-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ##### #### # # # # ### # ## # ## ### # # # # # ## # # # # # ## # # # # # # ## #### ### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ## # # ## # # # # # # ### # ## ### # ## ## # # # ____ # /....\ __________ __ __ /. ./ \______ \____ ____ | | __ _____/ |_ ./ | ___/ _ \_/ ___\| |/ // __ \ __\ ./ | | ( <_> ) \___| <\ ___/| | ./ |____| \____/ \___ >__|_ \\___ >__| ./ \/ \/ \/ ./,,,,,, FAQ/Walkthrough >>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>== For Nintendo Game Boy Color Version Final By Chris Zawada User: antseezee E-mail: chris@z-wad.com Website: www.z-wad.com Created: 07/24/04 Last Update: 03/10/11 Copyright 2011 Chris Zawada -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- Author's Note ---------------------------- When it comes to primitive systems, racing games were never the popular genre. Because of hardware constraints, developers could rarely emulate the experience of getting behind the wheel, and driving a car 70 MPH down a road. Instead, developers would be forced to use cheap techniques, such as an overhead view, or a scrolling back screen to simulate that feeling. Top Gear Pocket 2 is the sequel to the original racing game that struck the GBC in style. By using a vertically scrolling screen in the background, along with some interesting race tracks, players will compete in a race against 9 other opponents to capture the lead. Are you tough enough to pump the pedal to the medal? This guide will tell hints, tips, and strategies of getting past certain tracks. Contributing/Feedback ---------------------------- If you have any contributions, feedback, or strategies you'd like to have added to the guide, contact me via e-mail or on GameFAQs. I'll be more than content to add your segment of information, and will also provide credit. If you have any questions you'd like added to the Common Questions section, ask. I simply don't have the time to sit around thinking of questions. Provide me with what you want to know! Updates ---------------------------- =03/10/11= vFinal Final update. =07/27/04= v1.0 Finished the FAQ. Almost took a tad longer than I expected, however, it's a 100% complete. I also received ESPN NFL 2K5 in the mail, so that's another motivational factor. =07/24/04= v1.0 Started the FAQ. Expecting to finish this within 2-3 days. Getting ready to FAQ ESPN NFL 2K5, but this will be the "meantime" FAQ. ============================ - Table of Contents - ============================ 1) Introduction 2) Game Basics > Controls > Racing 3) Game Modes > Quick Arcade > Championship > Option 4) Cars 5) Tracks 6) Common Questions 7) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines 8) Proper Credits -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 1) Introduction - ============================ Racing games on portable systems have either been a mediocre thrill, or an all- out bust. With a lack of hardware, many developers are forced to use painful techniques to emulate the racing experience. Rather than getting a simulation- like feeling behind the wheel feeling, you're left with a drab mini-cart setting. The Game Boy Color is no exception. Top Gear Pocket 2 is from Kemco's well-known racing series, Top Gear. This sequel pits better graphics, sound, car selection, and tracks to provide an enthralling experience to the player. You'll navigate various terrains just to earn the fastest time and hopefully win the golden trophy at the end. The game is played from a behind-the-car perspective, so you'll almost get a quarter overview mode. Turning is simple thanks to a system which warns you of upcoming turns by flashing signals at the top of the screen. The real question is whether or not you can shift that baby into second gear. ---------------------------- _____________________ ##### GAME INFO ##### //////////|\\\\\\\\\\ Players: 1-2 Developer: Kemco Released: 1999 Rarity: rare Special Features: Data Save Cover Art on cartridge: - Shows various race cars twisting down on some landscape -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 2) Game Basics - ============================ Due to Top Gear Pocket 2's fairly easy design, the controls fit just about perfectly to the entire theme. The simple two-button layout, and control pad prove to be an easy ride especially during rough times. _________ /Controls/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A - gas, accelerates B - brake, decelerates Left/Right - turns car left and right, hold down for tightest turn Down - shifts car up one gear if using manual transmission Up - shifts car down one gear if using manual transmission START - pauses game SELECT - n/a - The controls are very simple in this game. To get your car to move, simply hold down the A button the entire time. The brake can be used for really tight turns. If you're using a manual transmission, you can shift your car up one gear by pressing Down on the control pad. It's best to shift up whenever the power meter on your car reaches red bars. You can downshift to slow the car down quickly without pressing the brake, or if you're slowed down, and need to get back in the motion of gears. _______ /Racing/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Racing is fairly simple with Top Gear Pocket 2's system. To start off, the game is played from behind the car. Steer it left or right whenever you see a quick flashing of a turn sign near the middle portion of the screen. Each track has a continuous form, and is divided into laps. The race will end whenever you have completed