MicroQuad 1.1 Released

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.handango.com/ampp/store/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=162529&productType=2' target='_blank'>http://www.handango.com/ampp/store/...9&productType=2</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Your mission is to race a quad bike around 24 different tracks and to attempt to move your way through the levels which are Baby Cup, Junior Cup, Pro Cup, Master Cup and Expert Cup. Each level include 4 very detailed and varied tracks and you also get the choice of 6 different quad bikes which have different specialities for Road, Off Road and Grip."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050413-MicroQuad.jpg" /><br /><br />Three-dimensional racing games are always a lot of fun, and this one appears to be of no exception. MicroQuad 1.1, which was just released, can be purchased from <a href="http://www.handango.com/ampp/store/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=162529&productType=2">Handango</a> for $14.95. A trial version is also available. [Affiliate]

[gregmills]

It a pretty cool game. If anyone else has it let me know and we can try out the multiplayer feature. Here's a quick review from my blog.

You might think this was an update to the game Crazy Kart if it wasn't an entirely different developer. The game play is very similar but without any of the little nuisances that get in the way with Crazy Kart. If you've been waiting for the classic racing game to evolve on the Pocket PC, this just might be it.

MicroQuad has a ton of settings so you can customize the gameplay in almost every way imaginable. The onscreen buttons in particular can really enhance the game. It features two different playing modes. "Grand Prix" lets you compete for championship cups on racing circuits at increasing levels of difficulty. "Quick Race" let's you skip the set up and jump right into racing. I do mean jump RIGHT in because, unlike Crazy Kart, the load times are really quick. IP-based multiplayer is also available but with no centralized game server you'll have to know your opponents IP address if you want to challenge them to a match.

Overall, it's not a very original game concept but powerups and secret weapons add to the fun. It's a classic racing game, very well written.

[beq]

It a pretty cool game. If anyone else has it let me know and we can try out the multiplayer feature. Here's a quick review from my blog.

Hehe I've been wanting to find someone for multiplayer Ridge Racer on the PSP.

These days I'm getting tired of carrying the separate PSP in addition to my PPC Phone though, so perhaps I should jump back to gaming on the PPC exclusively (actually I'm also re-discovering the latest PocketDOS to play abandonware DOS games like Star Control)...

[sponge]

I had the exact opposite reaction: disappointing. It's a poor man's Crazy Kart. Low quality sprites, not the greatest mode 7 effect for the ground, banding in some sprites, and just uninspired and generic. It's nearly an insult to compare this to the professional Crazy Kart artwork.

And that's not even going into the gameplay, which was not very solid feeling at all.

Good for the casual gamer, I suppose, however I can't reccomend this one to anyone.

[gregmills]

[quote="sponge"]I had the exact opposite reaction: disappointing. It's a poor man's Crazy Kart. Low quality sprites, not the greatest mode 7 effect for the ground, banding in some sprites, and just uninspired and generic. It's nearly an insult to compare this to the professional Crazy Kart artwork.

And that's not even going into the gameplay, which was not very solid feeling at all.[quote]

I certainly respect your opinion and I can give Crazy Kart some points for creativity in its characters and environments. The main problem with Crazy Kart is the ridiculously long load time. Then there are also gameplay issues like cars re-spawning right next to the cliff that they just fell off of putting you in a nearly inexcapable suicide loop. I've also experienced software crashes while playing the game (albeit infrequently).

MicroQuad is a good game. It's not an outstanding game but if you want something in the "Mario Kart" genre its a good choice. IMHO, It's much more polished than Crazy Kart even if it lacks a certain amount of character.

[Craig Horlacher]

It a pretty cool game. If anyone else has it let me know and we can try out the multiplayer feature. Here's a quick review from my blog.

Hehe I've been wanting to find someone for multiplayer Ridge Racer on the PSP.

These days I'm getting tired of carrying the separate PSP in addition to my PPC Phone though, so perhaps I should jump back to gaming on the PPC exclusively (actually I'm also re-discovering the latest PocketDOS to play abandonware DOS games like Star Control)...

I'll have to try this. I bought Krazy Kart and then found out it won't work on either 2003se or a vga device (I don't remember which or both) and so I had to return it. I've been looking for a mario kart like game and this looks like it would be good enough for me.

I also have a PSP and Ridge Racer. I can play with a friend who's got them too. The psp is such an excellent gaming device I could never go back to just my pocket pc but I do like some games on the pocket pc and text input on the psp is absolutly terrible.

Twisted Metal is great on the PSP especially if you don't know anyone else who's got it. You can play on a game server they have setup on the internet. There are usually at least a 100-200 people playing - at least anytime I've been on. It's easy to do and loads of fun!