Micro Machines

From Sega Retro

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  • Mega Drive
  • Master System
  • Game Gear

Micro Machines Title.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)?
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

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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 and Game Gear versions were released exclusively in Europe.

Gameplay

What sets Micro Machines apart from its competition of the day is the size of the vehicles used, so rather than simply racing around a generic track, the player must race around much smaller areas such as table tops. There are a variety of different vehicles that are automatically assigned depending on the track.

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


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

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
67 [14]
80 [15]
93 [16]
87 №35
93 №20, p41-43
73 [17]
75 [18]
95
86 [19]
79 [20]
Sega Mega Drive
83
Based on
10 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
80
[21]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
63
[22]
Console Mania (IT) NTSC-U
92
[23]
Consoles + (FR)
80
[15]
Cool Gamer (RU)
70
[24]
Computer & Video Games (UK) PAL
89
[4]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
93
[25]
Digitiser (UK)
78
[26]
Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
82
[27]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
70
[28]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
80
[29]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
93
[30]
Game Mania (UK)
93
[31]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
70
[32]
Game Power (IT) NTSC
93
[33]
Gamers (DE)
67
[34]
GamesMaster (UK) PAL
93
[35]
GamesMaster (UK)
87
[36]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
89
[37]
Hyper (AU)
90
[38]
Joypad (FR)
76
[39]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
89
[40]
Mega (UK) PAL
92
[41]
Mega Action (UK)
90
[42]
Mega Action (UK) PAL
92
[5]
Mega Force (FR)
78
[43]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
76
[44]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
92
[45]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
86
[46]
Magazina Igrushek (RU)
75
[47]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
93
[48]
Player One (FR)
89
[49]
Play Time (DE) PAL
75
[50]
Power Up! (UK)
86
[51]
Power Unlimited (NL)
95
[52]
Score (CZ)
67
[53]
Sega Magazin (DE)
81
[7]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
82
[54]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[55]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[56]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
89
[57]
Sega Force (SE)
86
[58]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
90
[59]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
95
[60]
Super Juegos (ES)
83
[61]
Supersonic (FR)
86
[62]
Todo Sega (ES)
90
[63]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
90
[64]
Video Games (DE) PAL
79
[65]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
80
[2]
Sega Mega Drive
84
Based on
50 reviews

Micro Machines

Mega Drive, US
Micro Machines MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Micro Machines MD US cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, US (alt)
MicroMachines MD US alt cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, EU
MicroMachines MD EU alt cover.jpg
Cover
Micro Machines MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Micro Machines MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, UK
MicroMachines MD EU cover.jpg
Cover
MicroMachines MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Micro Machines MD UK Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, SE (Rental)
Micro Machines MD SE Rent Box.jpg
Cover

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
[66]
Gamers (DE)
87
[67]
Joypad (FR)
88
[68]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
79
[69]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
93
[9]
Player One (FR)
90
[70]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
94
[8]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[71]
Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video! (FR) PAL
93
[72]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
92
[73]
Todo Sega (ES)
89
[74]
Video Games (DE) PAL
78
[75]
Sega Master System
89
Based on
12 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
89 [76][77]
95 [78]
85 №0706
79 [79]
94 [80]
89 [68]
90 [81]
95 [82]
87 №50, p44
86 №27, p36
90 [83]
90 [11]
94 [84]
92 №21, p10-11
78 [85]
Sega Game Gear
89
Based on
15 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Consoles + (FR)
91
[86]
Computer & Video Games (UK) PAL
89
[76]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
93
[66]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
68
[87]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
85
[88]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
73
[10]
Joypad (FR)
89
[68]
Megablast (DE) PAL
78
[89]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
79
[69]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
94
[90]
Player One (FR)
90
[91]
Power Up! (UK)
88
[92]
Power Unlimited (NL)
95
[93]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
95
[8]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
87
[94]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
86
[95]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
90
[96]
Sega Master Force (UK) PAL
90
[97]
Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video! (FR) PAL
94
[72]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
92
[98]
Todo Sega (ES)
87
[99]
Video Games (DE) PAL
78
[100]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
80
[101]
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

