Tokyo Xtreme Racing 2 Preview

Genki's racing title Tokyo Xtreme Racing hit the Dreamcast last June. The game proved to be a worthy first-generation title, and even the developers of the game admitted that they had used only 20 to 30 percent of the Dreamcast's capabilities. Now, after a year, Genki returns with a sequel, simply titled Tokyo Xtreme Racing 2 (called Shutokou Battle 2 in Japan) for the Dreamcast.

The graphics and the sounds of the game will be a big leap from the last game, and they will offer what had seemed to be lacking in the first title. The total length of the course is now 180km - more than six times the length of the course in the first game. You can now select from 60 different cars - twice the number found in the first game. You can also choose different types of aero-parts for your car - more than 120 types, more than four times the number of those available in the first game. The aero-parts not only change the look of your car, but they also change the car's aerodynamics, the sound of the muffler, and so on. Also, you can now create your own emblem, so you can give a personalized feel to your car.

There will be more than 300 kinds of rival cars to race against - twice the number from the first title. Previously, the players and rival cars were given nicknames to differentiate them from one another. In the sequel the developers intend to have so many different variations of the nickname system that you may discover nicknames you've never heard of. The game will also be network-compatible, so you can compete with others via the Dreamcast modem.

Tokyo Xtreme Racing 2 is slated for a June release in Japan. A US version is currently being planned for fall, and it will be published by Crave.