Title: Top Gear RPM Tuning .............................................. Developer: Babylon Software .............................................. Publisher: Kemco Games .............................................. Release: April 2005 .............................................. Xbox Live: Yes .............................................. ESBR: Rating Pending ..............................................

Xbox Core recently scored a preview copy of Top Gear RPM Tuning by Kemco. Slated for release in April 2005, RPM Tuning promises to be the most advanced, highly customizable Top Gear yet.

Some features are not implemented yet in the preview copy that we recieved, but the gameplay is largely in place, and it was pretty sweet to get an early look at the latest Top Gear. I've been a fan of the series since the SNES, and Top Gear Rally for the Nintendo 64 is still one of my favorite games. The Top Gear series has a reputation for delivering some of the best racing action money can buy for your console system, and Kemco looks to be maintaining the pace with RPM Tuning.

At first, the game appears to be a clone of NFS:U 2, so it's very hard not to compare the two. However, it doesn't take this game long to distinguish itself from its competitor. For instance, RPM Tuning contains more realistic crash physics, and full damage models for all the vehicles. Rough up your front end too much, and your hood will start flapping up and down before it eventually falls off. Fenders get dented and lights get broken, and not only is it cool to look at, it adds realism that NFS:U 2 lacks.

Kemco's latest Top Gear also has a wider range of selectable vehicles. Not into the import scene? Jump into a one of several 60s style street rod and show the ricers that a burnout doesn't count if you have to do it with the front tires. Or maybe you'd prefer a pickup, or one of many other vehicles. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, and all of them are customizable from motor to chassis to body to paint.

As the name implies, there are tons of tuning options. You can spend as much or as little time as you want tweaking your ride for ultimate performance. If you're into the eye-candy of the racing scene, paint, body and decal options will keep you busy for hours. For the motorheads, it's easy to lose an afternoon to this game, wrenching away on your set of wheels before taking to the streets. The game presents a little something for every racer's style.

One of the most impressive things about the game is the storyline. Cut scenes between races introduce you to the game's characters and let you know what's going on or what's about to happen. A lot of the voice acting is very nice, the character models are detailed and it all works together smoothly to develop a story that will keep you playing the game to see what happens next.

Race fans, keep an eye out for this one. Current race titles on the Xbox are going to get a run for their money next April.