Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Racing
- Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: Supersonic Software
- Publishers: Codemasters
Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96: The Ultimate Guide to Tabletop Racing
Introduction
Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 is a top-down racing game developed by Codemasters and released exclusively for the Sega Mega Drive in Europe in 1995. As the sequel to Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament, it takes the frantic and addictive gameplay of the original and cranks it up to eleven, offering a wide range of tracks, vehicles, and modes to keep players entertained for hours on end.
Gameplay
Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 is played from a top-down perspective, with players controlling miniature vehicles as they race around tracks based on everyday household environments, such as kitchens, gardens, and toy boxes. The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including:
- Tournament mode: Players compete in a series of races to earn points and unlock new tracks and vehicles.
- Single race mode: Players can select any unlocked track and vehicle to race against computer-controlled opponents or a friend in two-player mode.
- Time trial mode: Players race against the clock to set the fastest lap time on any unlocked track.
- Battle mode: Players compete in a deathmatch-style mode, using weapons to destroy their opponents’ vehicles.
Tracks and Vehicles
Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 features a wide range of tracks, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. From the kitchen table to the garden shed, no environment is too mundane to become a racetrack in this game.
Players can choose from a variety of vehicles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. From the speedy Formula One car to the lumbering monster truck, there’s a vehicle to suit every playstyle.
Weapons
In battle mode, players can use a variety of weapons to sabotage their opponents’ vehicles. These weapons include:
- Missiles: Homing missiles that track down and explode on enemy vehicles.
- Mines: Proximity mines that detonate when enemy vehicles drive over them.
- Oil slicks: Oil slicks that cause enemy vehicles to lose control.
- EMP blasts: Electromagnetic pulses that disable enemy vehicles’ weapons and engines.
Graphics and Sound
Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 features colorful and detailed graphics that bring the tabletop racing environments to life. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the frantic and exciting gameplay.
Legacy
Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 is considered by many to be one of the best racing games of its era. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, addictive multiplayer, and charming visuals. The game has been ported to a number of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 is a classic racing game that still holds up today. Its frantic gameplay, wide range of tracks and vehicles, and addictive multiplayer make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, Micro Machines: Turbo Tournament 96 is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Review Score
8.5/10
