Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT

You pull up in your boxy Toyota, feeling so proud. "My first car!" you think to yourself, ignoring the warning signs of a dying engine. Tire traction is nonexistent, and the fuel gauge fluctuates as frequently as Michigan weather, but what does it matter? It's your vehicle, and you can go anywhere you want at any time.

Until it stalls.

Just like in real life, the first car you get in simulation-based racing games is never the one you really want. It's got four wheels and it'll take you to wherever you want to go, so long as that doesn't include first place in every category. To get bigger and better things you'll need more cash. Cash comes from winning various races and by completing the minimum requirements of various challenges. Sounds very Gran Turismo of it, doesn't it? Given Polyphony Digital's flawless track record and envelope-pushing physics, there isn't a developer out there that can avoid its influence.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT comes to PlayStation 2 with a number of Gran Turismo-isms, including day and night races and vehicle customization. Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Audi, Mini, and Volkswagen are on board to provide their vehicles, none of which may be scratched, dented, or harmed in any way during a race. (What'd you expect? If you made cars for a living, would you want to see how a graphic artist could demolish them in a video game?)

The "DRIFT" in the title is a nod to the drift-heavy gameplay. It focuses on the mastery of slipping and sliding (at least that's what I call it when I fail to drift correctly). Because of this the controls seem a lot looser than in other racing games, especially those of the arcade type. There's no such thing is turning a sharp corner quickly. At first it'll be hard for you to come out of any turn without running into something. Roads are narrow, even the straight paths that offer the best time to accelerate. Players will fumble for a bit, hit a few more walls, and wish they could afford a nicer ride.

That sure does bring back the memories! Like any simulation racer, Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT takes time to get used to. I found the first night races to be much more interesting than the daytime trials. The initial races occur during the day and start things off by asking the player to complete a lap, to drift their way to a high score (drift without hitting rails or anything else, etc.), and to do it again with the difficulty increased. Repeats are a frequent occurrence in simulation racers and this game is no exception. You'll see the same strip of road, the same trees, he same mountainous areas, etc., at least a half a dozen times. You're guaranteed to see them more than that by default since, like it or not, not all races can be won.

The night and day schedule works in such a way that winning and losing does not determine the time. This game is less linear than that. Night races are cool for a number of reasons. They're unofficial, attracting competitions among rivals. These one-on-one races can turn you into a champ or a burned-out loser. Winning gives you the opportunity to snag new car upgrades, new parts, and who knows what else. No doubt it paves the way for more races, practically guaranteeing that you won't be able to finish the game too quickly. Keep your fingers and toes crossed. Cross your eyes too if necessary, but don't do it too often. It can cause eye damage, and then how would you be able to play this game?

I liked the drop in visibility at night. It made every turn seem more dangerous, even when it was the same or a similar location. Danger = excitement. Speed = excitement. Put the two together and you can't lose.

During the course of Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT's development, state-of-the-art data recording techniques were implemented with the goal of creating the most realistic courses possible. I have no idea what these techniques are, and I haven't been to Japan so I can't confirm or deny what they're saying, but I think TXR fans will be happy with the results. From short runs and lengthy, winding-road tracks to crazy downhill speeds and uphill struggles, DRIFT shouldn't have any trouble drifting its way into the living rooms of budget-conscious gamers everywhere. (The game is scheduled to retail for $19.99.)

Racing to stores in March, Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT looks to be just as thrifty a purchase as it is drifty.