1 
0 There’s something about the underground world of drifting that has long fascinated motorsport fans. I love going to Brands Hatch each year for their annual JDM competition!
From the winding mountain roads of Japan to the iconic scenes of Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, drift culture has captured the imagination of gamers and car enthusiasts alike. JDM: Japanese Drift Master, by devs Gaming Factory, sets out to pay tribute to this legacy with a focus on authentic drift mechanics, a story-driven single-player experience, and a lovingly recreated Japanese backdrop. But does it slide into pole position, or spin out before the first corner?
“There’s no ‘wax on wax off’ with drifting. You learn by doing it” Han, Tokyo Drift (2006)
Gameplay
At its core, JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a driving simulator that places an emphasis on style over speed. You play as a foreign driver who travels to Japan in pursuit of becoming a drift legend. The single-player mode weaves a light narrative via manga-style comic pages, adding just enough motivation without getting in the way of the driving.
Fast & Furious
The handling model is the heart of the experience and from the off you can select between an arcade or racing simulator style of control. Cars feel weighty and mainly responsive, with a noticeable difference between front- and rear-wheel drive setups. Drifting isn’t just about mashing the handbrake — it requires finesse, throttle control, and an understanding of momentum. It does take a while to get used to the technique that you require. The developers have struck a balance that makes drifting challenging but satisfying, rewarding you for mastering each curve rather than punishing you too harshly for slip-ups.
Rep
Progression is tied to reputation points earned from successful drifts, challenges, and story missions. As you gain notoriety, you unlock new parts, cars, and customisation options. This does feel a little restrictive to begin with, as your first stock car is tricky to drift against the AI, who already have their tricked-up machines. While skill and some luck are your best friends, the upgrades you can carry out at the garage are locked out based on your level. It would have been better to have all parts unlocked, leaving it up to you to purchase your upgrades however you see fit.
There’s a solid range of 22 licensed JDM classics to choose from — expect to see the likes of the Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5, Nissan Skyline and Subaru Impreza. There is also a fictional manufacturer called Yotsuhoshi that looks a little like Mitsubishi.
The open-world environment offers various drift zones, touge runs, time trials, and secret areas to discover. The world isn’t massive, but it’s dense and feels alive, populated with NPCs, roadside ramen shops, and hidden garage spots. Fast travel points make backtracking painless, and nighttime racing events help mix up the pacing. Racing in both day and nighttime as well as in various weathers is very refreshing and challenging.
The Future
At launch, the game lacks a multiplayer component, which might be a disappointment for those who hoped to challenge their friends or form crews. While the single-player content is engaging, this omission slightly limits the game’s potential for replayability in the long term. That said, there is a roadmap for progression, with split-screen racing coming later on. Rather than a released full game, it does feel more like an early-access.
Graphics & Audio
Visually, JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a love letter to car culture and the landscapes of rural and urban Japan. From misty mountain passes to tight city streets bathed in soft neon glow, the environments are atmospheric and meticulously crafted. Day-night cycles and dynamic weather effects further elevate the immersion, especially when headlights cut through early morning fog or rain slicks the road during a late-night drift.
Vehicle models are well detailed. Customisation options, from liveries to aftermarket parts, are impressive. Car interiors are modelled with care, adding to the realism in first-person view, though some dashboard textures could benefit from a bit more polish.
Brrrmm
The audio design is another strong point. Engines growl, tires screech, and turbos spool with satisfying clarity. Each car has a unique sound profile, and even minor tweaks to performance parts result in noticeable audio differences. The soundtrack, selectable via the car radio, blends lo-fi beats, Japanese hip-hop, and electronic tracks that fit the game’s aesthetic well, although a bit more variety wouldn’t hurt for longer play sessions.
Longevity
With a narrative-driven campaign, a wide selection of drift challenges, and a world full of secrets, JDM: Japanese Drift Master offers a decent amount of content for solo players. The main storyline can be completed in 10–15 hours, depending on your skill level and how much time you spend exploring or perfecting your runs.
Post-campaign, there’s plenty to keep dedicated players engaged. Such as collecting all vehicles, completing every drift zone with a perfect score, and experimenting with different tuning setups. Still, without multiplayer, the game risks losing its traction for some players after the initial novelty wears off. Modding support could be a saving grace here. If the developers open the game to user-created content or plan regular updates, the game could evolve into a long-term staple in the drifting subgenre.
Final Thoughts
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a stylish and heartfelt homage to Japanese car culture and the art of drifting. With tight driving mechanics, an atmospheric world, and enough customisation to make any car fan happy, it provides an engaging single-player experience that’s both accessible and rewarding. While it falls short in a few areas, most notably the absence of multiplayer and occasional visual hiccups, the overall package is compelling. Especially for fans of games like Initial D, CarX Drift Racing, or Need for Speed Underground.
If you’re looking to lose yourself in the smoky trails of a mountain pass with a custom-tuned ride and a lo-fi beat in the background, JDM: Japanese Drift Master might just be the ride you’ve been waiting for.
JDM: Japanese Drift Master receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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