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.[102]
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. 11.0 11.1 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. Aktueller Software Markt, "Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-13), page 51
  15. 15.0 15.1 Consoles +, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 170
  16. Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 109/111/113 (109)
  17. GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 136 (122)
  18. Play Time, "9/93" (DE; 1993-08-04), page 107 (100)
  19. Supersonic, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 29 (25)
  20. Video Games, "8/93" (DE; 1993-07-28), page 110-111 (109)
  21. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 129
  22. Aktueller Software Markt, "Oktober 1993" (DE; 1993-09-13), page 53
  23. Console Mania, "Ottobre 1993" (IT; 1993-xx-xx), page 106
  24. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 123
  25. Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 109
  26. Digitiser (UK) (1993-07-21)
  27. Electronic Games (1992-1995), "August 1993" (US; 1993-07-22), page 70
  28. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 30
  29. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 332
  30. Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 70
  31. Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 80
  32. Game Players, "Vol. 6 No. 12 December 1993" (US; 1993-1x-xx), page 192
  33. Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 43
  34. Gamers, "August/September 1993" (DE; 1993-07-23), page 24
  35. GamesMaster, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-21), page 48
  36. GamesMaster (UK) "Series 2, episode 25" (1993-03-18, 24:00) (+4:40)
  37. Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 72
  38. Hyper, "December 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 64
  39. Joypad, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 126
  40. Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 34
  41. Mega, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-21), page 32
  42. Mega Action, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 64
  43. Mega Force, "Ete 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 122
  44. Mega Fun, "09/93" (DE; 1993-08-18), page 74
  45. MegaTech, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-20), page 46
  46. Micromanía (segunda época), "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 43
  47. Magazina Igrushek, "2/1995" (RU; 1995-xx-xx), page 72
  48. Mean Machines Sega, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-28), page 70
  49. Player One, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-07-10), page 70
  50. Play Time, "9/93" (DE; 1993-08-04), page 107
  51. Power Up!, "Saturday, July 31, 1993" (UK; 1993-07-31), page 1
  52. Power Unlimited, "Nummer 3, Oktober 1993" (NL; 1993-09-29), page 35
  53. Score, "Únor 1994" (CZ; 1994-02-01), page 47
  54. Sega Power, "March 1993" (UK; 1993-02-04), page 40
  55. Sega Pro, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-14), page 50
  56. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 66
  57. Sega Zone, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-20), page 16
  58. Sega Force, "7/93" (SE; 1993-11-04), page 6
  59. Sega Force, "February 1993" (UK; 1993-01-14), page 88
  60. Sonic the Comic, "24th July 1993" (UK; 1993-07-24), page 10
  61. Super Juegos, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 68
  62. Supersonic, "Juillet/Août 1993" (FR; 1993-xx-xx), page 29
  63. Todo Sega, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 52
  64. Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 114
  65. Video Games, "8/93" (DE; 1993-07-28), page 108
  66. 66.0 66.1 Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 113
  67. Gamers, "Juli/August 1994" (DE; 1994-07-01), page 19
  68. 68.0 68.1 68.2 Joypad, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 100
  69. 69.0 69.1 Mega Fun, "04/94" (DE; 1994-03-23), page 124
  70. Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 110
  71. Sega Pro, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-01-27), page 74
  72. 72.0 72.1 Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video!, "Juin 1994" (FR; 1994-05-16), page 40
  73. Sonic the Comic, "March 18th 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 10
  74. Todo Sega, "Marzo 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 88
  75. Video Games, "5/94" (DE; 1994-04-27), page 111
  76. 76.0 76.1 Computer & Video Games, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 87
  77. Computer & Video Games, "September 1994" (UK; 1994-08-15), page 73
  78. Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 111-113 (112)
  79. Mega Fun, "04/94" (DE; 1994-03-23), page 124 (116)
  80. Mean Machines Sega, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-09-28), page 94-95 (94)
  81. Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 104-105 (104)
  82. Sega Magazine, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 108/109 (108)
  83. Sega Master Force, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-10-14), page 36
  84. Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video!, "Juin 1994" (FR; 1994-05-16), page 38-39 (40)
  85. Video Games, "2/94" (DE; 1994-01-26), page 111 (107)
  86. Consoles +, "Décembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 190
  87. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 42
  88. Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 6 June 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 86
  89. Megablast, "2/94" (DE; 1994-03-30), page 85
  90. Mean Machines Sega, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-09-28), page 94
  91. Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 104
  92. Power Up!, "Saturday, March 05, 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 1
  93. Power Unlimited, "Jaargang 2, Nummer 6, Juni 1994" (NL; 1994-05-25), page 44
  94. Sega Power, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 44
  95. Sega Pro, "Xmas Special 1993" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 36
  96. Sega Zone, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-25), page 28
  97. Sega Master Force, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-10-14), page 74
  98. Sonic the Comic, "March 18th 1994" (UK; 1994-03-05), page 10
  99. Todo Sega, "Abril 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 62
  100. Video Games, "2/94" (DE; 1994-01-26), page 111
  101. VideoGames, "April 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 81
  102. 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)