the essential amount of laps on the specified track. Each track varies. >:- GENERAL TIPS -:< - A manual transmission (MT) has a higher top speed, and better accleration than an automatic transmission (AT). It usually adds about 8-10 MPH on the top speed. The only problem is that you must be a good shifter in order to maximize its potential. - Downshift when making U-turns to really slow down, rather than slamming on the brakes. - In order to get to first place, you must pass 9 cars on the course, by starting from 10th place at the beginning of the race. Each green blip on your radar is a possible car to pass. Once you pass it, the next car will appear up ahead. - The opposing cars will try to block your path, so that you may not pass them. To get around this, perform a swirving technique. Pull towards the inside railing, and the car should move out in front of you. Quickly speed ahead by turning swiftly, and swirl your way past the opponent. Never pass them directly in a straight pass. You will be slowed down greatly if you hit the bumper of an opponent, or hit them from behind. >:- GETTING STARTED -:< - There are a few options you get to set before engaging in the race. They are as follows: >> Track Select = )( pick the area you want to race on )( >> Weather = )( Fine, Rain, Snow, or Night )( >> Car Select = )( pick the car you want to race with )( - Weather will affect track conditions. Fine is the default mode which is basically what the track looks like if it was to be framed in heaven. Rain affects traction and provides a gloomy haze in the distance. Snow blocks visibility and causes heavy sliding. Night time decreases visuals, but gives a cool feeling and does not affect traction in any way. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 3) Game Modes - ============================ Game modes are the different ways developers design their racing games so players can maximize the potential available. Whether it be a simple time trial, or exciting arcade-like physics race, each has their own traits which classify them as such. This section will briefly go over each of the game modes in Top Gear Pocket 2. _____________ /Quick Arcade/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This neato mode is designed for somebody who wants to engage in a quick race without all of the non-sensical bullcrap. Players will be quickly tossed into a race where they select the conditions, cars involved, weather, and even the track. You will compete for first, second, or third on the track by passing other vehicles. However, you can pick four options after hitting the Quick Arcade Mode: ____ |#1| Vs-Com >> Allows you to play a quick race against the CPU ==== ____ |#2| Vs-Human >> Allows you to play a quick race against a human opponent. ==== This option is only available if another GBC is detected. ____ |#3| Time Attack >> Allows you to play a time trial race where you will ==== compete to break the Course Record time. All data is saved on the GBC cartridge. ____ |#4| Course Record >> Allows you to view the current Course Records for ==== each track along with the cars used, conditions dealt with, and weather. _____________ /Championship/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This primary feature of the game is designed for players who want to go all- out and compete for the medals. You will race all tracks in a competitive ranking mode where points are earned based on your ranking during the race. You can save your current progress of a championship game to one of three slots, and continue at any time you wish. Another unique feature is that your cars will start out with basic features, but can be upgraded in different categories as you progress along. The higher placement per race, the more points you will earn which can be transferred as upgrades. The following will briefly walk you through how the mode works. ______________ ,./ STARTING OFF \., - After selecting the mode, name your championship franchise. You will then start off with 700 points to buy your first car. Some cars are slightly higher in price because they may have a concentrated category of ratings. You will then be brought to the Season-I screen. There are four different races you can select. - Once you pick a race, three more options will be displayed. If you have enough points, you can buy another car (or new one). If you want, you may also Tune Up your current car. Acceleration and Braking only cost 100 points to upgrade each, but Top Speed and Handling each cost 200 points to upgrade one bar. Hit Left/Right to adjust the power bars for each rating. Once you're ready, exit out, and click the Start Race button. As your car becomes more powerful, it costs more to upgrade each category. Once you complete all four races, you will be rewarded with a Season complete. There are four seasons total. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 4) Cars - ============================ In racing games, the main characters are the cars. Without them, there would be no game, and hardly any entertainment to be provided. Vehicles in the game decide your own personal behavior traits. Some racers prefer cars with good handling, where they can ensure perfect handling around sharp curves. Others may decide upon the raving fast sports cars that allow them to put the pedal to the medal. Either way, cars are what get you around the track, and decide your true skills as a gamer. This section will briefly go over each of the racing automobiles in Top Gear Pocket 2. [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--] 0 TYPE - FO | Red/White/Blue car designed for handling curvy courses. 