Summary
- Release Year: 2006
- Genres: Racing
- Platforms: Xbox 360
- Developers: Genki
- Publishers: Genki, Ubisoft Entertainment
Import Tuner Challenge: The Ultimate Street Racing Experience on the Shuto Expressways
Released in 2006, Import Tuner Challenge is a street racing game that takes place on the infamous Shuto Expressways of Tokyo, Japan. Developed by Genki and published by Ubisoft, the game features a wide range of licensed Japanese import cars, from tuners to supercars, and allows players to compete in a variety of race modes, including circuit races, time attacks, and drift competitions.
Tokyo’s Shuto Expressways: A Racer’s Paradise
The Shuto Expressways are a network of high-speed highways that crisscross the Greater Tokyo Area. They are known for their long, winding roads, challenging curves, and stunning city views. In Import Tuner Challenge, players can race on seven different sections of the Shuto Expressways, each with its own unique layout and challenges.
415 Rivals to Conquer
Import Tuner Challenge features a massive roster of 415 rivals, each with their own unique driving style and car. Players must defeat these rivals in order to progress through the game and unlock new cars and tracks. The rivals range from beginner-level drivers to seasoned veterans, so there is always a challenge to be found.
Extensive Car Customization
One of the key features of Import Tuner Challenge is its extensive car customization options. Players can choose from a variety of body kits, spoilers, wheels, and other parts to create their own unique ride. They can also tune their car’s engine, suspension, and brakes to improve its performance.
Variety of Race Modes
Import Tuner Challenge offers a variety of race modes to keep players entertained. Circuit races are the most straightforward, pitting players against each other on a closed track. Time attacks challenge players to complete a lap of a track as quickly as possible. Drift competitions reward players for drifting their cars around corners.
Realistic Physics and Handling
Import Tuner Challenge features realistic physics and handling that make the racing experience as immersive as possible. Cars handle differently depending on their weight, power, and tuning, and players must carefully control their speed and braking to avoid crashing.
Gorgeous Graphics and Sound
Import Tuner Challenge features gorgeous graphics that bring the Shuto Expressways to life. The game’s lighting and weather effects are particularly impressive, and the cityscapes are rendered in stunning detail. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, featuring a mix of licensed music and original tracks.
Critical Reception
Import Tuner Challenge received positive reviews from critics upon its release. The game was praised for its realistic physics and handling, extensive car customization options, and variety of race modes. However, some critics found the game’s graphics to be dated and its AI to be lacking.
Legacy
Import Tuner Challenge is considered to be one of the best street racing games of its era. The game’s realistic physics and handling, extensive car customization options, and variety of race modes made it a favorite among fans of the genre. The game also helped to popularize the Shuto Expressways as a setting for racing games.
Conclusion
Import Tuner Challenge is a classic street racing game that still holds up today. The game’s realistic physics and handling, extensive car customization options, and variety of race modes make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding racing experience, then Import Tuner Challenge is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10