Top Gear (video game)

Infobox VG
title= Top Gear


developer= Gremlin Graphics
publisher= Kemco
released= vgrelease|Japan|JP|March 27 1992
vgrelease|North America|NA|April 16 1992
vgrelease|Europe|EU|November 19 1992
genre= Racing
modes= Single player, Multiplayer
platforms= Super NES
media = 4-megabit cartridge

"Top Gear" ("Top Racer" in Japan), is a 1992 video game for the Super NES, published by Kemco and developed by Gremlin Graphics. This is the first game in the "Top Gear" franchise. The game is of the racing genre, 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

When players first start the game, they are given several options to choose from, including entering their name, a choice of four different controller layouts, a choice between automatic or manual transmission, and their choice of four unique cars. During the race, the player will have to steer and shift gears (if they chose a manual transmission). The player is also 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. During the race, there are pits in which players must stop in order to refuel. If their car runs out of fuel and coasts to a stop before the race is finished, the player will be disqualified.

Cars

Cannibal (red) - The Cannibal has a top speed of convert|147|mph|km/h, accelerates from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h in 5.9 seconds, has low tire grip and high fuel consumption.

Sidewinder (white) - The Sidewinder has a top speed of convert|131|mph|km/h, accelerates from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h in 3.5 seconds, has high tire grip and low fuel consumption.

Razor (purple) - The Razor has a top speed of convert|137|mph|km/h, accelerates from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h in 5.0 seconds, has low tire grip and midrange fuel consumption.

Weasel (teal) - The Weasel has a top speed of convert|137|mph|km/h, accelerates from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h in 4.3 seconds, has midrange tire grip and midrange fuel consumption.

Music

The music in Top Gear mostly consists of remixed tracks from the Lotus series of racing games on the Amiga produced by Barry Leitch ^{[http://www.barryleitch.com]} . For example, the title music of Top Gear is taken from the ending of Lotus Turbo Challenge 2, and the third race of each country [http://youtube.com/watch?v=SltQ-vz7QxE] uses a remixed version of the Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge title theme. [http://youtube.com/watch?v=aAk27BvWpsg]

"Bliss", a song by British band Muse, is extremely reminiscent of Top Gear's title track. Although Top Gear did come first, Bliss was inspired by the title track. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzpLeEdUjac]

Bugs

There is a bug which allows a human player to finish the race in two places at the same time, obtaining the respective points of each position. This bug occurs when the player hits the finish board in the last lap, at a certain position. The car will "finish" the race, will hit the board, going reverse for a while until before the finish line and will cross it again, but in the next position (ex: passes at 3rd and 4th).

equels

Super NES:
*"Top Gear 2"
*"Top Gear 3000"

Sega Mega Drive
*"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 Rally"
*"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"

Xbox:
*"Top Gear RPM Tuning"

Nintendo DS:
*""

Although not directly related, Top Gear is by the same developers that released the remarkably similar Lotus games on the Commodore Amiga and Sega Megadrive/Genesis.

External links

* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/top-gear Top Gear at MobyGames]