Originally released by Gremlin Graphics on the SNES way back in 1992, the classic Top Gear franchise – also known as Top Racer – was a popular arcade-style racer with fast action and tight controls. Spawning two SNES sequels – Top Racer 2 from 1993 and Top Racer 3000 in 1995, this collection re-releases the trilogy for modern systems and includes an all-new bonus title, Top Racer Crossroads.
All four titles include new quality-of-life features and modes, including a time attack mode to test your skills, a campaign and custom cup, and video filters for that retro feel. Also included is a new online mode for multiplayer racing and challenges against real opponents in the ranking mode.
The first game in the collection features an always-on split-screen mode, regardless of whether you’re playing a single-player campaign or not. It’s a curious decision as more than once at the start of a race I was looking at the wrong playing window. This also means the actual playing area is very small, even on a large TV. I reviewed this on the PS5 and would hate to imagine how small this would be on the Switch when in handheld mode.
Top Racer Crossroads is a curious addition that simply seems to be identical to the first game, albeit with a few different car sprites and slightly enhanced performance. It features the same gameplay, the same race tracks, and even the same – albeit great – music.
Top Racer 3000 is a more futuristic version, abandoning the realism for unique power-ups, and includes racing zones that you drive over to recharge and repair. It also features alternative routes that fork from the main track and can save considerable time.
Fans of the series will love this collection, it’s fun and beautifully presented, but younger gamers who are new to the series will undoubtedly struggle with the simple graphics and gameplay. I’d probably even knock a star off if not for the nostalgia boost. 3.5/5
Top Racer Collection will be released for PS4, PS5 (reviewed), Xbox One/Series, Steam, and Nintendo Switch on March 7th.
