Initial Drift Online

About

Initial Drift Online is a multiplayer racing game. It was developed by RewindApp and was released on March 30, 2023. It received positive reviews from players.

"Initial Drift Online" is a racing game that focuses on drifting mechanics. Customize your car and compete in various modes, including Time Attack and Multiplayer. Drift your way to the top of the leaderboards and challenge players from around the world.

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80%

Audience ScoreBased on 880 reviews

graphics17 positive mentions

story5 negative mentions

The game captures the spirit of Initial D and offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the series.
Drifting mechanics are enjoyable once mastered, providing a rewarding challenge for players.
The community is friendly and supportive, enhancing the multiplayer experience.

The game suffers from numerous bugs and technical issues, including poor collision detection and unresponsive controls.
Graphics and overall presentation feel outdated, resembling a low-budget mobile game.
Lack of content and progression depth leads to repetitive gameplay, making it less engaging over time.

graphics
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
59%
14%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are serviceable but not cutting-edge, often likening them to older console standards. While some appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and smooth performance, others criticize the lack of detail and coherence in the visual design, suggesting that significant improvements are needed. Overall, the graphics are seen as a secondary concern compared to gameplay, but many players express a desire for enhancements to elevate the visual experience.
- “The nighttime drives, illuminated by glowing taillights and distant city lights, capture a nostalgic aesthetic that racing enthusiasts will instantly recognize.”
- “The graphics are stunning, with attention to detail that makes the virtual world come alive.”
- “Fun drifting, cool graphics and pretty cheap!”
- “The graphics are serviceable rather than cutting-edge, relying on lighting and setting to establish mood rather than technical prowess.”
- “I just have no words what to say about this game, but it's not a PC game... like it has mobile graphics and type of physics.”
- “The game finally got updated after 2 years and it was a big disappointment, the frame rate is half what it used to be and my system is now running at max which means the devs made something worse, the graphics look worse overall plus the cars are more slippery so I can't beat my times now.”
music
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
54%
6%
The music in the game draws strong inspiration from the Initial D series, featuring a mix of eurobeat and phonk that enhances the driving experience, particularly during competitive races and delivery missions. While many players appreciate the nostalgic vibe and the option to play their own music, some criticize the in-game soundtrack as repetitive and lacking depth. Overall, the music is generally well-received, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere, though there are calls for improvements and additional tracks.
- “It draws clear inspiration from the iconic Initial D series, not only through its title but through its focus on touge driving, narrow mountain roads, and a soundtrack that channels the energy of classic eurobeat and modern phonk.”
- “The unique gameplay and customizable vehicles add an extra layer to the game, and the music in the game is simply excellent and very close to that presented in the anime series.”
- “Best drifting JDM tuner game, cheap and great physics, a little floaty but fun, the music is fantastic; add some more songs please, but overall the Initial D vibes is what makes this game awesome.”
- “The handling in this game is a genuine joke, the music is even worse :)”
- “The soundtrack can use some work, the keybinds for keyboard gear shifting (left ctrl and left alt) are horrible, the physics aren't very good, the brakes need to slow you down quicker, the soundtrack can use some work (though I do love that it allows you to use your own music), the graphics aren't as shown in the banner (currently PS3 level), and the cars have really bad snap oversteer.”
- “I like the horrible eurobeat, but the songs get stale quick.”
gameplay
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
59%
7%
The gameplay experience is polarizing, primarily centered around drifting mechanics that some players find overly sensitive and difficult to master, while others appreciate the realism and variety of tracks. Although the game offers customization options and a nostalgic aesthetic, many users express frustration with limited depth in tuning and a lack of long-term motivation, leading to mixed feelings about its replayability. Overall, while some enjoy the unique mechanics and fun factor, others criticize the controls and physics, suggesting a steep learning curve that may deter new players.
- “The variety of tracks keeps the gameplay fresh, and the drift mechanics are satisfyingly realistic.”
- “The unique gameplay and customizable vehicles add an extra layer to the game, and the music in the game is simply excellent and very close to that presented in the anime series.”
- “There is a bit of a learning curve to the mechanics, although once you figure it out, the game is a blast!”
- “The core gameplay loop revolves around drifting, and it’s here where the experience becomes divisive.”
- “Earning money through deliveries or races allows you to purchase new cars and apply cosmetic or mechanical upgrades, but the tuning depth is limited and the long-term motivation tapers off quickly.”
- “You can eventually adapt to the overly sensitive driving mechanics, but by then you are left with a game with not much to do and no real reason to return.”
story
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
66%
21%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many players noting that it lacks a traditional narrative or quests, making it feel more like a series of delivery missions than a cohesive story experience. While some players appreciate the immersive driving experience and the charm of the environment, they agree that the game does not prioritize storytelling, leaving those seeking a narrative unsatisfied. Overall, the consensus is that the game is more focused on gameplay mechanics than on delivering a compelling story.
- “The inclusion of delivery missions adds a laid-back contrast to the competitive races, evoking the charm of driving alone through neon-lit roads with music blasting, just for the joy of it.”
- “First this game makes you bang the walls constantly with a shotty car but after playing...watching hours of cut scenes and refunding Crew 2, you give this game a second chance and it will knock your sweaty socks off to the moon with its story, music, and driveability.”
- “The story, in my opinion, is the most innovative I have seen in a while, and this is why the game needs at least 10,000,000,000 players playing every second of every day of every year of every month of every Wednesday!”
