Racing game enthusiasts with a penchant for classic titles might remember fondly the Top Gear series on the SNES, which has now paved its way into the Nintendo Switch’s gaming library with the Top Racer Collection. This comeback ignites excitement for veteran players while greeting new racers with a set of experiences that may not stand up to today’s graphical or gameplay standards.
Immediately noticeable is the absence of the Top Gear name, likely a strategic move to sidestep copyright constraints—particularly those from the BBC's globally recognized motor show. In this collection, the games are referred to by their Japanese titles: Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000. A fourth game is included, to which we'll come back later.
All three games share an underlying premise: choose a car, start from the end of a grid full of competitors, and weave through the traffic to emerge at the forefront as you complete the final lap. Certain tracks add the challenge of managing fuel levels, either by making pit stops or collecting on-track fuel items, depending on the specific game. The most standout title among the trio is Top Racer 3000, which forsakes contemporary settings and instead races across tracks on 12 fictional planets, pushing speeds up to 330 mph in a futuristic racing adventure—although the cars do curiously resemble earthly models.
The compilation introduces its own integrated menu system, replacing the original games’ interfaces to facilitate game selection and car customization. However, this new system feels disjointed at times, punctuated by unexpected loading screens but is still functional.
Despite the collection's fresh coat of paint, it is not without its technical challenges. Online multiplayer, a feature that could potentially enhance the game's long-term appeal, is unfortunately riddled with issues, rendering it ineffective at the time of review. Considering the Switch's lifespan and the gameplay nature of these titles, one questions the necessity and potential utilization of this online component.
A few customization options regarding screen size and filters are standard for this type of re-release, but they come with shortcomings. The screen size labeled 'Original' is diminutive in handheld mode, necessitating the use of a full-screen setting which fortunately doesn’t cause significant distortion. There's also a CRT filter that strives to mimic old television screens but instead delivers an experience that is more akin to a VHS tape, diminishing visual clarity.
Furthermore, all the games in the collection suffer from choppy frame rates, an issue inherited from their original versions. When the boost is activated and speeds soar, the game's scenery stutters—it's an accurate emulation, albeit an inconvenient truth for smooth racing aficionados.
The claim that the Top Racer Collection includes a fourth, "brand new" game, Top Racer Crossroads, is misleading. Upon closer examination, Crossroads is simply a ROM hack of the original Top Racer accentuated by character sprites from Horizon Chase. The tracks, music, and core gameplay remain unchanged, suggesting that this is less of a new game and more of a reskinned tribute.
Despite the critical tone of this review, it's essential to acknowledge that for those who cherished the original Top Gear games, this collection preserves the elements that made those experiences delightful. As a faithful rendition, the essence of the original gameplay remains untouched, granting new life to these racing classics on the Nintendo Switch.
For diehard fans, this collection is akin to a loving restoration of a favorite car—it may not boast the latest technology or the sleekest design, but it retains the charm and the feel that made it special. For newcomers or those without nostalgic ties, however, alternatives like Horizon Chase Turbo offer a modern and polished continuation of the gameplay style, complete with vibrant graphics, smooth performance, and infectious music crafted by the same original Top Gear composer.
Choosing between the Top Racer Collection and its modern counterparts depends largely on the individual's connection to the SNES originals. Should nostalgia steer your course, you'll find the same thrills await on the digital tracks of the Nintendo Switch. Otherwise, more contemporary racing games may offer a more engaging ride suited to current gaming expectations.
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