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In this modern age, it seems small is beautiful. When the first Walkmans came out, they were only portable if you had a rucksack, but now some are smaller than the tapes they play. Similarly, CD players are minute compared to the house bricks they used to be. In keeping with this theme, Codemasters have gone one step further by shrinking the already tiny Micro Machines vehicles.

After the success of Megadrive Micro Machines 2, this is the inevitable Game Gear version which promises most of the 16-bit game's courses, and a four-player mode! The basic aim of getting to the finishing line of the oddball courses remains the same, and the only real difference is that this handheld game sports slightly less tracks and vehicles.

The sequel to one of the best-selling Megadrive games of all time - and better in every respect!

Race either your mates or computer-controlled opponents across a series of housebound locations in your inch-long vehicles.

Expanding upon the two-player idea used in the Game Gear version, the first Micro Machines and then Pete Sampras, a link cable and two people crammed around a pair of Game Gears allows four people to race against each other. Not content with cramming four people around the little machines, though, the Codies have also mode provision for an eight-player mode whereupon the players race around the tracks in groups of four, with the best track times recorded for the next group to beat in a knock-out tournament.

Game Gear Micro Machines 2 is remarkably faithful to the Megadrive game, and boasts twelve different vehicles, and thirty-eight courses, with old faithfuls such as the kitchen table and the loo seat returning.

Most of the hazards of the 16-bit game have survived too, with the knot holes in the tree house every bit as troublesome, and the rotating corn cobs even harder to traverse if anything.

Codemasters' original conversion of the first Micro Machines was good; this sequel is even better. The cream of the 16-bit game's tracks have been crammed into 4Meg, with the knot holes and drills looking every bit as good on the Game Gear as they did before. I've always said that Micro Machines is the perfect game for a handheld, but this sequel is even better than the first and consequently comes highly recommended.

Codemasters have gone to great lengths to cram as much into this cart - even down to two to four-player modes! - and it really shows. The Game Gear has hit a high of quality software of late, but Micro Machines 2 can safely nestle up with the best.

The Game Gear's seemingly endless flow of quality games continues apace, as the Codies unveil a simply stunning handheld version of Micro Machines 2. I am really surprised how close this is to the Megadrive version, and all the little obstacles and vehicles that made the 16-bit game so cool have been recreated perfectly for the small screen. What's more, as well as featuring superb playability, Codemasters have also managed to cram in a linked four-player mode, and the option for eight players to compete!

This is a stunning cart, and has a real claim as a Game Gear classic.

Graphics 92%
P. Remarkably close to those of the Megadrive game, and full of varied obstacles and detailed tracks.
N. The Game Gear's screen update often makes things a bit muddy.

Sound 78%
P. Little ditties and revving engines. Standard fare, but well implemented.

Playability 94%
P. The courses are devious, the computer-controlled players better than those of the Megadrive game, and the two-player mode is brilliant.

Lastability 93%
P. Thirty-eight courses, tough opponents, and up to eight players can join in. What more do you want? Blood?

Value For Money 90%
P. Thirty quid to you, sire. Very reasonable.

Overall 93%
Another corking Game Gear title. Codemasters have come up trumps with a stunning conversion, which is every bit as playable as the Megadrive classic.