Over Top

Last updated
Over Top
Neo Geo AES Over Top cover art.jpg
Developer(s) ADK
Publisher(s) SNK
ADK (NGCD)
Director(s) Takashi Egashira
Producer(s) Kazuo Arai
Programmer(s) Yukinori Nishikata
Composer(s) Keiichiro Segawa
Takao Oshima
Platform(s) Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD
Release
  • Arcade
    • WW: 26 April 1996
    Neo Geo AES
    • JP: 24 May 1996
    Neo Geo CD
    • JP: 26 September 1996
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player
Arcade system Neo Geo MVS

Over Top [lower-alpha 1] is a racing arcade video game developed by ADK and originally published by SNK on April 26, 1996. [1] [2] It is the spiritual successor to Thrash Rally , which was released earlier in 1991 on Neo Geo platforms. [3]

Contents

Themed around rallying, Over Top pits the players with competing against AI-controlled opponents in races across various locations. Directed by Magician Lord designer Takashi Egashira, the game was created by most of the same team that previously worked on several projects at ADK. Though it was initially launched for the Neo Geo MVS (arcade), the title was later released for both Neo Geo AES (home) and Neo Geo CD respectively, in addition of being re-released through download services for various consoles.

Over Top was received with mixed reception from critics and reviewers since its initial release.

Gameplay

Screenshot NEOGEO Over Top.png
Screenshot

Over Top is a top-down rally racing game where players observe from above and races across various locations by participating in a single race against AI-controlled opponents. [4] [5] [6] Each location has their own weather conditions that changes how the car is controlled through the track, as well as shortcuts to gain advantage against opponents. [7] [8] [9]

The title uses a checkpoint in which the player gains extra time by reaching a tunnel at the end of each location. [7] Failing to reaching the checkpoint results in a game over screen unless players insert more credits into the arcade machine to continue playing. If a memory card is present, the player is allowed to save their progress and resume the last point the game saved at. [7]

Development and release

Over Top was created by most of the same team that previously worked on several projects at ADK, [10] with Magician Lord designer Takashi Egashira acting as its director alongside producer Kazuo Arai. [11] Yukinori Nishikata served as chief programmer, while the soundtrack was composed by Keiichiro Segawa and Takao Oshima. [11] Several other people also collaborated in its development. [11]

Over Top was first released by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS on April 26, 1996, and was then released for Neo Geo AES on May 24 of the same year. [1] [2] The Japanese AES release has since become one of the more expensive titles on the platform, with copies of the port fetching over US$4500 on the secondary video game collecting market. [12] The game was later re-released in the same year for the Neo Geo CD by ADK on September 26. [1] [2] The title has received multiple re-releases in recent years on various digital distribution platforms such as the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. [13] [14]

Reception

Over Top received mixed reception from critics and reviewers since release. [18] [19] AllGame 's Kyle Knight commended its graphics, gameplay and replay value but criticized the introductory CGI sequence for being poorly done. [15] MAN!AC's Andreas Knauf compared the game negatively with Neo Drift Out: New Technology, criticizing the Sega Mega Drive-esque visuals and sound design, as well as the simple controls. [16]

Reviewing the Nintendo Switch re-release, Nintendo Life 's Damien McFerran criticized the CGI graphics and introduction but commended the music and simple controls, also saying that the game lacks longevity that will not occupy players for long. [3] Pure Nintendo Magazine 's Trevor Gould and Heath M. Shusterman-Zimmerman gave the Switch re-release a mixed outlook. [17]

Notes

  1. ↑ Japanese: オーバートップ, Hepburn: Ōbā Toppu

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neo Geo (system)</span> Cartridge-based arcade system board and home video game console

The Neo Geo, stylized as NEO•GEO and also written as NEOGEO, is a ROM cartridge-based arcade system board and fourth-generation home video game console released on April 26, 1990, by Japanese game company SNK Corporation. It was the first system in SNK's Neo Geo family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SNK</span> Japanese video game company

SNK Corporation is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. The company was founded in 1978 as Shin Nihon Kikaku by Eikichi Kawasaki. In 1981, the name was informally shortened to SNK Corporation, which became the company's official name in 1986.

