Micro Machines V3 (PC CD)

For starters, the 'lives' system of racing in the challenge mode, where you are allocated three attempts to win or finish second in five races (always having to win the last race to progress to the next rung of the ladder) is unbelievably stingy. One slip-up on the the harder difficulties (there are six altogether) will instantly drop you to the back, unable to catch AI cars that are given higher top speeds than yours. Not really fair - it makes races insanely difficult and, whilst incredibly satisfying to beat, makes you feel that each race is a one-shot, no mistakes affair.

The ability to win progressively better vehicles, or superior versions of ones you already own, becomes a motivating hobby, as you try and fill your garage with souped-up motors to race later on. However, you can only properly use them if playing against another human, where mismatches in vehicle selections can be all too common. The game doesn't give you the chance to race these collected cars and boats against the machine, and select appropriately-featured vehicles to pit against you. Instead, it only allows you to practice time-trials, if you're on your own.

Micro Machines is a top game to play with friends after an evening at the pub, but don't buy it if you intend to tackle it alone - it's too frustrating and a bit shallow for an extended campaign.