As fans of retro gaming, we had been looking forward to going on a racing journey with the Top Racer Collection, a homage to the Top Gear series that came out in the ’90s. Developed by QUByte Interactive, this collection revives the adrenaline-fueled action of the original games while introducing new content for both old fans and newcomers alike. Available on various platforms including PlayStation 5, Top Racer Collection is a comprehensive package that includes the original trilogy along with the new addition, Top Racer Crossroads.
The collection kicks off with Top Racer, the game that started it all. Players familiar with the Top Gear series will feel right at home as they race through a variety of tracks spanning different countries. The selection of vehicles offers diverse options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, adding a layer of strategy to the high-speed gameplay. Whether you prefer blazing speed or superior handling, there’s a car to suit your racing style – or one that’ll mix things up for you.
Top Racer 2 takes the formula a step further by introducing customization options, allowing players to fine-tune their vehicles to their liking. From engines to tires, every aspect of the car can be tailored and upgraded to optimize performance on the track. With an expanded roster of locations and a challenging array of courses, Top Racer 2 offers a deeper racing experience for those craving more complexity.
For a glimpse into the future of racing, there’s Top Racer 3000. Set in a futuristic world, this installment pushed the boundaries of the franchise with advanced mechanics and tracks. With upgrades, power-ups, and even the ability to jump over opponents, Top Racer 3000 offers a fresh take on the classic formula that started as a bit of an homage to 16-bit racers like Lotus and Outrun, appealing to fans looking for a new twist on retro arcade racing.
The newest addition to the collection, Top Racer Crossroads, still pays homage to classic racing games while introducing new elements that were clearly inspired by more modern titles. The game features cars that are reminiscent of vehicles from other well-known racing games, and with its extensive content and challenges, it adds another welcome layer to an already entertaining collection.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Top Racer Collection stays true to its roots, delivering tight controls and addictive gameplay that made the original series a hit. Whether you’re battling it out on the track or competing against friends, the collection offers plenty of options to satisfy your need for speed, with more diversity between the games than was the norm for the genre three decades ago.
Visually, the games features vibrant pixel graphics that capture the essence of the ’90s racing games that rules prior to the arrival of the first PlayStation. If you have fond memories of playing games like Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge, Chase HQ, Cisco Heat and Combo Racer, this is the collection for you. The retro-inspired visuals, with a choice between the original and a slightly modernized look, are complemented by a catchy soundtrack.
But while Top Racer Collection excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some players may find that the games feel too similar to one another, with each installment offering variations on the same core gameplay, mechanics and what was technically possible at the time. Additionally, the new Crossroads game is a nice bonus, but is less fully-featured than the other games.
Overall, Top Racer Collection is a must-have for fans of classic arcade racing games. With its faithful recreations of classic racing titles, it offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Whether you’re reliving old memories or experiencing these timeless classics for the first time, Top Racer Collection is a high value bundle for fans of this genre.
Score: 8.0/10
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