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Alexios
Cores, shaders and BIOS oh my!
Played it a bit, it's pretty much like playing Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 but with a bit more NPC/story stuff popping up and the progression has more RPG-esque stuff to it, you use your skill points to unlock everything from stat boosts and perks to the next tier of car upgrades you can buy and such. Fun.
Kindjal
Member
I have played about 6 hours today (coincidentally I didn't have to go to work).
It took me back to the Dreamcast days, but with new progression systems.
I look forward to the complete version, but I'm quite satisfied with this early access and would recommend it to any fan of the franchise!
It took me back to the Dreamcast days, but with new progression systems.
I look forward to the complete version, but I'm quite satisfied with this early access and would recommend it to any fan of the franchise!
ViciousAgenda
Member
How big is the map?
hououinkyouma00
Member
What car is everybody using? Both starter and after?
I put about 3 hours in with the AE86, but restarted with the Swift. Trying to figure out what car to get next. I would love to get the JZX100 (top 5 favorite cars) but it'll be awhile before it unlocks.
I put about 3 hours in with the AE86, but restarted with the Swift. Trying to figure out what car to get next. I would love to get the JZX100 (top 5 favorite cars) but it'll be awhile before it unlocks.
Senua
Member
Had to go with the AE86, it's pretty slow though but even in the harder races I'm finding ways to win. Man it's taking forever to unlock the lvl 2 upgrades!
Senua
Member
Well I've completed early access, had an absolute blast and was very addicted. Must have played 8 hours yesterday! The last few bosses Cinderella after Midnight and Melancholic Angel were so fucking hard. Maybe 15 losses between them lol but hey it's done and I now have a a70 Supra. How the wait for more content
RetroGamingUK
Member
Is this an actual map of Tokyo you race on as per Metropolis Street Racer and Project Gotham?
Obviously you’re restricted to the highways, but is it the actual layout? Are all the buildings real?
Obviously you’re restricted to the highways, but is it the actual layout? Are all the buildings real?
Last edited:
IbizaPocholo
NeoGAFs Kent Brockman
Overview of Tokyo Extreme Racer
- Tokyo Extreme Racer is a racing game originally released on PlayStation 2, which has garnered a nostalgic reputation among gamers.
- The game is celebrated for its engaging single-player experience, devoid of modern microtransactions and live service elements that often plague contemporary titles.
- The 2025 reboot, currently in Early Access on Steam, aims to recapture the essence of the original while introducing modern graphics.
- The game emphasizes high-speed thrills and retains a classic arcade feel, reminiscent of the PS2 era.
Historical Context and Series Background
- The lineage of the Tokyo Extreme Racer series dates back to 1994, with its roots in the Super Nintendo title Shoku Battle.
- The series gained prominence with its Dreamcast debut, though titles varied in naming across different regions.
- The 2001 PlayStation 2 release marked a significant point in the series, serving as an introduction for many players.
- The gameplay draws inspiration from the real-life underground racing scene in Tokyo, particularly the notorious Midnight Club racing community.
Gameplay Mechanics and Structure
- Tokyo Extreme Racer focuses on highway street racing, where players engage in challenges against other racers without traditional finish lines.
- Racers are encountered by flashing headlights at potential rivals, leading to spontaneous challenges on the expressway.
- The game features a Spirit Point system that drains as players fall behind, adding a unique twist to the racing mechanics.
- Despite its simplicity, the gameplay remains engaging, combining elements of racing and fighting games.
Character and Opponent Design
- The game includes over 200 named opponents, each with unique characteristics and difficulty levels.
- Some opponents serve as boss characters, only appearing after players defeat their team members.
- Specific racing conditions or tasks must be met to encounter certain rivals, adding a layer of strategy to gameplay.
- Conversations with rivals in parking areas provide hints and context, although the writing can be overly dramatic.
Progression and Upgrade System
- Progression is gated behind defeating specific opponents, which can create bottlenecks in the gameplay experience.
- Players must complete certain races to unlock the ability to purchase better parts and upgrades for their vehicles.
- This system can lead to frustration, especially if players struggle to defeat particular opponents needed for progression.
- Feedback from Early Access players may help developers refine the progression mechanics for a smoother experience.
User Experience and Interface Critique
- The game features a night cycle where each outing represents a new in-game night, enhancing immersion.
- Menu navigation has been criticized for being cumbersome, lacking quick access options and requiring keyboard use for certain functions.