0 [===========]===========================================================] 0 RATINGS: / The FO is designed for smaller [ Top Speed |||||| / courses that require acute navigation 0 Handling ||||||| / skills without risking too much on [ Acceleration ||||| / barreling turns. 0 Braking ||||| / [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0/ [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--] 0 TYPE - IP | Blue/Yellow car designed for every situation. 0 [===========]===========================================================] 0 RATINGS: / The IP is my personal favorite. It [ Top Speed |||||| / combines great acceleration, speed, 0 Handling ||||| / and braking to allow you to handle [ Acceleration |||||| / nearly every course out there. It just 0 Braking |||||| / doesn't specialize in any category. [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0/ [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--] 0 TYPE - LE | Red/White car designed for maximum speed. 0 [===========]===========================================================] 0 RATINGS: / The LE is perfect for those guys who [ Top Speed ||||||| / desire a need for speed. It has the 0 Handling |||||| / best speed out of all the cars available, [ Acceleration ||||| / and even provides an edge to those windy 0 Braking ||||| / turns. [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0/ [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--] 0 TYPE - CO | Multi-color car designed for maximum acceleration. 0 [===========]===========================================================] 0 RATINGS: / The CO is designed for you manual [ Top Speed ||||| / shifters out there who need the best 0 Handling |||||| / available acceleration. This greatly [ Acceleration ||||||| / increases your speed per gear. 0 Braking ||||| / [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0/ [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--] 0 TYPE - SC | Orange/Blue car designed for best control over car. 0 [===========]===========================================================] 0 RATINGS: / The SC is a well-made creation that [ Top Speed ||||| / gives the driver superb control in 0 Handling ||||| / lower speeds, allowing you to brake [ Acceleration |||||| / often, and then increase your speed in 0 Braking |||||| / a jiffy. [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0/ [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--] 0 TYPE - OC | White/Green car designed for balanced handling. 0 [===========]===========================================================] 0 RATINGS: / Not a personal favorite, but the OC [ Top Speed ||||| / was made for those who want handling, 0 Handling |||||| / and a balance in just about every other [ Acceleration ||||| / category. Its handling rating isn't 0 Braking ||||| / enough to make it desireable. [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0/ [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--] 0 TYPE - P2 | White/Blue car designed for Porsche-like speed. 0 [===========]===========================================================] 0 RATINGS: / The P2 is a favorite of many newcomers [ Top Speed |||||| / to the game. It provides great speed, 0 Handling ||||| / and amazing acceleration to top it off. [ Acceleration ||||||| / You'll just slip n' slide around the 0 Braking ||||| / corners, that's all. [--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0/ -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 5) Tracks - ============================ As always, the racing tracks are the main obtrusion players face during the entire game. Certain tracks are extremely tough to get by, while others can be a breeze if properly prepared. Top Gear Pocket 2 has 8 base tracks, which are then altered with different paths to combine for several different tracks encountered during the game. This section will describe each of the tracks, along with some added benefits. _ _ :_: GLASSLAND :_:---------------------------------------------------------- / /> Conditions: Gravel /> Difficulty: ** - Glassland is primarily an easygoing track with few turns, and slightly untasty conditions. The routes will get more complex on each season, but it's still an easy cruise for a car with high top speed. _ _ :_: LAKESIDE :_:---------------------------------------------------------- / /> Conditions: Tarmac /> Difficulty: **** - One of the tougher "easy" courses you'll face during the game. Lakeside has a nice background scenery, but tosses numerous U-turns at you, especially when you're traveling at high speeds. Get a car with good handling and acceleration. _ _ :_: FOREST :_:---------------------------------------------------------- / /> Conditions: TARMAC /> Difficulty: *** - Forest is designed for players who like wide, open, expansive landscape without many restrictions. However, the loop is fairly short, meaning you'll need a fast car to speed around the track. The background woods will try to mezmorize you, but avoid the distraction. _ _ :_: SAVANNAH :_:---------------------------------------------------------- / /> Conditions: Gravel /> Difficulty: ** - My favorite map, the Savannah rushes through numerous grasslands on a long forgotten continent. The track loop is very small, but a car with acceleration and speed will cruise by with the gold victory. _ _ :_: MOUNTAIN :_:---------------------------------------------------------- / /> Conditions: Gravel /> Difficulty: *** - This map tends to get very windy during its loop course. You'll traverse a few hills and valleys, but the wide U-turns will force lots of turning, and require a car with decent handling to win the gold prize. _ _ :_: CITY :_:---------------------------------------------------------- / /> Conditions: Tarmac /> Difficulty: ***** - The city is one of the most feared tracks in the game. The actual course itself is fairly easy, but most of the turns are designed right after another. Not only that, but most of the cars get a lot of speed on the pavement, unlike the slippery surfaces in the country areas. You'll need a good balance of Top Speed and Handling to get the gold. