Top Gear Pocket (Japan)
Top Gear Pocket (Japan) on GBC
Top Gear Pocket is a racing game that originally came out for the Game Boy Color in 1999. Developed and published by Kemco, it is the handheld version of the popular Top Gear series. While the European release was renamed Top Gear Rally, this ROM is the original Japanese edition. It fits squarely into the racing genre, offering a compact but engaging experience on Nintendo's portable hardware.
The player takes control of a car and competes in a series of races against computer opponents. The objective is to finish as high as possible across multiple circuits, earning points to unlock new tracks or cars. Gameplay involves accelerating, braking, and steering through curves while managing a turbo boost meter. The top-down perspective gives a clear view of the road ahead and upcoming obstacles.
Today, Top Gear Pocket stands out as one of the earlier racing games for the Game Boy Color, especially for fans of the series. It may not have the graphical polish of later titles, but it captures the arcade-style feel of its console counterparts. If you enjoy retro racers with simple mechanics and a bit of challenge, this one is worth a spin, especially if you missed it the first time around.
How to Play Top Gear Pocket (Japan) Online
When you start the game, you'll see a title screen in Japanese. Press Enter (Start) to proceed. The main menu has options like 「レース」 (Race) and 「オプション」 (Options). Use the arrow keys to highlight the first option and press X (A button) to confirm. This will take you to a car selection or difficulty screen. Choose wisely, as different cars handle differently.
Once you've selected your car, you'll enter a race. The core loop is simple: drive through laps, avoid obstacles, and use your turbo boost strategically by pressing the B button (S key). The boost depletes over time, so save it for straightaways. Pay attention to the mini-map to see upcoming turns. Finish first to earn points and unlock the next track.
After each race, you'll see your placement and points. Continue racing through the championship. If you're unfamiliar with Japanese, the menus rely on a few familiar kanji and layout conventions. The race mode is almost always the first option. Take your time learning the tracks and car handling, and you'll be winning in no time.
Top Gear Pocket (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
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