Episode 620: Micro Machines
Added 2024-06-17 11:00:09 +0000 UTCStuart: Okay, listen. They’re cars, right? Wait, I’m not done. They’re cars, but they’re small. Certainly too small to drive, or even to assume the role of a conventional passenger. But they do make for a beloved series of top-down racing games, and as you may have deduced it is said drive-’em-ups that enter the hallowed pantheon of “Done Got Talked About On That There Retronauts” tonight. I will be your host, Stuart Gipp—hullo!—and returning to the podcast for the first time since No. 586: Retro Compilations we have my mate in real life Lewis Clark of SegaDriven.com, summoned for his known enjoyment of all machines microscopic, and enthusiasm for viewed-from-above racing in general. Also present and making his Retronautin’ debut—one Guy Kelly, a comedian, streamer and podcaster who I simply had to find space for. And there will be more space for G-Kells in the (hopefully) near future, in a different episode!
For now, though, small cars. And there’s quite a number of these Micro Machines games to get through, all the way from NES up until, ooh, DS or PS2 or yer phone or sommat. They just sort of gave up after that, but there are some indie pretenders to its throne. But none of them are Micro Machines V3, so short shrift is the order of the day. Actually, no, interesting chat is the order of the day, covering both the compu-titles and the actual small cars themselves. The kind of cars an ant may drive. Mega Drive! Oh, we also talk about POGs for entirely too long when we were supposed to be talking about Micro Machines. Sorry.
Unfortunately I was unable to secure an interview with the creator of the series, Michael Machines. I am, again, very sorry.
Art by Salem Sloane; edits by Greg Leahy.
10:05 - Micro Machines (NES): Title
21:10 - Micro Machines (MS): Racer Select
29:47 - Micro Machines (MD): Theme Song
38:14 - Micro Machines (MD): Theme Song (cont.) | Turbo Tournament (MD): Menu
48:40 - Bad Influence (TV): End Credits
59:13 - V3 (PSX): Challenge Menu
1:08:17 - V3 (PSX): Breakfast Table Radio
1:19:19 - V4 (PS2): Menu Theme
1:31:56 - Micro Machines (iOS): Menu Theme
Closing - V3 (PSX): Dining Table Piano
Comments
Gosh, Micro Machines V3 on the PSone was my childhood! I still can't forget that triumphant fanfare you got when you won a Prize Car, and that groovy 60s typeface. Also: Keepsies! Race your Prize Cars against another player and their profile, winner gets ownership of the loser's car. And if they already have that car but theirs is of a higher level, the loser's car gets smashed with a hammer. Cruel.
TheLupineOne
2024-06-24 12:20:49 +0000 UTCGood episode. I listened at 2x speed for a more authentic Micro Machines experience.
Brian Silvers
2024-06-24 04:48:21 +0000 UTCAnother episode laser-targeted on something precious to my past. Two of my closest friends became such over, for whatever reason, a copy of Micro Machines v4 on PS2 we picked up for £4 in our second year at uni. Ever 360-no-scoped a mate on the Boat stage with a full blast plasma cannon in mid-air while you both go over a jump? Then call each other every weekend for the next 10 years? Videogames are amazing.
Shrunken Shrine
2024-06-21 01:39:27 +0000 UTChttps://x.com/kronkblats/status/1534642923786100747
Stuart Gipp
2024-06-20 11:01:15 +0000 UTCYo, did somebody mention a thread somewhere about one-screen racing games, if yes can you guys pls share a link? Thanks!
Angel S.
2024-06-20 07:25:33 +0000 UTC
