As a long-time fan of the Tokyo Xtreme Racer series, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I heard that Genki was bringing back this iconic franchise. Now, having spent countless hours in the early access version, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on this revival of a classic. Buckle up, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the neon-lit highways of Tokyo!
The Return of a Legend
It’s been 18 years since we last saw a new entry in the Tokyo Xtreme Racer series. That’s right, the last game, Import Tuner Challenge, came out way back in 2006. As someone who grew up with these games, the announcement of a new title felt like a dream come true. But would it live up to the legacy? That was the burning question on my mind as I fired up the early access version.
First Impressions: A Visual Feast
The moment I launched the game, I was struck by how beautifully Genki has recreated the atmosphere of Tokyo’s highways at night. The neon lights, the gleaming wet asphalt, and the detailed car models all come together to create a visual spectacle that’s both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
Running on Unreal Engine 5, the game manages to capture the essence of the original titles while pushing the graphics to new heights.
What impressed me most was the performance. Running on my somewhat dated GTX 1070, I was able to maintain a solid 60 FPS at 1080p with a mix of high and medium settings. It’s refreshing to see a modern game that’s well-optimized for a range of hardware.
Gameplay: The Heart of Tokyo Xtreme Racer
At its core, Tokyo Xtreme Racer has always been about one thing: highway battles. I’m happy to report that this fundamental aspect remains intact and as addictive as ever.
The thrill of cruising the Shuto Expressway, flashing your headlights at a rival, and engaging in a high-speed duel is just as exhilarating as I remember.
The controls feel responsive and intuitive, striking a good balance between arcade accessibility and simulation depth. Drifting around corners, weaving through traffic, and jockeying for position all feel satisfying and skill-based.
Progression and Customization
One area where the new Tokyo Xtreme Racer really shines is in its progression system. Starting with a modest car (I chose the classic AE86, of course), you gradually work your way up the ranks, defeating rivals and earning money to upgrade your ride.
The sense of progression feels well-paced, with each victory bringing you closer to that next crucial upgrade or coveted new car.
Speaking of cars, the early access version boasts an impressive roster of around 50 vehicles, with promises of more to come. From JDM classics to modern supercars, there’s something for every type of street racer.
The customization options are deep and satisfying. The new livery editor is a particular highlight, offering a level of detail that rivals dedicated racing sims. I spent an embarrassing amount of time perfecting the look of my AE86, and I loved every minute of it.
The World and Its Characters
One of the things that always set Tokyo Xtreme Racer apart was its cast of colorful rivals, each with their own backstory and personality. I’m happy to report that this tradition continues in the new game.
With about 200 rivals currently implemented (and more promised for the full release), there’s no shortage of interesting characters to challenge.
From cocky newcomers to grizzled veterans, each rival feels unique. The little snippets of dialogue and background information you get after defeating them add a layer of depth to the world. It’s these little touches that make the game feel like more than just a series of races.
Early Access Quirks and Concerns
Of course, being an early access title, the game isn’t without its issues. I encountered a few bugs here and there, mostly minor graphical glitches or UI inconsistencies. Nothing game-breaking, but noticeable nonetheless.
One rival, “Melancholic Angel,” seems to be tuned a bit too aggressively for early-game encounters. Beating her often came down to luck rather than skill, which felt a bit frustrating.
The absence of some features from previous games, like Time Attack mode, is noticeable. However, the developers have been clear about their plans to add more content and features throughout the early access period.
The Road Ahead
What excites me most about Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s early access release is the potential for growth. The developers at Genki seem genuinely committed to community feedback, and I’ve already seen several updates addressing player concerns and adding new content.
The roadmap for future updates looks promising, with plans for more cars, expanded customization options, and additional game modes. If they can deliver on these promises while maintaining the core appeal of the series, we could be looking at something truly special.
Verdict: A Promising Start
As it stands, the early access version of Tokyo Xtreme Racer is already a solid foundation for what could be an incredible revival of the series. It captures the essence of what made the original games so beloved while updating the formula for modern hardware and expectations.
Is it perfect? Not yet. But the potential is undeniable. For long-time fans of the series, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a fresh coat of paint. For newcomers, it offers a unique racing experience that you won’t find in more traditional racing games.
If you’re on the fence about jumping into the early access, I’d say it’s worth taking the plunge, especially if you have fond memories of the original games. Just be prepared for some rough edges and remember that the full experience is still in development.
As for me, I’ll be spending many more nights cruising the digital highways of Tokyo, chasing that next rival and dreaming of becoming the ultimate street racing legend. See you on the Wangan!
Final Thoughts
Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s return is more than just a nostalgia play; it’s a reminder of why this series captured our imaginations in the first place. The combination of atmospheric night racing, compelling progression, and the thrill of one-on-one battles creates an experience that’s both familiar and fresh.
As the early access period continues, I’m excited to see how the game evolves. If Genki can iron out the kinks, expand on the solid foundation they’ve built, and continue to engage with the community, we could be looking at not just a great Tokyo Xtreme Racer game, but one of the standout racing titles of the year.
For now, I’m off to tune my car for another night of racing. The highways are calling, and there’s always one more rival to beat. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a curious newcomer, I hope to see you out there on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Happy racing!
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