Tokyo Xtreme Racer

Tokyo Xtreme Racer is yet another good (although not great) racing games for Sega's final console. While this game feels dated when it comes to the graphics, it served as an inspiration for current "hot" games like Midnight Club Racing and Need for Speed Underground.

It must have been one of the fist games to include a "light flashing" system, in order to challenge another driver to race. If not, this is definitely at the beginning of that popular game play technique.

What makes Tokyo Xtreme Racer excel is the fact that the tuning works realistically. As you win races and make money, you get to update your car in several areas, which boost its power realistically. It's a lot of fun to play with the tuning and gives you a lot of incentive to keep playing.

What's funny is that I enjoyed simply driving down the Tokyo freeways. The game takes place completely at night, and it has an immersive quality which is seldom seen in games. I found it to be almost hypnotic.

The sequel to the game comes with improved graphics and is also a joy to place. But the original has a nostalgic element the newer, bulkier version does not possess.

Known in Japan as Shutokou Battle, the game features somewhat dated graphics, but don't let that fool you; this little vehicle packs a lot of punch. If you're looking for another fun racing game for the Dreamcast then look no further than Tokyo Street Racing. Just don't go in expecting too much out of this one.