FoxKids.com Micro Maniacs Racing PlayStation

The mad doctor has therefore created an obstacle course in his home to find the ultimate soldier through a Darwinian style survival-of-the-fittest competition. But he's lacking participants. Once he collects eight such participants, it's off to the races to find the ~Earth's savior. Who'd have thought that slipping in the bathtub could potentially hold the fate of 7 billion people in its balance?

Codemasters has been a faithful developer of the Micro Machines racing titles for years. Micro Maniacs takes the principle of small-scale racing but replaces the Micro Machines with mini men, cyborgs, and psychics who race around the 32 multi-level tracks on foot. Some racers will demand the use of extra mechanical assistance, however, so expect to be racing jet skis around the bathtub and taking your skateboard out on the half pipe course.

Your micro ironman, woman or mutant will have to contend with course hazards like saw blades, sharp knives and long drops off kitchen tables as they race. The other racers are equipped with unique firepower which will help them to maintain or regain leads lost to the fleet of foot. Each of the eight racers has a special talent so players will get a chance to find a character they particularly identify with.

The 3D tracks are widely varied since you have a whole house to race your tiny lab experiments through. Every level is designed to be unique, from the precarious knife-rimmed kitchen track to the darkroom that comes complete with flashing cameras and rows of pictures hanging out to dry. Levels like the one that takes place in a mouse cage feature details such as mice running above the track in their Habitrails.

Codemasters has packed the game with plenty of extra modes for players to gain the most from their racing experience. Aside from the two special eight-player modes that don't require a split screen, there are also three single-player modes like Time Attack and the season-inspired Challenge mode that unlocks hidden tracks and characters. The multi-player modes are Vs and Vs Teams for those special gatherings. ~ Joe Ottoson, All Game Guide