- “This game has no story.”
- “If you want to have a story, then you are at the wrong place.”
- “No quests, no story.”
grinding
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
10%
80%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive and repetitive, often leading to boredom, especially with tasks like delivering tofu on the same routes. While some enjoy the grind and the racing elements, many feel that it detracts from the overall experience, suggesting that improvements could be made to reduce the grindiness and enhance content variety.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The game has no content to it unless you like driving the same few roads back and forth while grinding away your tofu deliveries.”
- “Some improvements I would add is to make the game less grindy; the game is fun to grind, but at times, it gets annoying.”
- “Some achievements are way too grindy.”
optimization
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate its smooth performance and enjoyable gameplay, others report significant issues such as low frame rates, bugs with the minimap and chat, and overall poor optimization. Despite these drawbacks, many find the game fun and engaging, especially considering its low price point. Overall, it appears that while the game has potential, it requires further polishing and attention to improve its performance.
- “In the tuning garage, you can change the level of your performance-related parts like the engine, brakes, etc.”
- “My computer is not the most powerful, but the game is very optimized.”
- “You can performance-tune your cars.”
- “And there are many more bugs, like the minimap; players appear outside of it, the chat is buggy in different regions, game optimization, more options when inviting someone to a race, and more starting points, since you can only race from the top and not from the bottom or other points, etc. It's a great game, but I think it should be given more attention and polished a bit more; it's quite fun.”
- “The map is alright, performance is quite bad.”
- “Bad optimization which means really low frames, a lot of odd design choices that are inappropriate even for an early access game.”
atmosphere
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
11%
22%
The game's atmosphere is a blend of authentic cultural elements and a modest visual presentation, creating a relaxing experience reminiscent of a digital car meet. While it initially fosters a friendly and communal vibe, the multiplayer aspect can become toxic due to overly competitive players, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, those who appreciate touge culture will find the atmosphere engaging and worth exploring.
- “Players start as humble drivers exploring a small but atmospheric slice of Japan, including famous mountain passes like Akagi and Irohazaka.”
- “There’s an authenticity in its atmosphere—the hum of the engine, the flicker of neon signs, the quiet satisfaction of a perfect drift—that makes it resonate with fans of the culture it celebrates.”
- “Those who approach it with modest expectations and a love for touge culture will likely find it a relaxing, atmospheric diversion—a virtual night drive worth taking every now and then.”
- “The multiplayer community, while lively, started to feel toxic with overly competitive players, ruining the fun and casual atmosphere I had enjoyed initially.”
- “When the servers are active, the atmosphere is friendly and communal, often resembling a digital car meet more than a competitive event.”
humor
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
86%
29%
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it entertaining and enjoyable, particularly in community interactions and funny moments during gameplay. However, some technical issues, like race bugs, detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is considered a fun way to unwind after school or work.
- “This game is very funny, I like it a lot, it’s worth the money and I expect more updates :)”
- “A funny game, perfect to play after school or work, it has everything you need, the only thing I would like to have is better graphics.”
- “Haha, funny drift goes brrr.”
- “Racing with other players isn't funny because you can just drive through them.”
- “On the map Akagi, there's a bug that prevents you from finishing the race at all.”
stability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is marred by numerous bugs, including issues with gear changes, minimap functionality, and chat systems, which detract from the overall experience. While players find the game enjoyable despite its clunky mechanics, there is a consensus that it requires further polishing and optimization to enhance stability and performance.
- “Also, the gear changes are buggy and you can't do anything unless you downshift manually.”
- “And there are many more bugs, like the minimap; players appear outside of it, the chat is buggy in different regions, game optimization, more options when inviting someone to a race, and more starting points, since you can only race from the top and not from the bottom or other points. It's a great game, but I think it should be given more attention and polished a bit more; it's quite fun.”
- “Steering wheel control is buggy and may not work in some cases.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The game's replayability is highly variable; while some users find it infinitely replayable, others criticize it for lacking depth and offering repetitive gameplay, particularly in its delivery mechanics. Overall, the experience may appeal to those seeking casual play but may not satisfy players looking for diverse challenges.
- “Infinitely replayable.”
- “Like other RewindApp titles, it's nothing more than an asset flip with little replay value that will be left abandoned on the Steam store.”
- “Not good replayability value if you don't want to stare at the same road, doing the same A-B deliveries for hours.”
- “Drifting, score, and time attack modes offer no replay value.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game successfully prioritizes evoking an emotional thrill through drifting, focusing on the exhilarating experience rather than adhering to the technical complexities of real-world physics.
- “The game masterfully captures the emotional thrill of drifting, prioritizing feelings over technical realism.”
- “Every moment in the game is designed to evoke deep emotions, making players feel truly connected to the experience.”
- “The emotional journey throughout the game is profound, leaving players with lasting memories and a sense of fulfillment.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy has drawn criticism for its reliance on microtransactions and pay-to-win elements, which detract from the overall enjoyment and potential of the game. Many players feel disheartened by the game's shift towards exploitative practices.
- “The microtransactions and pay-to-win elements became increasingly apparent, tarnishing the once-enjoyable experience.”
- “It's disheartening to see a game with so much potential succumb to the pitfalls of modern monetization practices.”