Top Gear 2 is the sequel to Kemco's hit Top Gear which remains the best
arcade racer on the Super Nes. Despite this Top Gear 2 is still a fun,
creative racer that will give you many hours of multiplayer fun just like
the original.
Graphics [9/10]:
The graphics in Top Gear 2 are a vast improvement over the orginal. Take for
example the cars. Instead of looking like cardboard cutouts like many racers
these cars actually are completely 3d instead of just the 3 or 4 views for
the original. Because of this the game now has spinouts and you will see
every angle of your car. Also the graphical effects for different weather
conditions like night racing, snow, fog, etc. are done great and look
realistic. But the problem with a few like snow is it repeats in a pattern
that will become obvious after just minutes of playing. One area where
graphics took a step down is the menus. Its hard to read and navigate
through them at first, unlike the originals clear, easy to navigate menus.
Music and Sound [6/10]:
Top Gear 2's music can be best described as bland and boring. Sadly is just
isn't the same as the originals. Some music like the Los Vega's tracks theme
in TG I still find myself humming, but in TG2 its completely forgettable.
Thankfully its not terrible and is bearable but just pales in comparison
with its prequel. The step up is the sound department. There are a variety
of different crash sounds(TG only had one) plus several other sounds
including the nitro firing. But the engine sound sounded a lot more like a
engine in TG.
Game Play [7.5/10]:
Top Gear 2's gameplay is very good. The control is excellent. But with the
cheating AI even if you steer a perfect race you may not get 1st just like
Mario Kart 64. One area that is great is the upgrade system. You earn money
depending on where you finish in the points allowing you to do things like
upgrade your engine, buy slicks, etc. This area wasn't even in the prequel
which turned off many players. This game is a great multi player game and is
a solid single player game.
Challenge and Replay [10/10]:
This is the area that truely shines. The AI was beefed up to the level where
the race remains exciting and a challenge, even if it "cheats" a little. I
still haven't gone through all the tracks but have easily raced on 25
tracks. The replay value, just like the original lies in multi player.
Unlike the N64's line up of racers you can race a real race with about 20
CPU controlled cars without a frame rate drop. This is where you will find
yourself coming back to time an again.
Conclusion/Overall [8/10]:
A solid multi player racer with great graphics. This game is hard to surpass
on the Snes. The only bad part is this Kemco racer is even harder to find
then Chrono Trigger. Expect to pay 40+ bucks for a used copy (I payed 55)
minus instruction booklet ands box. But is well worst the money!
