Top Gear Rally

"Alright...let's go sand-hopping"

-Graphics 8/10-

Not bad, and not too shabby. This comes along way from the Top Gear on SNES. It doesn't have much in terms of pop up, although there isn't much you can really do with sand, or beach.

It does have a minute amount of slowdown and it does have just a bit of draw in during the night stages, but nothing that you can't overlook. Some of the high points of the graphics run a little like this:

-You can see damage on your car when nailing something
-Reflections in puddles during some of the stages.

Both of those alone are neat in themselves. It shows innovation in the game's graphic capablities.

-Sound 7/10-

A little cheesy on the sound effects, the engine noises sound a bit weak, and the crashes are just like smashing a pop can on your forehead after you've finished the soda inside.

The music is a little off too...it doesn't add that bit of in-game hyperness that you would expect from a racing game, so be prepared, once again, to turn on the CD player.

-Control 7/10-

It varies depending on what course you're on, as with most racing games. You can adjust them to your own preferences, and be aware, the in-game control of your vehicle, is very very realistic...turn too much, and your car flips. Turn too little, and you won't make the curve

You get the picture.

-Gameplay 9/10-

This is better than Cruisin' USA. It offers, what most off-road games should, hidden shortcuts. It also has a feature in which you can make a customizable car for yourself, from the paint job to the steering, it all comes out nice.

It does have it's flaws, namely the music and sound effects, which will, in turn, cause you to play a little more of Crusin', than you will of this. Two player is nice, and has it's good points, but you'll need to play it to make your own judgement.

-Overall 8/10-

It's not a bad racing game for the N-64. It has good graphics, and awesome control along with some good two-player qualities.

However, you'll get nothing from the sound, which is a bummer, die-hard racing game fans will probably want to pick this up for a weekend rental, and N64 gamers will go with Cruisin' USA first before buying this.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/21/00, Updated 02/21/00