Initial D: Street Stage

"Become the Legend of the Streets on your PSP"

Over the course of 4 years and 3 distinct game versions, Initial D Arcade Stage has been one of the dominating forces in arcades everywhere. Inspired by the anime/manga of the same name, it lives up to its name by bringing people that sense of fast and fierce drift racing on the mountain passes of Japan. Back in 2003, Sega released a port of IDAS onto the import PS2 with Initial D Special Stage. While an amazing game in its own right, it lacked the head-to-head battle option that the arcade machines had, which many console owners found a disappointment.
Initial D Street Stage is a direct port of Initial D Arcade Stage Version 3. While a game as large as IDAS would be unthinkable on a portable system, Sega pulls it off with finesse. Save for the noticeable drop in the game's framerate, this game is a near-perfect port of an even more entertaining game with everything the arcade games bring... and then some.

Graphics

The very first thing you will notice about this game is the game's framerate. Arcade Stage moves at a blistering 60 fps. However, due to the obvious reason of the PSP's inferior hardware, the game runs at a slower, yet solid 30 fps. It doesn't detract from the core gameplay at all. Every inch of each of the game's visuals has been reproduced faithfully on the PSP's small wide screen.

Gameplay

The biggest change from the arcade to the portable platform is the tuning process. You will readily notice the absence of tune points. This system has been replaced by a card system. After completing a race, you'll be brought to a screen with three cards to choose from.

These cars come in 8 types (varying in color as well as value). If you're lucky, one of those cards can be a tuning card. While it sounds simplistic, the internal tune-up card is EXTREMELY rare. So, in terms of tuning your car, it could take just about as long as it would if you were playing on the arcade machine.

With 35 cars to choose from, there's bound to be a car that fits your driving style. From compact racers like the MR2 and Cappuchino, to 4WD monsters like the Lancer Evolutions and Imprezas, you'll find a good variety of vehicles to try out. And, if you're familiar with the PS2's Special Stage, there's a garage option to save your tuned cars.

As for the actual game, all of Arcade courses (minus Akina snow) have made it into this game as well as ALL standard gameplay modes. Legend of the Streets, Time Attack are here. Even the Bunta Challenge is in. Although the difficulty has been SEVERELY watered down, it's still a worthy addition to an already great game.

Yes, Sega DID pack a lot into this game. But, it does it's bigger brother, the PS2, one better. VS battles are fully capable with ad-hoc. Not only did they include 1-on-1 battles, but they also added different battle types. You can play normal style, give your opponent a head start, or sudden death (by distance and by time). Handicaps can also be selected to keep things even if your opponent's car is undertuned.

Aside from the the staple options menu, last of all is the PROJECT.D website mode. From here you can watch Time Attack videos, look at game artwork, listen to BGM, and view records.

Controls

If any of you have played Initial D Special Stage on the PS2, then you will already know how sensitive the controls are. Although, Sega did one better by allowing you to change the sensitivity of the analog thumb stick. But, you're better off just using the d-pad since it's more responsive. While the controls are a little of a hassle to get used to, you'll get the hang of it after eating the wall for a couple games.

Overall

This is EASILY the most solid racing game available on PSP. And, with no regional lockout on PSP games, you'd be foolish not to pick this title up. Don't let a little Japanese scare you. FAQs and message boards can answer those questions. This is a definite buy.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/08/06