<i>Metal Slug</i> (1996 video game) 1996 video game

Metal Slug is a 1996 run and gun arcade video game originally developed by Nazca Corporation and released by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS. It is the first installment in the eponymous series. Set in 2028, players assume the role of Peregrine Falcon Strike Force soldiers Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving on a fight against the Rebel Army led by Donald Morden and overthrow his coup d'état to prevent a New World Order.

<i>Twinkle Star Sprites</i> 1996 video game

Twinkle Star Sprites is a competitive vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game created by ADK and published by SNK in 1996. It was ADK's last production for the Neo Geo. Two players are each in separate, side-by-side, vertically scrolling levels. Combinations of shots and timed power-ups damage the other player. These attacks also serve as counters to the opponent's attack.

<i>World Heroes Perfect</i> 1995 video game

World Heroes Perfect is a 1995 fighting arcade game developed and published by ADK with the assistance of SNK. It was originally released for the Neo Geo MVS arcade cabinet on May 25, 1995. It is the fourth and final title of the World Heroes series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neo Geo</span> Family of video game hardware

Neo Geo is a family of video game hardware that was developed by SNK. On the market from 1990 to 2004, the brand originated with the release of an arcade system, the Neo Geo Multi Video System (MVS) and its home console counterpart, the Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System (AES).

<i>Pulstar</i> (video game) 1995 video game

Pulstar is a horizontally scrolling shooter released for arcades by SNK in 1995. Players control a starship in its mission to eradicate the Solar System of a hostile race of aliens that threaten mankind. Its gameplay has been compared to the R-Type series for its similar premise and mechanics; players must complete each of the game's eight stages by destroying constantly-moving formations of enemies and avoiding their projectiles. There are power-ups that can be collected that provide additional abilities for the player. It runs on the Neo Geo MVS arcade system board.

<i>Ninja Masters</i> 1996 video game

Ninja Master's: Haō Ninpō Chō,, is a ninja-themed 2D fighting game produced by ADK and originally released in 1996 for the Neo Geo arcade and home platform. Ninja Master's was the sixth and final fighting game produced by ADK, following the four games in the World Heroes series and Aggressors of Dark Kombat. It was later featured in the 2008 compilation ADK Damashii for the PlayStation 2. Ninja Master's was also re-released on the Neo-Geo X handheld system in 2012, and for the Virtual Console in 2013. In 2019 it was released as part of Arcade Archives developed by Japanese company Hamster. As of 2021, Ninja Master's was released worldwide on Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. The PS4 version remains exclusive to Asia but includes both Japanese and English releases.

<i>Neo Bomberman</i> 1997 video game

Neo Bomberman is an action-maze arcade video game developed by Produce! and published by Hudson Soft for the Neo Geo MVS on May 1, 1997. It is one of two games in the Bomberman franchise that was released for the Neo Geo platform, the first being Panic Bomber, and the only one to retain its traditional top-down gameplay. It was released for the Neo Geo MVS (arcade) and has not received a home console release to date. It was the last original Bomberman title to be released for arcades until Konami's Bombergirl in 2018.

<i>Sun Shine</i> Unreleased 1990 video game

Sun Shine is an unreleased 1990 tile-matching puzzle arcade video game that was in development by Alpha Denshi and planned to be published by SNK for both the Neo Geo MVS (arcade) and Neo Geo AES (home) platforms. It is the first puzzle game to be developed for both systems and the smallest Neo Geo game in terms of memory data.

<i>Dunk Star</i> Video game

Dunk Star is an unreleased 1991 basketball arcade video game that was in development and planned to be published by Sammy for the arcade Neo Geo MVS and Neo Geo AES home console. Had it been launched before Street Slam, it would have become the first basketball title for the Neo Geo platforms.

