JDM: Japanese Drift Master Review (oneizm)
This game has a really good foundation, but the actual game part is supremely frustrating at times due to terrible AI and progression. The mission objective can be counterintuitive, and the progression doesn’t allow for much individuality while the interesting stuff happens in the first chapter.
Why are you asking me to drift for points (which is slow), while also racing a fully built car (which is much faster) with the requirement of coming first, in a clapped-out AE86 that I can’t upgrade, not because I don’t have money, but because apparently my level isn’t high enough to swap my transmission so I can tune it.
Then there’s the actual drifting. It’s another game where the scoring system rewards those weird little back and forth wiggles (they are not manjis). If you’re used to drifting using perfect sweeping lines, hitting flawless transitions, and getting the most out of every corner, you’re going to get less points than someone just shaking back and forth in third gear pinging back and forth between the extremes of the “angle meter”.
The game just doesn’t reward enjoyable drifting. Then there’s the grip racing which is just a terrible under steering mess.
Being unable to upgrade your car due to levels instead of financial constraints has to be one of the most frustrating features in games like this. The whole point of customizing a car is you do it your way. You prioritize what’s important to you first. If you want to put way too much horsepower in a car that doesn’t have the suspension or tyres to handle it? You should be able to. Let me be creative with my builds. Don’t set me down a linear path, forcing me to attempt to enjoy a stock car that I would only ever buy to modify because it is worse than what I have or has some critical issues like a droopy 3rd gear. (Looking at you Miata NB)
The game is beautiful, and the physics are decent enough. But the progression system is frustrating for anyone who wants the JDM dream. Let me choose from more than one car to start with. Let me upgrade what I can based on money, not an arbitrary level.
Then there’s the AI. They move you like a balloon but are a stone. Initially, this may seem like it’s only a problem if you pass by ramming, which I don’t, but when you realize that the opponent can just send you flying mid-drift with a tap, it feels a little less than satisfying. They’re also usually in faster cars in the first chapters, so expect to get hit a lot if you pass them.
They need some avoidance coded in so when they try to pass you, there’s some actual attempt at race craft and not just a barge coming through mid corner using you as its brakes.
Introduce some other cars that aren’t fully built JDM dream cars. My car has rust all over it, why am I racing a TT 350z making at least 500hp in a clapped car making about 175hp? It not only feels unfair at point, but also makes it seem like everyone I’m racing just sucks and only has money to build their cars, yet can’t actually drive them. Which is entirely counterintuitive to the actually enjoyable story they have going on.
With all that said, I’m not recommending it for now, unless you just have money to throw at games. This WILL be worth it at some point and I WILL update my review when that day comes.
You can really tell a lot of love went into the map and the handling characteristics. But for now the game is still in need of some work outside of the driving physics and the impeccable visuals. THIS IS NOT A BAD GAME. It’s just not as enjoyable as it could and will be. If you’re not in a rush, wait a bit so it can make an even better impression.
Also they should’ve beat the fuck out of that guy who slapped that lady in front of them. Just sitting and watching angrily is not what a strong person does.