Micro Machines

Associated With

Codemasters - developer or publisher

Defining Feature

Top-down miniature-vehicle racing across oversized household environments

Status

Discontinued - Original 1990s series ended; preserved through surviving releases and collections

Overview

Micro Machines was a top-down racing game released by Codemasters in 1991 for home gaming platforms.

Viewed from above, miniature vehicles raced across oversized pool tables, desks, breakfast tables, kitchens and gardens rather than conventional motorsport circuits.

Different vehicle types and hazardous household objects varied the routes and handling from setting to setting. Shared-screen play became a defining feature, and sequels and conversions extended the concept across multiple platforms.

Why It Mattered

The game turned familiar objects into barriers, jumps and landmarks, giving its racing a clear identity without relying on realism. Its fast shared-screen competition helped establish Micro Machines as a distinctive multiplayer experience across several home platforms.

Miniature Racing Design

• Codemasters released Micro Machines in 1991.
• Players viewed tiny vehicles from above while racing through oversized everyday environments.
• Different vehicle types and hazardous household objects varied the handling and routes.

Everyday Objects as Tracks

• Desks, kitchens, gardens and games tables replaced traditional racing circuits.
• The unusual scale made ordinary objects function as barriers, jumps and landmarks.
• This visual idea distinguished the game from realistic racing titles of the period.

Multiplayer and Later Releases

• Shared-screen competition became one of the series’ defining features.
• Sequels and conversions carried the concept across multiple gaming platforms.
• Museum catalogues preserve Codemasters releases from the series.

Gallery