Below the Cut: Final Lap Twin (TG-16 - 1990)

(Source: IGN)

Final Lap Twin - Rating(6 RPP)
1) 0 - Character Advancement: practice/experience based advancement, stat or level increases, multiple classes or characters, customize characters
2) 0 - Combat: character stats used for combat, additional combat options, turn based
3) 2 - Items and Equipment: store to buy and sell, equipment decisions, item decisions
4) 1 - Story: main story at the forefront; world full of hints and lore; descriptions for objects, people, and places
5) 2 - Exploration: open world from the beginning, visited locations remain open
6) 1 - Quests and Puzzles: side quests not related to the main quest, puzzles and riddles to solve

RPGs tend to generate a loyal fan base. Obviously, every game should be an RPG, or have RPG-elements. At least that seems to be the thought process behind some of these hybrids. We've seen this before in games like Pinball Quest, but at least this one does a slightly better job at it.

Would you like to play the real game or have a filler story?

Take an RPG, remove the character levels, replace combat with races (including random challengers), and then you'll have an idea of what it's like to play Final Lap Twin. There's absolutely no way to advance your character (only your car's abilities). The story goes that the main character wants to be the world racing champion. This feat is accomplished by visiting towns, racing local champions, and building a super car. Towns offer a place to refill turbo power, purchase and sell parts, and gain some insightful hints.

The world is open from the very beginning, which is nice, but racing challenges prevent you from straying too far from the area most appropriate for your gear. Losing a race sends you back to the first town. There are some side quests (at least quests for car parts), but in the end if you don't find all the best equipment you'll have a hell of time completing the final race.

While the story is simple, it's at least ever present. Do you have what it takes to become world champion? Not an RPG.