Video games - Top Gear

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	Video games - Top Gear

Top Gear, or Top Racer in Japan, is a 1992 video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game is of the genre racing, and is one of the first such games to be released on the SNES. The purpose of the game is for the player to become the fastest driver in the world, by racing competitors across several countries.

Gameplay

The player is first given the option to customize their game, including the entering of a name, choice of control system, mode of gear shift, and choice of car. Within the race, in addition to stearing and gear shift, the player is given control over three "nitros", which allow the player to increase their speed for a short period of time. The game features a system of password save, with the passwords featuring automotive terms such as "gear box" and "oilcloth". Each password grants access to another country to race in.

Cars

Cannibal (red) - The Cannibal is the fastest vehicle available, however, it has the slowest acceleration of the four cars, and is the least fuel efficient.

Sidewinder (white) - The Sidewinder is the most fuel efficient vehicle available, and also has the fastest acceleration.

Razor (purple) - The Razor is middle-range in terms of top speed, but has slower acceleration, less tire grip, and a higher fuel consumption than the Weasel.

Weasel (green) - The Weasel is equally middle-range to the Razor in terms of top speed, but has faster acceleration, more tire grip, and higher fuel efficiency than the Razor.

Countries

USA - Tracks typically feature smooth corners and long straights.

South America - Tracks typically feature tight and frequent corners.

Japan - Tracks are typically longer than in other countries, allowing both for more straights and more corners.

Germany - Tracks are typically long enough to require the player to return to the pits.

Scandinavia - Tracks are typically short, with quick smooth corners and short straightaways.

France - Tracks are typically long, with frequent, sharp turns. Usually long enough to require visiting the pits.

Italy - Tracks are typically long, with smooth corners and long straights, useful for gaining speed with nitros.

United Kingdom - Tracks that are typically long, with sharp corners and steep hills for gaining speed.

Music

The music was likely composed by Barry Leitch or Patrick Phelan (or both) who commonly did the music for most of Gremlin's games in the early 90's. The title track of Top Gear is also the music heard on completion of Lotus Turbo Challenge on the Sega Genesis. "Bliss" a song by British band Muse is extremely reminescent of Top Gear's title track. Brazilian band made a heavy metal version of another (untitled) song in the game which they entitled "Mad Racer".

Sequels

Super Nintendo Entertainment System:

Top Gear 2
Top Gear 3000

Sega Genesis

Top Gear 2

Commodore Amiga

Top Gear 2

Nintendo 64:

Top Gear Rally
Top Gear Rally 2
Top Gear OverDrive
Top Gear Hyper Bike

Game Boy Color:

Top Gear Pocket (Top Gear Rally in Europe)
Top Gear Pocket 2 (Top Gear Rally 2 in Europe)

Game Boy Advance:

Top Gear GT Championship
Top Gear Rally

PlayStation 2:

Top Gear Dare Devil
Top Gear RPM Tuning

Xbox:

Top Gear RPM Tuning

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