Game On!
A Whole New Perspective.
One of the precursors when it comes to racing games involving racing cars (it is simply impossible to talk about games with this theme without mentioning it), this game was developed by Gremlin Graphics, published by Kemco directly for Super NES.
In Top Gear you are a pilot trying to win the world title through eight stages, containing four races each (it's a very nice challenge!). You'll compete in many countries (including Brazil) on thirty-two tracks with many variations of sunrise, evening, night, mist, sun and rain. You'll have to always try to finish in the top three of each stage (it's the main goal!) to continue advancing in the championship.
The competition takes place through various scenarios (countries) and gradually presents obstacles to disrupt the players (including, being able to choose between single-player and multiplayer modes... depending on the challenge they are looking for).
Inside The Game.
Before starting the game, each player could choose between 4 cars available and each had its specific characteristics. For example, white was a real hit among the younger riders because fuel consumption was lower and faster rebates... So it was a great strategy to win. In addition, the exchange could be selected between automatic and manual, as well as some joysitck settings.
The look of the game is fun retro and from the initial menu, it is possible to interact before the race even begins. Each player can choose their own name, the control scheme they want to use (manual transmission - where each player needs to change gear - or automatic) as well as the models of cars they wish to drive.
The gameplay is done through simple and limited commands, but it takes cunning and a good strategy to get on the races because the thing is not as simple and amateurish as the graphics suggest (but of course you need to consider the moment in which the game was released).
Some Additional Details of the Game.
Each car can boost its own speed using up to three nitro tanks (but the benefit is limited... and only occurs for a few seconds, but it can make all the difference in the final result of the race). This further boosts the atmosphere of competition among the players (something that is already inherent in this theme).
In the middle of the races it may be necessary for each participant to have to stop to have to refuel their cars... If the warnings of lack of fuel are ignored and the gas is over, the car is still and the player is disqualified. The scenarios can alternate between different periods of the day (morning, afternoon and night), further streamlining the visual rhythm of the game.
All the little details of the game (which, by the way, are not few!) are thought to raise the level of realism, and offer the player the real prospect of a race at their highest level of entertainment and once you are swallowed by the game, it becomes difficult to stop playing it. I mean, it's like an addiction that's taking over you without you noticing... Haha!
A Very Good Production.
Top Gear can still unleash a great soundtrack. This a detail that I consider very important, especially when the game involves a lot of tension and adrenaline because in that way, it's possible to feel the game in a more visceral and real way (in this case, as if you really were the pilot who is driving the car.).
Created by Barry Leitch, anyone who has ever played this game in their lives is impossible to forget. In addition, the game still inserts soundtracks with ambient sound (engine noises, increase and reduction of marches, beats among other noises)... All for a more visceral realism to increase the level of entertainment for those who are playing.
According to Ritchie Brannan, the development of the game took about 05 months (after many meetings and deliberations, mainly about the look that the project should have) and the final result was very well received by both the critics and the public especially for bringing something new to the racing game world.
The Power of Nostalgia.
If you really like this game and you're feeling nostalgic while you're reading this post (which is totally understandable, haha!)... I'll help you to increase this feeling by leaving a very nice gameplay (in the link bellow). There are many options to remember this game, but seeing it being played again is very good!
Believe me, if this game did also made it part of your childhood (and managed to take root in you and that you simply can't describe by words)... The good memories will come in a matter of seconds when watching this video (because watching this again is so good):
Over the years, because of the success of the original game, Top Gear became a very successful franchise (in an indisputable way) and went on to win new versions - with more fanciful stories... but without ever losing its primary essence - independent that came to be developed by several representatives (among them: Midway Games, Babylon Software and Wanadoo Edition).
Who is ready for a nice ride? ;)
