Tuning and street racing: New Steam hit brings back the spirit of NFS Underground 2

The Tokyo Xtreme Racer series by Genki Co., Ltd. has been around for over 30 years. It debuted in Japan in 1994 as Shutokō Battle and reached the West in 1996 as Tokyo Highway Battle. The franchise gained international recognition with Tokyo Xtreme Racer (1999) but faded out in 2006 after several spin-offs for PS2, PSP, Game Boy Advance and Xbox 360. Now, nearly two decades later, Genki is reviving the series with a modernized take, though the updates focus more on gameplay than visuals. Graphically, the racer feels more like a PlayStation 2-era title.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer lets players step into the role of a street racer determined to build a reputation on Tokyo’s expressways. The game is not just about speed, it also requires tactical driving, as the Spirit Point Battle system gives each racer a Spirit Point bar. Falling behind or making mistakes drains it faster, while maintaining a strong lead slows the depletion. If a driver's SP bar hits zero, the race is over for them.

Extensive tuning

On Reddit, many users liken the revived racer to Need for Speed: Underground 2, a 2004 classic still seen as one of the best tuning games. Customization also plays a major role in Tokyo Xtreme Racer. Performance upgrades like turbo kits, optimized gearboxes and aerodynamic tweaks boost speed, while suspension and brake adjustments refine handling. Players can also personalize their car’s appearance with body kits, rims and custom paint jobs.

Successful Early Access launch

Tokyo Xtreme Racer launched in Early Access on January 23 and has already received over 6,000 reviews, boasting a 95% "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating. The Early Access version is available on Steam for around $30 and currently includes about half of the story, 50 vehicles and 180 km of drivable roads. A final release date has yet to be announced.