Top Gear‘s recent merchandise explosion has led to the BBC hit down many different avenues, from The Stig puzzle books to a Gran Turismo 5 inclusion, so here’s the app.
With a reported audience of over 350m viewers worldwide, the BBC hasn’t been shy in exploring a wide variety of media to exploit the success of the 2002 relaunch of their venerable motor show Top Gear. Whether you’re searching for The Stig in his Where’s Wally-style puzzle book, listening to the yearly-released music compilations, picking up the show’s monthly magazine or recieving a special edition Christmas DVD, it’s hard to ignore the motoring behemoth. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that BBC Worldwide has released their latest Top Gear-themed app, Top Gear: Stunt School.
Top Gear already has three other apps in the App Store – a mobile version of the aforementioned ‘Where’s The Stig?‘, another for the show’s ‘Cool Wall‘ and an iPhone camera-utilising app, ‘Who is The Stig?’ In comparison, however, Stunt School is easily the most substantial release and on the surface, should be a must-have for fans.
We really want to see how the jet engine inclusion helps or hinders this time trial
Perhaps the most appropriate title that springs to mind when describing Stunt School would be the critically well-received Playstation 2 title Stuntman, which crashed onto the shelves in 2002. Stunt School tasks plays to pull off 60 ridiculous stunt challenge, challenge The Stig in a recreated version of the show’s Top Gear Test Track and modify your vehicle with unlockable upgrades.
Apparently there are over two billion different combinations to create from 9 car types, with some hair-brained add-ons that include a jet engine and monster truck tyres. Game Center compatibility is also provided as standard.
As for the bulk of the game, the challenges themselves, Stunt School should be commended for providing highly-spirited tasks that are true to the irreverent spirit of the show. Whether you’re launching yourself towards a loop-the-loop, strapping a bomb to the roof of your vehicle or ramping at high speed, it all feels very Top Gear. Racing The Stig around the Top Gear Test Track is another highlight and is a feature which held alone, would probably enough to entice long-term fans of the show even if the stunt aspect wasn’t also included.
Whether stripped of its fan service, Stunt School holds up as a worthwhile experience is a difficult proposition altogether. Unfortunately, the title’s blocky graphics and somewhat awkward controls hinder enjoyment and remove some of the atmosphere necessary to allow Stunt School to stand out in such a crowded App Store market. These slight criticisms will matter little to the racer’s core audience, who shouldn’t need much encouragement to embark on their Top Gear wish fulfillment, albeit with a motor that’s sprouted wings and a jet engine on its roof.
Top Gear: Stunt School is available to download from the App Store for €2.99.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
