Top Gear 2
Reviewed by Pat Hutchison
Top Gear II is an exciting and challenging sequel to the original Top Gear. The aim of
the game is to race around the world through many different countries and win the
highest place you can in all the courses. You win a certain amount of money and gain
a certain amount of points depending on what place you are in. You can upgrade your
car along the way. Some of the upgrades include engines, gears, armor, nitros, & tires
each costing a variable amount of money to make the upgrade. You can even select
your own paint job. You get a password after you complete a country. There are also
many existing weather conditions including sun, rain, clouds, snow, fog and night
time driving conditions. There are also three levels of difficulty to choose from.
This game has many challenges and experiences to await the beginner.
Graphics 8.5 out of 10
The graphics on Top Gear II are similar to the original Top Gear. They are smooth
and look somewhat realistic. Although the funny thing about the graphics in this
game is that walls, signs, vehicles, roads, jumps, tunnels, and other objects tend
to appear out of nowhere. Some weather conditions like rain or snow look somewhat
unrealistic. They use a repeating pattern that rolls across the screen. Overall the
graphics on this game are very good.
Music and Sound 7.5 out of 10
The opening to Top Gear II is a melody with a great beat. The music in some of the
courses though is not noticeable when you are playing because you have to concentrate
on driving. The sounds can be either annoying or not. The engine of the car constantly
makes a low humming sound and is the most annoying sound in the game. But what I
like is when the transmission shifts, you here the sound of the engine going to a
lower R.P.M.. Screeching sounds are unrealistic when you peel out or make a hard
turn or crash. When you ignite a nitro, it makes a cool sounding jet engine sound.
When you hit another car There is a low pitched bumping sound. Overall the sounds
and music in this game are realistic but could be slightly better.
Game Challenge 9 out of 10
Top Gear II is quite challenging. You have to make your way through many weather
conditions and obstacles in the road. But getting past many of the CPU vehicles is
quite difficult. Especially if you don't have a beefed up car. Plus the game is very
long and you need a password to continue if you complete a country. You get more
money if you come in a higher place. Which then, you should think about upgrading
your car which is also difficult. You have only so much money to use to buy parts
for your car. This game always leaves you with the challenge to try and come in
first place. Overall this game is very challenging.
Game Play-Fun 7 out of 10
Top Gear II can only be fun once you have mastered it. If you want to really have
fun you should get a beefed up car and leave all the other guys in the dust.
Frustration
Top Gear II can be quite frustrating even for the experienced player. Getting your car
upgraded is hard. Winning races is hard. The most difficult driving condition is a night
because the cars have no headlights and every turn is always a blind one at night. Also
when you hit something, the car always spins out or you roll over. It is always hard to
regain speed after you crash. Nitros also don't work because to regain speed because
they are only meant to speed you up at top speed.
Replayability 10 out of 10
You can always go back and start a race over because there are passwords. You can
also go back to previous passwords you saved on and start a game from there.
Game Value 8 out of 10
Top Gear II is a good buy if you want challenge and action together. It defiantly has
good value and is worth buying if you are into racing games.
Overall 8 out of 10
Top Gear II is a great game. It has some good points and some bad points. But overall
it is a challenging and fun game. If you were thinking of getting it I would say go
ahead and buy it. If you already have it, have fun.