Micro Machines V3 continues the whimsical toy racing series that has appeared on multiple platforms since 1991. Once again the action is viewed from an overhead perspective, only now with 3D modeled vehicles and tracks. A total of 32 Micro Machines, from tanks and boats to helicopters and cars, can compete on 48 courses held within such offbeat locales as a backyard, school desk, pool table, beach, science lab, and more. Power-ups like hammers or missiles can also be found on each course and used to hinder rivals. Single-player modes include Driving School, Head-to-Head, Challenge, Time Trial Challenge, and Time Trial Single Race.
"Driving School" is a practice mode, "Head-to-Head" pits you against a computer opponent, and "Challenge" features a series of three-lap races against four computer opponents. Both "Time Trial" modes have you trying to break one or more speed records. Micro Machines V3 also features dedicated multiplayer modes supporting up to eight players on the same screen. (The latter requires a Multi-Tap with two people sharing each controller.) If a player lags behind the competition, he or she is automatically removed from the race. Multiplayer variants include Single Race, Tournament, Teams Mode, and Party Play. Key statistics for each mode are automatically tracked and saved to memory card.