Merscom’s ShadeTree Games label has today announced that it is partnering with Destineer’s Bold Games division to publish Top Gear: Downforce for the Nintendo DS, a top-down racer promising to bring “the speed and fury of strategic racing” to the portable.

Downforce features 3D models, robust vehicle physics and the ability to place hazards on the track surface by using the touch screen. The developers also promise multiple shortcuts, up to 30 ways for gamers to tweak their motors, and the chance for multiplayer action over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

“Top Gear Downforce represents the ideal opportunity for Merscom to extend its publishing operations to the Nintendo DS,” said Lloyd Melnick, Chief Customer Officer of Merscom. “Not only is it a fantastic game, but the Top Gear franchise is also well established with both retailers and gamers.”

Game Features

• Race on tracks featuring a variety of terrains, alternate paths, and shortcuts
• Manually place hazards to hinder your opponents while avoiding the traps others
  have set for you

• Race against your friends with DS wireless communications, featuring multi-card
  and single-card play

• Customize your racing experience with 6 car models, a variety of skins, and
  dozens of personal emblems

• Smart, competitive AI for fender bashing racing
• Master the power slide technique to get ahead of the competition

The screenshots above give us the idea that Top Gear: Downfall is like a Micro Machines-esque experience in life-size environments. Of course, the top down view makes them appear in much the same perspective, anyway. The concept of dropping items to hinder other racers using the touch screen and stylus is also an interesting one.

There’s no detail on a release date as yet, but we’ll keep you in the know.