Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Initial D Review Sony Playstation PS1

Collapse
X
Collapse
  •  

  • Initial D Review Sony Playstation PS1

    Initial D, a popular long running manga series, has spawned not only an equally popular anime series and a live-action movie adaptation, but several video games over the years. The series' first appearance on home consoles occurred in 1999, a year after the series' videogame debut on the Game Boy, with the release of Initial D for PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

    Click image for larger version

Name:	initiald 4.jpg
Views:	2
Size:	44.2 KB
ID:	2741449


    The series follows Takumi, an indolent teenager who, after delivering tofu for his dad's business in the early hours of the morning, finds himself to be something of an expert in the art of drifting down mountain roads. This in turn leads to him and others racing each other on a variety of Japanese mountains – perfect video game fodder.

    The main guts of the game is the Story Mode which sets up a series of races via some FMV clips and static CG images. There is no voice acting in either of these which is immediately jarring and something that instantly stands out when played today.

    Graphically the game is good – not a surprise given that this is a late era PlayStation title - although not in the same league as other games of that time such as Ridge Racer Type 4 or Gran Turismo 2.

    The music deserves a mention also. Anyone who has even a basic knowledge of Initial D will know that it is defined by not only fast paced drift racing, but an equally high energy Eurobeat soundtrack. Inexplicably, this is missing entirely from the game. The music used sets the atmosphere well, but fans will notice the change and will lament what feels like a missed opportunity to add to the authenticity of the game.

    Click image for larger version

Name:	initial d 2.jpg
Views:	2
Size:	18.6 KB
ID:	2741447


    In addition to the Story Mode, there is a Free Run Mode where players can race alone in order to beat their personal best time and a Two Player Mode which gives the option to race against either a computer controlled opponent or a second human player via split screen. Practice Mode rounds out the gameplay modes and is essential for a pressure-free way of learning the intricacies of each course.

    The gameplay will be familiar to anyone who has spent any time with the PS2, PSP or PS3 version of the game in that it is an acquired taste. Given the drift based nature of the series, the handling of the cars is suitably 'floaty' and sure to frustrate some players, especially those more used to the simulation end of the racing genre. However those that take the time to grow accustomed to the handling will find that delicate acceleration, steering, and braking (as well as a detailed knowledge of each track) will allow them to tackle corners with relative ease – and look good whilst doing so. The replays at the end of each race become essential viewing once you have got a firm grasp on the handling model.

    The racing is kept varied as there are both uphill and downhill versions of each course and at certain points elements such as wet courses are introduced which have a dramatic effect on the handling and ensure that players are kept on their toes.
    Click image for larger version

Name:	initial d 3.jpg
Views:	2
Size:	54.0 KB
ID:	2741448

    One more aspect, sure to please anyone who played the Initial D games on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 or PlayStation Portable, is that the collision detection is actually better in this game than in any of those that came after it. Bumping into a car is still a long way from what would be called natural in terms of look or feel, but it is more realistic than the game of pinball that later versions became.

    In the end, Initial D on PlayStation will appeal to fans of the series and anyone with a love of retro racing games. Long term Initial D fans will bemoan the exclusion of the Eurobeat soundtrack, but will appreciate the instantly recognisable characters, cars and tracks.

    Pros:
    - Authentic Initial D experience which will please fans.
    - A rewarding handling model.
    - Presentation is generally excellent.

    Cons:
    - Lack of Eurobeat soundtrack.
    - Handling will frustrate some players.
    - No voice acting.

    Score: 7/10

    • wakka
      #7
      wakka commented
      Editing a comment
      I enjoyed this PS1 version. It's not first class but it's a fun old school touge game.

    • Asura
      #8
      Asura commented
      Editing a comment
      The Initial D games are strange, in that they started off as games replicating the CGI of a TV show, but they really quickly outstripped the show to the point where the current games look far better than the early seasons.

      Hell, Tokyo Highway Battle for the Dreamcast was pretty much the real-time equivalent of the season 1 race scenes, in terms of quality (if not content).

    • Yakumo
      #9
      Yakumo commented
      Editing a comment
      Now that is class! Funny coincidence as I just installed Demul on my emulation box to play Initial D Arcade Stage 3. Works like a dream too. Just a shame there's no card slot emulation. Still, it is possible to save state in order to continue your game as a later date.
    Posting comments is disabled.

Categories

Collapse

Latest Articles

Collapse

  • Motion Gravure Review - Sony PS2
    by Archives
    In this image-obsessed industry, it's critical that a game projects a strong sense of identity. With an identity comes a target audience. Sony have arguably captured the 'twenty-something male' flag and, to consolidate this position, Sony Music Entertainment releases this: a game featuring nothing but scantily clad females. Oh, and some very nice scenery.
    ...
    21-08-2023, 12:13
  • Devil May Cry 3 Review - Sony PS2
    by Archives
    Family reunions tend to follow one of two distinct protocols: everyone meets up, reminisces and has a good old chat and a laugh; or everyone meets up, reminisces and remembers why it’s been so long since they last saw each other, the evening ending in a ferocious argument. Why is this relevant to this Devil May Cry 3 review?
    The latest meeting of the divinely comedic twin siblings of Dante and Vergil falls rather violently into the second category. Something about their murdered mother’s amule...
    06-09-2022, 08:30
  • Silent Hill 3 Review - Sony PS2
    by Archives
    Fear. It’s something that collective consciousness values as a desirable commodity, especially in the pop culture spin of everyday modern life - An element that mainstream entertainment likes to use in distilled form when it comes to getting a rise out of our adrenaline glands. Whether it be watching the latest slasher flick, experimenting with the next extreme sport or avidly reading the current best-selling horror fiction… On the whole, we take pleasure out of being scared. Read this Silent...
    11-07-2022, 13:50
  • Viewtiful Joe Review - Nintendo Gamecube
    by Archives
    Pink Lycra. There just isn't enough of it in video games. So Capcom have bravely stepped-up to the plate and given us a game, starring a Hot Pink hero, clad in a spandex jumpsuit, that isn't afraid to be laid back and humorous in style, whilst containing some rock-solid gameplay at its core. Like a piece of candy with a stone centre, Viewtiful Joe is sweet and tempting to the eye, but underneath is solid rock. Our hero is introduced in the opening cut-scene as a bubble-headed, California-accented Sk8r Boi, o...
    15-05-2022, 11:48
  • Castlevania: White Night Concerto Review - Nintendo GBA
    by Archives
    Castlevania: White Night Concerto is the latest instalment in Konamis Castlevania series. It is the second title for the GBA, but the first Castlevania game appeared on the NES back in 1987. It is ostensibly a platform game, like its predecessors. Certain things have remained constant throughout the series- in all but a couple of Castlevania outings, the main protagonist (in this case Juste Belmont) brandishes a whip. Secondary weapons are also available. Again these weapons are the same as tho...
    03-04-2022, 15:57
  • Super Robot Wars OG Saga: Mugen no Frontier EXCEED Review - Nintendo DS
    by Steven Walker
    For the uninitiated, Super Robot Wars Original Generation Saga: Mugen no Frontier (Endless Frontier) is an action-RPG spin-off from the popular Super Robot Wars series. The player has to use attacks to keep enemies in the air in order to do maximum damage, and string together as many attacks as they can. Timing and knowledge of characters' moves is the key to success. SRW OG Saga: Mugen no Frontier EXCEED is the sequel, and goes to show that a follow-up can be better than the original.
    T...
    04-01-2022, 15:20
Working...
X