Top Gear Pocket Game by Kemco Reviewed by The Avardancer Size: 8 megabits Save: Password, 6 characters Released: 1999 Works with: Game Boy Color exclusive. (Not compatible with Game Boy Pocket, or Super Game Boy. **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: This is "Top Gear Pocket".. it looks like Top Gear 3000 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System; but with out the futuristic elements. The game features about 14 cars, and 8 tracks. (Some of those are earned.) It also is the first game in the states to have the new "Rumble feature" built-in. Interesting.... **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: The game is faster than Top Gear Rally on the N64. :) The game is a racing game and has 14 cars and 9 tracks. The tracks vary in certain "themes"; like night, day, ice, dirt, etc. For the most part; the game is about passing other cars, navigating some turns and bumps; and trying to win. Average racing stuff. The game is fun and has a two player versus mode. The Time Attack Mode is basically a "race for the high score" bit. The main "competition" mode is fairly standard for a racing game. No innovation here. :( There is no "arcade" style mode. (You know.. timed.... with check points.. I wanted a mode like that.) The game's "Rumble" option doesn't kick in much.. it feels a little like the Dual Shock Controller for the PSX. It doesn't add anything to the gameplay; but it is a neat idea. I wish to see it implemented in better ways in the future. The game is fairly decent; but it seems top be missing some action. The game's cars are balanced fairly and are pretty nifty. Some of them seem to be modeled after real cars. :) Oh, the Rumble Feature kicks in when ever you skid, falter, or hit something. The engine in my Game Pack is not loud; thankfully. The degree of feedback is similar to the Dual Shock; but is still a little less forceful than the "Pulse Pak" by Interact. If you hook both of those rumbling devices together.. driving feels really weird if you do that. ;) Liked: It's fun; and it has a lot of nice options. Hated: Not ENOUGH options. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The cars are varied; although you can not change their colors. >:( The graphics move swiftly and the background pictures are fairly detailed. Your car is a little small; but the game is very colorful and is on par with a lot of SNES/Genesis games. The game reminds me a bit of Super Hang-On for the Sega Genesis in it's light, bright and very nice look. :) The levels are nice. (Wait till you see "The Pole"...) The problem with the graphics is the dullness with the side graphics. They could almost be sleep- inducing in the Time Trial mode. The cars look nice.. some of them look like knock-offs of trademarked cars.. Cool! That one definately is a Volkswagon. There's a truck, some type of fast looking red sports car.. and some others. :) And it's fast, so very fast. :) The graphics move fast. Especially with the hidden cars. A great framerate is kept as you move along the road and over hills and other obstacles. The game is not backwards compatible with Game Boy Pocket or Super Game Boy; but this is so that it can run at double speed. (I think.) Very well done. Nice useage of colors throughout the game. The colors are bright and very good. Liked: Fast moving, good framerate, good colors. Hated: The side of the road could be a bit more varied and the cars could be a little bit bigger. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: There is music in the options, title, and victory screens. There's only about SIX songs in the whole game. The actual gameplay has no music. :( There is just the roar of the engine and various other car noises. The sound is clear and varied thankfully. Not much to say here; but I wish that there was some type of music as you drive. :( Liked: Decent and clear engine sounds. Nice music during non-gameplay segments of the game. Hated: No music in the gameplay part of the game. I want to hear some music when I ride. :( **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: Depending on what car you choose; you will either be slipping across the road or hugging the road tightly. The game has some very good racing physics. The game has a "reward" system for placing first and rewards you with new cars and tracks. The game will keep racing fans glued to that Game Boy Color for a while. This is the type of game that I hope that I see more of on Game Boy Color. The game doesn't get boring quick; but is does have a bit of challenge to it that may turn away some racers. The two-player mode is excellent. Well done Kemco! Kemco has created Top Gear Pocket, Shadowgate Classic, and Crazy Castle 3 for Game Boy Color. They are fast becoming one of my favorite companies. Thanks Kemco! Although... I do wish that the Rumble Option could have been used in a more inspired way. Liked: The Play Control is accurate and the game is well designed. Hated: Use the Rumble Feature better. **************************************************************************** Improve: Use the rumble feature better. Give me music to drive to. And umm.. try to make the sides more interesting. Oh, also add an "Arcade" option where you drive from Check Point to Check Point. RIYL: Racing games, Rad Racer, Super Hang-On. **************************************************************************** Final Words: Although flawed in some trvial sections; Top Gear Pocket is an excellent addition to your library if you like racing games. It makes me wonder what else can be cooked up for the Game Boy Color. This is an excellent example of the "Power of Game Boy Color". **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: ***** Graphics: ***** Sound/Music: *** Play Control/Game Design: **** Personal Opinion: **** Total: 21 out of 25 Final Score: 84% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: Master Code = YQX-%Z (Unlocks EVERYTHING!)