<i>Stakes Winner</i> 1995 video game

Stakes Winner is a horse racing arcade video game developed by Saurus, with additional support from AM Factory, and originally published by SNK on September 27, 1995. In the game, players compete with either AI-controlled opponents or against other human players across multiple races. Though it was initially launched for the Neo Geo MVS (arcade), the title was later released for both Neo Geo AES (home) and Neo Geo CD respectively, in addition of being ported and re-released through download services for various consoles. It was received with mixed reception from critics and reviewers since its initial release. In 1996, a sequel titled Stakes Winner 2 was released for the arcades.

<i>Power Spikes II</i> 1994 video game

Power Spikes II is a volleyball arcade video game developed by Video System and originally published by Taito on October 19, 1994. A follow-up to Hyper V-Ball on Super Nintendo Entertainment System, it was first launched for Neo Geo MVS (arcade) and later ported to Neo Geo CD. It is the final installment in the Super Volleyball series. It is also the only volleyball game released on the Neo Geo.

<i>Stakes Winner 2</i> 1996 video game

Stakes Winner 2 is a horse racing arcade video game developed by Saurus, with additional support from System Vision, and originally published by SNK on September 24, 1996. It is the sequel to the original Stakes Winner, which was released earlier in 1995 on multiple platforms. In the game, players compete with either AI-controlled opponents or against other human players across multiple races. Though it was initially launched for the Neo Geo MVS (arcade), the title was later released to Neo Geo AES (home), in addition of being ported and re-released through download services for various consoles. Like its predecessor, it was received with mixed reception from critics and reviewers since its initial release. A third entry, Stakes Winner 3, was rumored to be in development but never released.

<i>Sengoku 3</i> 2001 video game

Sengoku 3 is a 2001 side-scrolling beat 'em up arcade video game developed by Noise Factory and published by SNK. It is the third and final entry in the Sengoku series. In the game, players battle against undead enemy spirits. Though initially launched for the Neo Geo MVS (arcade), the title was later released to Neo Geo AES (home), in addition of being re-released through download services for various consoles. It was met with positive reception from critics and reviewers since its initial release.

<i>ZuPaPa!</i> 2001 video game

ZuPaPa! is a platform arcade video game developed by Face and originally published by SNK on September 1, 2001. Starring the eponymous creature, players are tasked with travelling through nine stages, throwing small creatures called Zooks, jumping on and off platforms to navigate level obstacles while dodging and defeating monsters. Although first launched in arcades, the game has been re-released through download services for various consoles. The title has gained a cult following since its initial release.

<i>Pleasure Goal: 5 on 5 Mini Soccer</i> 1996 futsal arcade video game

Pleasure Goal: 5 on 5 Mini Soccer is a 1996 futsal arcade video game developed by Saurus and published by SNK. In the game, players compete against either AI-controlled opponents or other players in matches across various stadiums. The title was created by most of the same team that would later work on future projects at Saurus such as Shock Troopers. Though first launched for Neo Geo MVS, it was later released for Neo Geo CD and has since been re-released through download services on various consoles.

<i>Prehistoric Isle</i> 1989 video game

Prehistoric Isle is a 1989 scrolling shooter arcade video game originally developed and published by SNK. Set during the 1930s, where ships at The Bahamas mysteriously disappeared, players assume the role of U.S. Marine pilots taking control of biplanes in a reconnaissance assignment at "Greenhell Isle", a fictional island inhabited by dinosaurs and creatures thought to be extinct. Headed by a director under the pseudonym of "Yah!", the game was developed by most of the same team that would later work on several projects for the Neo Geo platforms at SNK. Although first launched in arcades, the title has since been re-released through download services and compilations for various consoles. It received positive reception since its initial arcade release from critics who praised the visuals, sound design, gameplay and originality. A sequel, Prehistoric Isle 2, was released in 1999 for the Neo Geo MVS but garnered less success than its predecessor.

