Tokyo Highway Battle

I've been waiting a long time for a street racing game set in Tokyo with this type of graphics.The highways look just like the ones in Japan, complete with very authentic vehicles.

Part of the thrill you get from racing is the cool scenery that transports you to another place, and the exotic cars you get to drive. THB delivers these two essential elements and doesn't skimp on gameplay and excitement.The music is pretty good, although the car's handling could be better, but the overall package is a very impressive effort from Jaleco. If THB had analog control support, it would get a 9.

Graphics - 8

Sound/FX - 8

Gameplay - 8

Rating - 8

Ridge Racer's runaway success on the PlayStation guaranteed at least a few copycats, and Tokyo Highway Battle could be the first one to arrive at the starting line. Before racing on courses modeled after actual Tokyo highways, you customize nearly every part on one of 12 cars. The one-player action pits you against three CPU opponents and the police. Even in this early preview, the tight steering helped to master the game's wicked speed, but the A.I. needs to be refined to provide more challenging competition. For half-finished graphics, the 3D tracks and cars sported a snappy look that, when finished, should suit this speedy game.

Better than Ridge Racer? Some kind of mistake, surely?

It was a year ago that I got my first glimpse of Ridge Racer for the PlayStation. I hadn't been with the magazine too long at that time, so that jaded feeling which eventually smites all of us in the video-games business had yet to settle in. I was amazed. Namco had managed to create the best driving sim ever.

Looking at first sight like a Ridge Racer rip-off from Jaleco, Tokyo Highway Battle is actually a superior racing game that has you tear-assing down the highways of Godzilla's favorite stomping ground. As of now, there are three cars to choose from and three tracks to race on, although this might change. In addition, there are multiple play modes, saving capability, and the ability to customize your wheels. The control is top-notch; as good as that in Ridge Racer. The clipping is amazing as are the graphics, which feature some nice backgrounds and bunch of different types of cars (and trucks) on the road around you. Tokyo Highway Battle looks like the next big thing in racing games.

I've been waiting a long time for a street racing game set in Tokyo with this type of graphics.The highways look just like the ones in Japan, complete with very authentic vehicles.

Part of the thrill you get from racing is the cool scenery that transports you to another place, and the exotic cars you get to drive. THB delivers these two essential elements and doesn't skimp on gameplay and excitement.The music is pretty good, although the car's handling could be better, but the overall package is a very impressive effort from Jaleco. If THB had analog control support, it would get a 9.

Graphics - 8

Sound/FX - 8

Gameplay - 8

Rating - 8