An incredible journey back in time

As someone who lived intensely during the golden age of Super Nintendo, considering it the best console of all time, Top Racer Collection caught my attention since its announcement, especially due to the fact that its Publisher is doing a great job, rescuing other past works, such as Breakers Collection, preserving the essence of the games, making only a few adjustments to the gameplay.

When I mention some adjustments in the gameplay, it is understandable that the studio has the notion that if something can be improved, it should be done, but with moderation and respecting the legacy of the franchise that certainly influenced Forza and Gran Turismo. And all these adjustments came in handy, significantly improving the experience, making the gameplay quite enjoyable, especially for new players, who are not as used to the old mini controller compared to the new ones.



Of course, when I write reviews, I do my best to show my opinion and experience with any game, in an impartial and technical way, but I confess that it is complicated to explain everything that the franchise means to me here. Having played with my siblings late into the night, with our parents also playing, having tournaments with friends from the neighborhood...it's too much nostalgia and perhaps even a sin on my part not to show how much Top Gear represents in my heart, bringing back the 10-year-old JP.

Old generation x New generation

There is no doubt that the great bet for a possible success of Top Racer Collection lies in rescuing all the nostalgia of the great races across the United States and around the world, winning trophies, drinking champagne, and reaping all the rewards of being the first place after a lot of speed, encounters with other competitors, all accompanied by an impeccable soundtrack that brings tears to your eyes.

Featuring the three games of the series (Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000), as well as the new Crossroads, you just have to choose your favorite game, mode, car model, and hit the tracks. It is worth mentioning that all of them are 100% impeccable, remaining faithful to the titles of the time, with the same circuits, cars, and some additions, like the popular "company car". Yes, you know which powerful car I'm talking about.

While respecting the essence of the Top Racer franchise, also known as Top Gear in the West, the studio's port managed to make everything more colorful and vibrant, making it even more immersive, with a touch of nostalgia and novelty. As expected, due to the fact that the images are centralized, a black background covers the game screen.



Modernly classic races

Featuring an online mode for all games, Top Racer Collection elevates the level of its perfection, allowing you to compete with other players around the world for first place. It is worth mentioning that the mode works very well and I had no trouble finding friends/rivals looking for the best time.

If you have never played Top Racer, get ready for a lot of speed, tight corners that must be taken with care so you don't spin out and lose the first position. Not only that, but at various times, the pit stop is inevitable to refuel your machine. But don't worry, as the need to make the stop is clearly indicated. It is worth mentioning that vehicles have a boost, but it causes the fuel to run out faster. It is wise to use it at opportune moments.

Another detail that cannot go unnoticed is that unbelievably, being in first place has its cost. Due to the high speed of the game, you end up losing a bit of the timing for the next corner, as if you weren't really expecting it. This method, of course, is on purpose to make the life of the pole position harder. I do not classify it as a negative point, but rather as an experience for the next circuits.

Despite the possibility of using modern controls with the help of analog sticks, I can't help but use the directional pad to drive. It is worth noting that both modes work very well, but nostalgia speaks louder and I follow the path of the classic. Maybe I missed out on winning races because of this? Perhaps, but it's okay. Fun prevails regardless of the mode used to drive.

A symphony of sounds and visuals

The graphics of Top Racer, whichever title you choose to play, are a spectacle of pixels bursting in all directions, with many colors and vibrancy. It is impossible not to be in love with everything being shown on the screen. Even a pit stop has its own charm. It is also worth mentioning that each vehicle has its own style, each one more beautiful than the other.



Talking about the soundtrack is talking about maximum excellence. It is the elite of the elite to hum along to all the classics being played, while the cars slide through the tracks around the world. Here, there are truly no words to describe the magnitude of the game.

Top Racer manages to exemplarily combine its pixelated graphics in charming 16bits, with a lot of speed, adrenaline, and a soundtrack that accompanies everything happening on the game screen, while in the first-place position.

Nostalgia has its cost

I think by now it is quite clear how much I am in love with Top Racer, right? But despite all the qualities, I cannot help but point out that the collection is based solely and exclusively on nostalgia, which is great. But perhaps it is a game that over time will not be appreciated as much, as it is something simple. It does not have a factor that can make you feel more challenged.

Of course, the online mode can build on that, but it depends a lot on the community's engagement with the model offered. And we must also mention that the titles are very similar, which may be amazing for me, who followed the graphic and gameplay evolution, but may not appeal to younger players.



The new Crossroads manages to steal the attention for a moment, being something new, but at the same time, it is something that you end up feeling like you have been through these scenarios before, or that you have played this same style of game dozens of times.

Top Racer Collection was played on an Xbox Series S and kindly provided by the publisher.