What to expect from Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s full release

The return of Tokyo Xtreme Racer has taken many by surprise, not least the Traxion team, but the wider video game industry that is seemingly intent on a monthly active user goal predicated on live service offerings.

This is a pure and simple racing video game that does one thing and that one thing very well.

Since it released in January, the most obvious question is, what’s next?

Quite a lot, as it turns out, and a recent developer AMA session, translated by Genki, has provided some answers as to how the final ‘version 1.0’ version of the game will differ from its present early access form.

More rivals, cars, parts and licences

Perhaps most notably, the rival and car count is set to increase.

“We are expecting around 200 additional rivals once early access is over,” said Genki in terms of on-street competitors.

Which extra cars, meanwhile, will remain a secret, although it was confirmed that other manufacturers, including Honda, are still being negotiated with. These include brands outside of Japan.

As an added bonus, vehicles that are currently used as traffic, but not purchasable, could be featured. The team is said to be considering a way of “allowing players to drive non-drivable traffic cars.”

Further car customisation parts, and accessory brands, are also on the list, with existing cars also receiving extra aerodynamic options – specifically the Mk3 Toyota Supra.

Further game features

Alongside additional content come additional features. Mercifully, all progress from the early access build will carry across to the final version, joined by a dedicated photo mode (sorely lacking presently) and Steam Achievements.

Items the development team are currently exploring include a New Game+ mode for those who complete the experience, and “we would love to have day/night cycles in full release, but there are technical challenges that we are currently evaluating,” explained Genki.

What’s not going to arrive

Genki also provided details on items it is definitely not working on too, which include no plans for a cockpit view, updates to the surrounding areas scenery/scape and multiplayer battle mode:

“We know our fans want this, but online battle mode will likely not make it in this game.”

Fans of the Dodge Viper – a mainstay of the game series – will be disappointed that Genki is “not pursuing the addition.” The same is true of Nissan’s curio Sileighty, which was branded as “unlikely.”

To be decided

Some elements are clearly still to be decided – the game runs well and is polished, but clearly behind the scenes there’s a large list of additional elements that could still make the cut, but the developers aren’t keen to confirm just yet.

For instance, the console versions remain ‘to be decided’ upon, and that was the only line provided to the multiple requests.

Extra maps as downloadable content – some prior Tokyo Xtreme Racer installments have featured multiple areas – are “a possibility but nothing has been locked down yet.”

When on the highway, presently you must balance a tyre wear mechanic – stay out and you receive a bonus payout, but it could be to the detriment of your tyres, impacting performance. This could be added to, again like prior titles, with oil and water temperatures, which are being “looked into.”

A long road to get here

When the latest version arrived earlier this year, it was announced that early access would last  “approximately four months,” hinting at a possible May 2025 release window.

That’s relatively, and impressively, short – but this is thanks to years of work in secrecy beforehand.

According to Genki, the conception was in the early 2020s and it has taken three years to go from the Alpha stage to early access. It was also keen to stress that recent Assetto Corsa mods, such as No Hesi had no bearing on the return.

“We’ve always wanted to make a comeback, and there were various elements that we put into consideration, but there was no influence from mods.”

Tokyo Xtreme Racer upcoming features for Version 1.0

• 200 extra rivals
• More cars from new car brands, some international
• Photo mode
• Further car parts and accessory brands
• Steam achievements

Possible Tokyo Xtreme Racer features

• Day/Night cycle
• Console versions
• Extra maps
• Oil and water temperatures
• New Game+

What’s not coming to Tokyo Xtreme Racer

• Online multiplayer battles
• Cockpit camera
• Dodge Viper