Concerns about Micro Machines V4

**bjorkie** · 05-29-2006, 04:00 AM

Okay, so I'm starting to get concerned about Micro Machines V4, which was previously one of my most anticipated games why? Well...

Go to any of the sites on the net that offer gaming videos (Gamestrailers, Gamespot, etc) and you will find that there are videos for every single version of the game, except the DS version. Oh dear. Also, the screen shots shown so far are less than inspiring.

Another thing I recently read in an Official Nintendo Magazine preview is that the game won't feature full Wi-Fi support, just local multiplayer for 1-4 people. That's a great shame in my opinion, the Micro Machines games have offered some of the most fun and hotly contested multiplayer matches in the past.

I know Codemasters still have time to tighten things up and deliver the game the series deserves but what I have seen so far doesn't exactly instill me with confidence. If you hear me Codies, prove me wrong!

**kaladron** · 05-29-2006, 04:26 AM

Is the DS version being developed by Supersonic? If so, I have faith.

**Womp** · 05-29-2006, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by bjorkie

Okay, so I'm starting to get concerned about Micro Machines V4, which was previously one of my most anticipated games why? Well...

Go to any of the sites on the net that offer gaming videos (Gamestrailers, Gamespot, etc) and you will find that there are videos for every single version of the game, except the DS version. Oh dear. Also, the screen shots shown so far are less than inspiring.

Another thing I recently read in an Official Nintendo Magazine preview is that the game won't feature full Wi-Fi support, just local multiplayer for 1-4 people. That's a great shame in my opinion, the Micro Machines games have offered some of the most fun and hotly contested multiplayer matches in the past.

I know Codemasters still have time to tighten things up and deliver the game the series deserves but what I have seen so far doesn't exactly instill me with confidence. If you hear me Codies, prove me wrong!

Remember our editorial about DS games lacking pre-release video?

Oh dear.

**THATinkjar** · 05-29-2006, 08:48 AM

I've been concerned from day one: bland screenshots and a steering wheel on the touch screen - yeah, you've sold me!

Nintendo UK mag did a preview, and they actually spoke to the developers who said the visuals would be cleaned up in due course. Can't see it happening myself. Apparently they've just been trying to push as many polygons out as possible.

**nazzar** · 05-29-2006, 09:13 AM

I havent played micromachines in ages....it used to be a great game. Ahhh the memories of getting slowed down by some spilled beans.

**nukinetix** · 05-29-2006, 09:14 AM

That is the risk of attempting something that doesn't fit the platform.

Using a steering wheel on the touch screen, just because there is one (a touch screen) and "we gotta use it", is stupid. You either design based on a feature and grow a game organically around it, or you just "use it simply cos' it's there" and fail miserably in terms of design (but not necessarilly commercially - crap tack ons may still sell well).

Trying to "push as many polygons out as possible" on a relatively underpowered platform isn't the right approach either - it costs so much more money and time, because developers have to do a much harder work than is necessary. It's fine when the hardware does the hard work for you, but otherwise all that money, time and effort could instead be used for the actual gameplay!

**bjorkie** · 05-29-2006, 09:51 AM

According to Gamefaqs, it is being developed by Supersonic, but they have been wrong in the past.

They would be much better off building the DS version from the ground up and playing to it's strengths, rather than trying to port it from the other consoles. Even a simple map on bottom screen would be preferable to the steering wheel they have there now - it would making navigating the corners much easier for starters, something that has proven rather frustrating in Micro Machines games in the past.

Luckily I have other machines, so if the DS version doesn't live up to expectations I can just buy it for something else. I do think the DS is the perfect platform for it though, if it is done correctly (i.e. with full Wi-Fi, simple but smooth graphics, and crisp, precise controls - see Mario Kart for examples of how this can be done).

**Shane R. Monroe** · 05-29-2006, 10:03 AM

The steering wheel touch screen CAN work - it worked great on Ridge Racer once you got the hang of it. Once again, analog simulation is still more precise and inevitably useful that digital controls when performing actions that require precision (driving, flying, etc).

**Womp** · 05-29-2006, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Shane R. Monroe

The steering wheel touch screen CAN work - it worked great on Ridge Racer once you got the hang of it. Once again, analog simulation is still more precise and inevitably useful that digital controls when performing actions that require precision (driving, flying, etc).

I for one actually didn't think Ridge Racer DS was all that horrible...$29.99? No way...$10? Worth the pick up. Its basically the N64 port and comes no where near damn close to the utter brilliance of RR4 or the PSP RR but its a fun little portable racer overall.

The steering wheel touch screen crap however blows hard so I have to disagree with you there. Oh it CAN work sure, once you've thrown the DS at a wall in frustration a few times.