Tokyo Xtreme Racer Early Access Impressions
It’s always exciting to see a game or series make a return in the gaming space. Whenever I see a game or series get a chance to return to its former glory it always puts a smile on my face. That’s exactly what’s happening in the case of Tokyo Xtreme Racer. It’s returning for the first time in 18 years. So here are my early access impressions for Tokyo Xtreme Racer.

Aesthetics and Graphics
I don’t know what it is, but there is something special about racing on the streets of Japan. In Tokyo Xtreme Racer, everything from the signs to the lights helped draw me into this amazing returning arcade racer. Not only is the aesthetic great, but the cars look phenomenal. After I made my first purchase (The Red Mazda) I was off in the world. Early gameplay reveals suggest that while the graphics have received a substantial upgrade, they stay true to the core aesthetics that long-time fans cherished. You can expect sleek cars, neon-lit streets, and city life that immerses players in the thrill of illicit nighttime racing.

Great Performance
The previous iterations often struggled with frame rates and visual fidelity, but my early access experience is Tokyo Xtreme Racer runs flawlessly so far. I think gamers can look forward to engaging in adrenaline-pumping, fluid, and responsive races, providing an immersive experience akin to the heart-pounding sensation of racing through Japanese highways. The settings I ran the game at 120 frames with all the settings set to Ultra. There were times when I could do 144 fps, but there were moments where I could tell some slight lag. With high settings though 144 fps worked fine. It goes all the way to 180 fps, but there is also an unlimited setting.

Customization is Key
A hallmark of the Tokyo Xtreme Racer series has always been its deep customization options, allowing players to personalize their vehicles to reflect their unique styles and strategies. This revival appears to expand on that, in my experience so far it offers a plethora of upgrades from engine modifications to intricate body kits ensuring that no two cars will be alike on the streets. All this adds to the continual playability factor.

A Racing RPG
An interesting thing I felt while playing is that some might even consider Tokyo Xtreme Racer a little bit of an RPG. Throughout the game, while racing you earn “spirit points.” Spirit points are used to enhance your car’s performance and unlock new abilities or upgrades. You earn these points by participating in races, and they can be spent to improve various aspects of your vehicle, helping you gain an edge in the competition. I felt it provided another unique aspect to the game.
Final Thoughts
As Tokyo Xtreme Racer gears up for its release, it promises to be more than just a game. To many fans of the series, it’s a revival of a cherished legacy. With its engaging gameplay, improved visuals, and extensive customization options, it’s set to be a highly memorable ride for racing enthusiasts when it finally hits the streets in early access on Steam on January 23rd. Returning players and new players of the arcade racing genre should check it out!