This game puts you into the D1 Drift racing circuit with the actual professionals. You begin as a rookie learning the racing technique through training missions. If you can successfully complete them, you will then get to start going against the big boys in D1 events. These tutorial missions are really needed as it will take you some time to pick up the dexterity required to handle the drifting technique so you can at least be competitive. Some people would consider this a hassle because you will not be permitted to advance until you sufficiently master the tutorials.

The game play is difficult at first as it does take some time to pick up the drifting technique. Once you have that down though, the game does become a bit easier. You do have to have quite a bit of patience while racing as you cannot use the bumping and pushing that are prevalent in other racing games due to the bad angles your car will be in most the time. The strange part about this game is that you will win based on the drifting style you use, not if you finish first. It makes me think about some types of skiing where your time and style are both factored in. In the sport of auto racing this just seems wrong to me.

The graphics of the game are very solid as they present detailed and varied race tracks along with dry and wet conditions that also affect game play while looking realistic. I was impressed with the look of the asphalt in the wet conditions and the reflective properties for light and color. The cars are also very cool with distinct model differences and the ability to use some pretty crazy paint jobs. It is obvious that the developers are big fans of the racing as they did not seem to miss any of the visual areas that make the sport to hard not to watch.

Overall, I really enjoyed racing once I was able to pick up the drifting technique. It was odd not to be judged on finishing first in the race but once you understood how the style points are distributed, it became more fun to play. If you are a racing fan of any type, this game is must for your collection. If you are not really into racing you probably will not like this game because of the time investment just for the tutorial.