Wangan Midnight

Do you like anime? How about fast cars? Well, if you want something that marries the two worlds together, your options are pretty limited. You have the classic anime series Initial D. Or alternatively, you have the subject of this article, Wangan Midnight. Unsurprisingly, both have video games inspired by the respective animes. However, if you are looking for a much more comprehensive and refined experience within the anime racer world, this is for sure the pick of the two.

This game plays much like the Initial D Arcade Stage series in terms of the anime aspect. However, aside from this approach, the game also plays rather like the Tokyo Extreme Racer series, the Midnight Club series and Nitro Street Racing. The game promises to be a lesson in anime racing but does it live up to its claims? We find out in our review of Wangan Midnight.

Settle it on the Mean Tokyo Streets

Let’s begin with the overall presentation of this title. For the period that this game came out, the visuals are up to scratch with the other racers on the market. You’ll get to see some very well represented Tokyo environments; you’ll get some gorgeous car model designs and then you’ll also get some quintessential anime cut scenes with hand-drawn backdrops and manga-style character avatars. It’s a brilliant blend that serves its purpose well.

Then with regards to the story, this game offers significantly more than any racing game of that period. The game offers a condensed version of the original manga’s narrative. You’ll have the choice of controlling Akio or Shima and you’ll get to control their signature vehicles too, even if licencing issues means that the Porche is technically a RUF. We can overlook it because it all comes together so well.

Play Your Cards Right

Then with regards to the progression within this game, it does things in a very JRPG kind of way. You’ll hopefully win some races and be awarded with cards for your troubles. These cards allow you to modify your car and help you win the tougher races down the line. It’s a fun and engaging way to keep players interested. However, you’ll need every single one to stand a chance of perfecting each stage.

The Verdict

You’ll earn a grade for each race in a Sonic the Hedgehog style from F all the way to S. However, if you want that top rank, you’ll need a hell of a lot of patience and skill.

The game is easy to progress through but for all you completionists out there, this one will be a tough nut to crack. It’s not a deal breaker but it seems kind of silly to make things so hard.

Pros:

• Great visuals for the era
• Story is authentic and true to the manga
• Intriguing card upgrade system

Cons:

• Difficult to ace this game’s races
• The audio is far from brilliant