We had the opportunity to try out the JDM: Japanese Drift Master hands-on demo at Tokyo Game Show 2024, and for fans of Initial D or Japanese car culture in general, this game is shaping up to be something special. Our 20-minute demo session was split between free-roaming exploration and an intense drift racing experience, giving us a taste of what this JDM-inspired racing game has to offer.

Though the demo offered limited content, it revealed several promising features. A comprehensive drifting school stands ready to teach players the art of sliding, while the car dealership offers an impressive roster of vehicles. From the iconic Nissan Skyline R34 and Mazda RX-7 to the modern 2022 Subaru BRZ, each car comes with multiple variants to choose from.

During our session, we couldn’t resist taking the classic Mazda MX-5 for a spin, and the handling proved to be remarkably intuitive, striking a perfect balance between casual driving and precise drift control. The racing portion of the demo presented two distinct racing styles – drift and grip – with a selection of three car manufacturers to choose from. These focused racing segments strip away the open-world distractions, allowing players to concentrate purely on mastering their driving techniques and securing victory.

The game’s physics engine impresses with its versatility, promising an engaging experience regardless of your preferred control method – be it gamepad, steering wheel, or keyboard. This accessibility doesn’t seem to come at the cost of depth, as the driving model still offers plenty of nuance for skilled players to master. While the demo gave us just a glimpse of the full experience, Japanese Drift Master appears to be building something promising for racing enthusiasts.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master

Publisher: 4Divinity

Developer: Gaming Factory

Release Date TBC

Epic Games Store, GOG, Steam

Welcome to Japan, the drift capital of the world! Compete, drift, and race on miles of varied roads and winding mountain trails. Drive through towns nestled at the scenic Haikama Lake. Spend your savings on new cars and get a taste of Japanese tuning style.