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================= - 6) Common Questions - ============================= )) Gameplay (( ---------------------------- << How does this game compare to other racing games for the GBC? >> - Unfortunately, the GBC does have its share of horrible racing games. Fortunately, Top Gear Pocket 2 is not the worst of them. The game features an excellent palette color-wise, and the music/sound is fairly creative. Combine that with a nice change of pace gameplay wise, and you've got yourself an above-average racing game. However, that's all Top Gear Pocket 2 is. Its gameplay system does get repetitive after awhile, constantly swishing back and forth around turns. You don't capture a sense of a true racing environment. The best racing game by far is Driver, however, this game is good for those who are looking for a quality-like game. The variety of cars, different track designs, and ability to save on the cartridge should hold you over for quite a bit. << Where can I find this game? >> - As with most Game Boy games, eBay is your only solid choice. Most video rental stores don't even rent out portable games, nor would they stock them. Your local stores have probably cleaned anything resembling a GBC out of inventory thanks to the GBA. Remember though, this sequel is tougher to find than the original Top Gear Pocket, so good luck finding it. << Why are there no codes for this game? >> - For the most part, Kemco decided not to incorporate any. In a way, this sucks. But what else could they add to a nearly-maxed GBC cartridge? You can't have some big head mode, like a shooting game, or infinite ammo. Simply put, there are no codes for this game. << Have any gameplay tips not mentioned during the guide? >> - Yes. If you want a turbo boost at the beginning of the race, charge your RPM meter all the way right before it hits the red bars. Keep tapping the acceleration button to keep it slightly before the redness, but still in the green. After the "Go!" signals, you'll start off going at 38-40 MPH. This is a neat little way of capturing a boost early on. Aside from that, don't overturn on some turns. Turning too much will slow your car down, and slide you to the outside portion of the track. You can sometimes tap the directional button of where the turn is directed to make a semi-turn. It will not slide your tires as much, and conserve your speed. The best time to pass a CPU opponent is around the curvy portions of the track. Sometimes you can confuse the AI, and it will get caught in a hacking turn. For example, let's say you have to make a giant left turn up ahead. Go to the right side of the road, and the CPU will pull out in front to block. When the turn hits, quickly drive along the left part of the road, and the CPU will not be prepared for the turn. Often they'll crash along the side of the road. This is a useful tactic for passing without doing too much harm to your own vehicle. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ===================================================== - 7) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines - ===================================================== This FAQ/Strategy Guide/Walkthrough is my own published work, and copyrighted by Christopher Zawada. Whatever you do, DO NOT edit this FAQ in any way. DO NOT steal anything from this FAQ. If you want to use some information in your own guide, simply ask me. If you want to place this guide on your website, either link to the GameFAQs game page, or download the file and place it on your own web server. Basically, you can post this on your website as long as its in ORIGINAL form, and not linking directly to GameFAQs. Aside from that, all proper credit is due when necessary. Also, don't even think about selling FAQs. Trying to prosper off of other people's work will get you in big time trouble (coming from an eBay seller myself). This is a list of the current known sites that host my FAQs: - http://www.gamefaqs.com/ - http://www.ign.com/ - http://www.neoseeker.com/ - http://www.cheatcc.com/ - http://www.cheatplanet.com/ - http://www.cheats.de/ - and whoever else is hosting my guides, good luck. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 8) Proper Credit - ============================ I'd like to thank the following people for their help in making this FAQ possible: )) CJayC (( for constantly updating GameFAQs, and dedicating his entire life to it. Takes a lot of effort to keep a site going this long. )) Rootsecure.net (( for providing me with an ASCII generator to help create my custom title, which looks sweeter than an apple pie. )) Kemco (( for designing a nice little racing game on a dying system. The GBC doesn't have much to offer, but at least this is one of the positive racing games for the system. "Some people make sacrifices to make other people happy." - Chris Zawada "Freeeeeeeeeddddooooooooommmmm...ugh!" - William Wallace, Braveheart