<i>The Ultimate 11: SNK Football Championship</i> 1996 soccer arcade video game

The Ultimate 11: SNK Football Championship is a 1996 soccer arcade video game developed and published by SNK. Despite the international name, it is the fourth installment in the Super Sidekicks series, succeeding Super Sidekicks 3: The Next Glory (1995). Featuring an arcade-style approach to soccer much like its predecessors, the game allows players to choose any available game mode to compete with AI-controlled rivals or human players with their preferred team. Although first launched for Neo Geo MVS, the game was ported to Neo Geo AES, in addition of being re-released on download services for various consoles. The title received positive reception from critics but proved to be less popular than its previous iterations. It was followed by Neo Geo Cup '98: The Road to the Victory (1998), which is a remake of Super Sidekicks 3 and served as the final entry in the Super Sidekicks saga.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Dossier: Neo Geo Y SNK — Deportivos". GamesTech (in Spanish). No. 11. Ares Informática. July 2003. p. 61.
  2. 1 2 3 "Title Catalogue - NEOGEO MUSEUM". SNK Playmore. 2010. Archived from the original on 2018-08-28. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  3. 1 2 3 McFerran, Damien (May 3, 2017). "Over Top Review (Switch eShop / Neo Geo) — Let's go next stage!!". Nintendo Life . Nlife Media. Archived from the original on February 25, 2019. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  4. ↑ Zuruzuru (15 January 1996). "紹介 - オーバートップ". Gamest (in Japanese). No. 160. Shinseisha. p. 207.
  5. ↑ Zuruzuru (29 February 1996). "紹介 - オーバートップ". Gamest (in Japanese). No. 164. Shinseisha. p. 242.
  6. ↑ Zuruzuru (15 March 1996). "紹介 - オーバートップ". Gamest (in Japanese). No. 165. Shinseisha. p. 218.
  7. 1 2 3 Over Top user's manual (Neo Geo AES, JP)
  8. ↑ "攻略ーン - オーバートップ". Neo Geo Freak (in Japanese). No. 14. Geibunsha. July 1996. pp. 56–57.
  9. ↑ "オーバートップ". Neo Geo Freak (in Japanese). No. 17. Geibunsha. October 1996. pp. 69–71.
  10. ↑ "サードパーティーリレーインタビュー 1: ADK". Neo Geo Freak (in Japanese). No. 11. Geibunsha. April 1996. pp. 58–61.
  11. 1 2 3 ADK (April 26, 1996). Over Top (Neo Geo MVS). SNK. Level/area: Staff.
  12. ↑ Reichert, Nick (April 27, 2020). "The Rarest & Most Valuable Neo-Geo Games". Racketboy. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved 2020-04-30.
  13. ↑ Brian (April 11, 2017). "Neo Geo lineup on Switch adding Over Top at the end of this month". nintendoeverything.com. Nintendo Everything. Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  14. ↑ Carter, Chris (April 27, 2017). "Nintendo Download: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Also, Puyo Puyo Tetris". Destructoid . Enthusiast Gaming. Archived from the original on June 3, 2017. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  15. 1 2 Knight, Kyle (1998). "Over Top [Japanese] (Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System) - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on 2014-11-15. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  16. 1 2 Knauf, Andreas (August 1996). "Spiele-Tests – NG: Over Top". MAN!AC (in German). No. 34. Cybermedia. p. 69.
  17. 1 2 Gould, Trevor; Shusterman-Zimmerman, Heath M. (June 10, 2017). "Review: ACA NEOGEO OVER TOP (Nintendo Switch)". Pure Nintendo Magazine . Pure Media, LLC. Archived from the original on September 14, 2019. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  18. ↑ Delpierre, Christophe; Daniel, François; Sedikki, Reyda (April 1996). "L'arcade dépasse les bornes! - AOU'96, l'arcade se lève à l'est: SNK - Over Top". fr:Player One (magazine)Player One (in French). No. 63. Média Système Édition. p. 33.
  19. ↑ Osange, Elliott (October 4, 2017). "ACA NEOGEO OVER TOP Review". Bonus Stage. Archived from the original on April 10, 2019. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.