for your GBC you'll be hard pressed to find
another one that offers more play for your money.