- The handling of cars is generally well-received, with a smooth arcade feel, though some players desire a looser chase camera for better control.
- Minor adjustments to the interface and controls could greatly enhance the overall user experience.
Vehicle Selection and Sound Design
- At launch, the game features just under 50 Japanese car models, including popular brands like Toyota, Subaru, and Nissan.
- Notably absent from the lineup is Honda, which raises questions about future vehicle additions.
- While the vehicles are functional, they lack the detailed damage modeling seen in other racing titles like Gran Turismo 7.
- Sound design has been identified as a major area for improvement, as the current audio lacks the excitement expected from an arcade racing game.
Overall Impression and Future Potential
- Tokyo Extreme Racer is described as an addictive racing game that successfully captures the spirit of its predecessors with some room for enhancement.
- The game is already deemed worth its Early Access price, offering a focused experience free from modern gaming pitfalls.
- Players express hope for the inclusion of more classic Japanese cars in future updates to enrich the gaming experience.
- With necessary improvements in sound and menu navigation, the game could elevate its appeal and solidify its place in the racing genre.
- Tokyo Extreme Racer is a racing game originally released on PlayStation 2, which has garnered a nostalgic reputation among gamers.
- The game is celebrated for its engaging single-player experience, devoid of modern microtransactions and live service elements that often plague contemporary titles.
- The 2025 reboot, currently in Early Access on Steam, aims to recapture the essence of the original while introducing modern graphics.
- The game emphasizes high-speed thrills and retains a classic arcade feel, reminiscent of the PS2 era.
Historical Context and Series Background
- The lineage of the Tokyo Extreme Racer series dates back to 1994, with its roots in the Super Nintendo title Shoku Battle.
- The series gained prominence with its Dreamcast debut, though titles varied in naming across different regions.
- The 2001 PlayStation 2 release marked a significant point in the series, serving as an introduction for many players.
- The gameplay draws inspiration from the real-life underground racing scene in Tokyo, particularly the notorious Midnight Club racing community.
Gameplay Mechanics and Structure
- Tokyo Extreme Racer focuses on highway street racing, where players engage in challenges against other racers without traditional finish lines.
- Racers are encountered by flashing headlights at potential rivals, leading to spontaneous challenges on the expressway.
- The game features a Spirit Point system that drains as players fall behind, adding a unique twist to the racing mechanics.
- Despite its simplicity, the gameplay remains engaging, combining elements of racing and fighting games.
Character and Opponent Design
- The game includes over 200 named opponents, each with unique characteristics and difficulty levels.
- Some opponents serve as boss characters, only appearing after players defeat their team members.
- Specific racing conditions or tasks must be met to encounter certain rivals, adding a layer of strategy to gameplay.
- Conversations with rivals in parking areas provide hints and context, although the writing can be overly dramatic.
Progression and Upgrade System
- Progression is gated behind defeating specific opponents, which can create bottlenecks in the gameplay experience.
- Players must complete certain races to unlock the ability to purchase better parts and upgrades for their vehicles.
- This system can lead to frustration, especially if players struggle to defeat particular opponents needed for progression.
- Feedback from Early Access players may help developers refine the progression mechanics for a smoother experience.
User Experience and Interface Critique
- The game features a night cycle where each outing represents a new in-game night, enhancing immersion.
- Menu navigation has been criticized for being cumbersome, lacking quick access options and requiring keyboard use for certain functions.
- The handling of cars is generally well-received, with a smooth arcade feel, though some players desire a looser chase camera for better control.
- Minor adjustments to the interface and controls could greatly enhance the overall user experience.
Vehicle Selection and Sound Design
- At launch, the game features just under 50 Japanese car models, including popular brands like Toyota, Subaru, and Nissan.
- Notably absent from the lineup is Honda, which raises questions about future vehicle additions.
- While the vehicles are functional, they lack the detailed damage modeling seen in other racing titles like Gran Turismo 7.
- Sound design has been identified as a major area for improvement, as the current audio lacks the excitement expected from an arcade racing game.
Overall Impression and Future Potential
- Tokyo Extreme Racer is described as an addictive racing game that successfully captures the spirit of its predecessors with some room for enhancement.
- The game is already deemed worth its Early Access price, offering a focused experience free from modern gaming pitfalls.
- Players express hope for the inclusion of more classic Japanese cars in future updates to enrich the gaming experience.
- With necessary improvements in sound and menu navigation, the game could elevate its appeal and solidify its place in the racing genre.