"Now you can play ID while waiting to play ID"

If you've been to an arcade in the last few years I'm sure you know about Initial D Arcade Stage and its verious versions. If not well basically its a racing game based off the anime and it has become one of the most popular games in the arcade scene. After version 2 came out, Sega released a PS2 port for console players to enjoy the IDAS experience. Now with version 3 out, Sega releases a PSP port so now you can play Initial D, while you're waiting to play Initial D.

Gameplay: Gameplay is about 90% true to the arcade version. The physics of the cars and tracks are in tact so seasoned veterans will have a leg up on the competition. Nothing too different from your run of the mill racer. Use the D-pad or analog stick to control your car, X to accellerate, Square to brake, and the L/R triggers to shift. There is some adjustment time for everyone when playing with the D-Pad or analog stick.

Audio: The audio won't blow anyone away, but its good enough. The music in Street Stage is the super eurobeat your used to in the anime/arcade vers. They subtracted 1 song for the arcade vers., but added a ton more through unlocks. One small issue I had with the game was that the music was cut into even shorter clips than the arcade vers., but this is probably done to cut load times. Also something that isn't in arcade stage is the inclusion of the Japanese voice actors. Yep all the characters have voices and will say something throughout the race.

Visuals: Well this is were the game takes many hits to the jugglar. It obviously isn't as pretty as the arcade vers., but there are some graphic glitches that sometimes get a little annoying. For example on Akagi downhill at the beginning of the track before you hit the first turn, you will experience slow down and then a freeze as the game is trying to load the rest of the track. There are also slowdowns on replays, but for the most part the game runs smoothly. Another issue I have with the graphics is when you are behind and going faster than the leader car you will see the lead car glitch out when you hit its bumper. As if we needed anymore challenges when we are behind Sega, we have to deal with seeing through the car and messing us up.

Game Modes: The modes are the same as version 3 with Legend of the Streets, Time Attack, and Bunta Challenge, plus more. Legend of the Streets (or Lots) is basically the story mode, you face racers on different tracks and defeat them. Time Attack is well...time attack, race on any track to see how fast you can go and then beat that time. Bunta Challenge is where you face the hardest character in the game Bunta on all tracks. You can beat him up to 15 times on each track, but Bunta gets more harder everytime you beat him and he will use tougher and faster cars against you. If your a arcade version vet, don't worry Bunta has been serverly toned down compared to the arcade version. Added to the mix is multiplayer mode with ad hoc. You can now race against a friend in tradional arcade stage (1 vs 1 at the same time), Time Attack (1 vs 1, 1 run each, best time wins), and Sudden Death (get behind a certain amount of meters you lose, or pass the leader and you win). Next up on modes is the car garage when you can pick and tune your cars. Card display mode where you can view your cards and unlock items (more on that later). Project D website...well not really a website but its setup like one. Its just to view your replays, Time Attack times, Batte record, and a slew of aduio.

New System: Yep there is a totally new system to upgrade your cars it needed its own section. Instead of a points system, Sega has inplimented a card system. For every race you complete win or lose you will have three face down cards. Choose one and it could help you tune your car, or unlock an item. So like Pokemon, you gotta catch them all and if you have a friend with the game, you can also trade with them. As for upgrading you car, you need 5 internal tuning cards and a x amount of external cards (depends on your tune package). Once those requirements have been met, you can then mix and match your external parts just like the arcade vers. One thing that veterans of the arcade stage will notice is that the cars will not go as fast as they should when they are full tuned. The full tune version in Street Stage is the equivalent to Basic Tune in arcade stage.

Overall: If you are a fan of the game then there is nothing stopping you from getting this game. It may have some little nicks and dents in the graphics, but it still perfroms gameplay wise and thats all that matters. If your new to the series, I would recommend playing the arcade version first before considering picking up the PSP vers. Some people like the physics of the game and some people don't. There had to be sacrifices to make this game on the PSP. No Akina Snow, no true full tune, 1 less song. I believe that those were for the good of the game and even with those hits, the gameplay brings it back to a respectable score...See if you if you have awsome gameplay then nothing else matters.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/27/06