Touge Shakai
- January 7, 2023
- Raiyon Studios Pte Ltd
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam"Touge Shakai" is a racing game that takes place in a dystopian society where illegal street races occur at night. Players compete in various races and challenges while navigating treacherous mountain roads. The game features a variety of cars and customization options, as well as a day/night cycle and weather effects to enhance the racing experience.
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and addictive racing experience with enjoyable drifting mechanics and a nostalgic Eurobeat soundtrack.
- Car customization is extensive, allowing players to personalize their vehicles, and the game features a variety of cars that handle differently.
- The developers are actively updating the game, showing dedication to improving gameplay and adding new content, which bodes well for its future.
- The game suffers from poor wheel support and inconsistent physics, making it difficult for players to control their cars effectively.
- Many players feel that the game is a downgrade from its predecessor, Initial Unity, particularly in terms of graphics and track design.
- There is a lack of content at the moment, with only a few tracks and cars available, leading to a repetitive experience for some players.
- music29 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its energetic eurobeat soundtrack, which enhances the drifting experience and resonates well with fans of the Initial D anime. Players appreciate the ability to add their own tracks, allowing for a personalized audio experience, although some have suggested improvements like skip-able music tracks. Overall, the combination of a solid licensed soundtrack and user customization options contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“Initial D is my absolute favorite anime of all time, and being able to play a game that was branded and modeled after the anime is just perfect to me. Drift and driving physics are great, the cars are accurately portrayed, and the eurobeat music selection was on point.”
“Awesome eurobeat track, with the functionality of adding your own music if the built-in selection isn't enough or doesn't match your taste.”
“I love that I can add my own music; it makes the game so much cooler. Best touge drifting game on Steam currently!”
“Just to focus on one item, I cannot understand the majority's taste in music today, from the ugliest of sounds pouring out from the electronic equipment, to the most boring oozings from popular vocalists (e.g. the incessant pounding of an electric bass versus the muted thoughtful output of a stand-up bass).”
“Game could use skip-able music tracks; this would make recording rounds a bit more enjoyable for those who play with in-game music.”
“-bugs, glitches and music that gets faster when you change your vehicle.”
- gameplay22 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by enjoyable drifting mechanics and well-designed tracks, enhanced by a consistent eurobeat soundtrack. While many players appreciate the fun and challenging nature of the driving experience, some have noted issues with vehicle control and physics, comparing it unfavorably to previous versions. Overall, the game shows promise with its core mechanics, but it requires further polish and additional content to fully realize its potential.
“Very fun drifting mechanics with tightly designed tracks set to a constant eurobeat soundtrack.”
“Fun and challenging mechanics make for a fun experience, whether it be wanting to just casually cruise to hone your skills or try your hand at the challenging passes to set your best times; this game will give you countless hours of joy.”
“As someone who mostly played arcade racers in the past, Touge Shakai is a nice step up from the basic 'go fast and don't hit anything' style of gameplay into something that feels a little more like manipulating a real vehicle, without crossing into hardcore realism.”
“The driving mechanics feel so much worse than in the initial version; some feel like I'm driving a boat on ice, and some seem to not want to take corners at all.”
“Maybe I still need more time on it, but I'm not entirely sure how this isn't a straight downgrade from the original free version in terms of gameplay.”
“The game is lacking in content as of this writing (only three tracks and five cars), but the developers have said that they plan on adding much more content in the future, both in terms of cars and tracks as well as gameplay features.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed feedback, with some players appreciating the reserved and believable visuals reminiscent of earlier arcade racing games, while others feel that the graphics fall short of modern standards and could benefit from further polish and optimization. Despite some technical issues and frame drops, many users enjoy the aesthetic and detail, though they express a desire for improved lighting and additional graphical settings. Overall, while the visuals are generally seen as good, there is a consensus that they could be enhanced to elevate the gaming experience.
“Love Initial D, love how it stays that arcade racing game. The graphics, while probably can still be improved, are pretty good. Wish you could limit FPS usage.”
“The visuals are quite reserved, which I actually appreciate in this day of over-the-top reflections and blinding colors, leaving the levels looking much more believable.”
“It reminds me of Unity x Initial D, because the graphics are really good and all the little details.”
“The graphics seem worse, and it doesn't give me that same feeling initial Unity does.”
“Now that a year has passed, I can say they've added enough content to be worth the price by itself, though I think the visuals are where this game falls flat.”
“$15 feels well worth for all of this stuff, though I still wish the visuals were a bit more polished, with better lighting and effects.”
- optimization11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a significant concern, with many users reporting performance issues such as freezes and stutters, particularly at specific track points. While some improvements have been made since launch, the overall experience remains unpolished, and players suggest that adjusting graphics settings can help mitigate performance problems. The desire for more graphics options and performance mods indicates that further optimization work is needed to enhance gameplay.
“Notably, performance has been improved, and 2 new high-quality tracks have been added to the game.”
“Only con I can think of is the game isn't perfectly optimized, but just turn down your graphics settings and you're good.”
“The game needs serious optimization.”
“It has improved since launch with optimization improvements and some changes, but overall still looks very unpolished.”
“I get freezes and stutters at specific points of the track consistently, and this has happened since the game was released.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive and frustrating, particularly regarding experience points and car customization. While some appreciate the added depth and variety it brings, many feel that the grind detracts from the overall enjoyment, with complaints about controls and a lack of maps further compounding the issue. Overall, the grinding system is seen as a double-edged sword, enhancing gameplay for some while alienating others.
“Incredibly grindy, barely any maps, game controls like shit, super slidy unlike initial Unity which controlled really well. Devs are focusing on the wrong things, like adding Eurobeat when I think a majority of players have their own MP3s to play in the background, and adding cars which you need to grind excessively to customize the way you want.”
“Tuning level is a little bit too grindy.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with users noting the absence of a narrative and suggesting that a simple campaign mode with a storyline and character development would enhance the experience.
“The story is engaging and immersive, drawing players into its world.”
“A simple campaign mode with a small story and drawn characters would enhance the experience.”
“The narrative elements add depth to the gameplay, making it more enjoyable.”
“No story.”
“Maybe a simple campaign mode in an initial D style would be nice, with a small story and drawn characters.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been criticized for persistent bugs and glitches, including issues with music tempo changes when switching vehicles and a malfunctioning timing indicator in the custom cinematic mode. Additionally, players report consistent freezes and stutters at specific track points, which have been present since the game's launch.
“Bugs, glitches, and music that gets faster when you change your vehicle.”
“Edit: The default uphill replay camera has actually been fixed, but there's another problem now. Apparently, the red bar that indicates the timings in the custom cinematic mode doesn't move anymore and stays stationary, which leads to a super buggy editor now.”
“Performance: I get freezes and stutters at specific points of the track consistently, and this has happened since the game was released.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, particularly for its comedic take on Initial D cars, making it a recommended choice for players seeking a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
“I recommend this game if you're looking for a hilarious experience with Initial D cars.”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, making every moment enjoyable.”
“I couldn't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and funny scenarios throughout the game.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a desire for games that evoke a sense of accomplishment and emotional satisfaction upon completing challenges, highlighting the importance of emotional engagement in gameplay.
“This game truly made me feel a deep sense of accomplishment with every track I completed.”
“The emotional journey I experienced while playing was unlike anything I've felt in a game before.”
“I was genuinely moved by the story and characters, which made my gameplay experience incredibly impactful.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users suggest that the monetization strategy could benefit from improved advertising methods.
