Here is yet another Mini-related video game being released. Now this game has been out for quite some time for the PC, but it is now finally being released for the Nintendo Wii. I have played this game on the PC before and it is important to note that this game is completely different than the other game we talked about a few days ago, Race 07. Instead of being a racing simulator, this is more of an arcade game that allows you to race Classic Minis around your desk. Honestly, this game gives me a headache every time I play it. Not sure what it is, but I just feel a bit woozy after trying to keep my Mini on track. The concept is “cute”, but I think I may spend my game time sharpening my skills on Race 07’s MINI Cooper Challenge (which by the way, should arrive at my office tomorrow!). Check out this video clip of Mini Desktop Racing for an idea of what it is like:
Category Archives: Toys & Games
Franklin Mint 1967 Morris Mini Cooper
Franklin Nichols from Slot Car News posted up a cool review of the limited edition Franklin Mint diecast of a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper.
…this die-cast represents a factory-production Morris Mini for the home market, done up in British Racing Green with offsetting cream roof and wheels. The twin fender mirrors and extra chrome are Cooper-correct. In keeping with Franklin Mint practice, the model’s hood, doors, and deck lid all open, revealing solid interior detail and an excellent representation of the 1,275 cc Mini-Cooper engine…
…Franklin Mint is known for their fine attention to detail under the bonnet this car is no different. The motor is wired and in high detail. The interior is also of fine quality, although the instrument cluster is a little hard to read with the warning lights almost illegible…
For the full review, including more photos, make sure you check out the link below!
WTCC Game: Race 07 Featuring MINI Challenge
Ok I think I found the game that I posted about two days ago. Can’t be positive, but this game, Race 07, looks AMAZING. The game features:
“The full 2007 and 2006 seasons of the WTCC, the historic WTCCí87 class, Formula 3000, Formula BMW, the Mini Cooper Challenge, the Radical SR3 and SR4 (in various configurations), as well as the Caterham CSR200, CSR260 and CSR320 Concept”.
With what looks like amazing graphics, 300 cars and 32 tracks – this game has my attention. They have a demo you can download and play (even has multiplayer enabled in the demo) which I plan on doing as soon as I finish posting this. From what it looks like, the game was sent to stores last week, but I have not found any store with it in stock except for ebgames.com. Make sure you check out the trailers below and the links at the bottom of this post to check out some pretty sweet screen shots. If this game is anywhere near what I expect, I think we may have to start up a MotoringFun.com virtual MINI Challenge series!! Who’s with me?!?!
[ Download Demo ]
[ Race 07 Official Website ]
[ Race 07 Reviews, Videos and Screenshots ]
[ MINI Challenge Screenshot ]
[ 360 Degree Screenshot ]
USB Remote Controlled MINI Cooper
Now this is something pretty slick – a remote controlled MINI that you control from your PC via a USB port. Special thanks to Scottie for this find!
[ USB RC MINI ]
Game: Mini Nitros
Looking for some online Mini Cooper racing fun to pass the time? Check out this flash-based racing game called Mini Nitros:
Drive your customizable Mini Cooper on the rough country lanes, use Nitro boosts and try to complete all the tracks in the fastest time possible…. Take part in a challenging racing competition in the country side where you’ve to drive a Mini Cooper through various tracks and try to reach the finish line in the fastest time possible. You can activate Nitro to boost your speed on long straight road segments. To begin with, select your car and tune it up by adjusting the specifications to the desired level. You can Left Click and Drag the yellow squares from a feature and place it in any other feature to tune up your car for the challenge ahead. Finally select the track and get ready to race. Avoid hitting the sides of the road, as it will slow you down. If you succeed in completing all the tracks then submit your score to the high score list. Have fun with mini nitros!
[ Mini Nitros ]
Video Game: MINI #37 – Arcade Racer
Now this is something I can not wait for! South African animation company, Luma, has developed a new racing game that is sure to be a hit – “MINI #37 – Arcade Racer”. Cars will be added as new versions of the game are released. Coming this month, this game will eventually let the player select all the types of MINIs you can configure for purchase including classic Minis and JCW’s. Heck maybe even a GP will sneak in there ;). The game will start with tracks in South Africa, and new courses will be added as new versions are released. From what I have seen, the graphics will be stunning. Check out the following description from greatgamesexperiment.com. They also posted some screen shots that are worth checking out too. Enjoy!
MINI#37 is an episodic racing game and every couple of months or so, new sections of the game will be released. The first public release (Episode One) will be available in May of this year. It will include tracks set in Newtown as well as Cape Town (tracks include Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront, and the dock area). Each city/location will consist of three tracks, and new cars will also be available as downloadable updates or as part of the next release. All of the MINI vehicles will eventually be available, including vintage MINI’s and some hotted up MINI’s like the GP and JCW.
There are two game modes: Arcade Mode will feature single races on any of the unlocked tracks, and Championship Mode will require players to compete through a series of tracks in Grand Prix style racing. Both game modes will be playable as single player or multiplayer experiences.
[ MINI #37 – Arcade Racer Trailer Download ]
[ MINI #37 – Arcade Racer Website ]
[ Screenshots ]
[ Luma ]
1GB USB MINI Cooper Flash Drive
USB flash drives have become all the rage over the past few years, replacing older removable media such as floppy disks (even most computer manufacturers stopped including floppy disks in computers a few years ago). Nowadays, you can find USB flash drives integrated into everything from watches to clothes. Well now you can even make a MINI Cooper into a USB flash drive too! Check out the link below for step by step instructions on how you can convert a Matchbox MINI Cooper S into a 1GB USB flash drive. Just be careful not to slice and dice yourself in the process!
Game: The Passenger
Nokia has a pretty cool site up promoting the Nokia Multimedia Car Kit that features an online game where you get behind the wheel of a MINI Cooper and take “The Passenger” to different checkpoints. The footage used in the game looks real. According to automoblog.net, ìThe driving footage was shot with a car-mounted camera in all the streets of the Ile de St. Louis over 3 nights in November 2006, with additional scenes filmed at the Tour Eiffel, the Arc de Triomphe and the Heliport de Paris.î Obviously you use the Nokia Multimedia Car Kit to get you through each level. The GPS comes in handy to let you know where to go and the hands-free allows you to chat safely while on the go… you get the idea… Anyways – check it out – it is pretty slick.
The Awesomeness of Small
CAUTION – the link below is a spoiler. If you don’t want to spoil your fun on the MINI spy gear adventure we have all been on, please do not click it. If you want to save some time and get right to the goods, click the link below. You have been warned! This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds…
Motoring Course Racing Game @ MINIUSA.com
Here is a classic from MINIUSA.com. Remember playing with slot cars as a kid? Well take a stab at this game and see if you still have your skills. You get to race a MINI against the computer or just yourself through some tight turns. Watch out for the stop lights though – they will cost you precious time!!
[ Play Now ]