: It captures the "Arcade Stage 4" experience accurately, featuring 3D cutscenes and voiced character dialogue from the original anime cast.
: Faithful recreation of the Arcade Stage 4 engine and characters.
: Almost every reviewer agrees that playing with a standard DualShock controller is extremely difficult, often feeling like "driving on ice". A racing wheel (like the Logitech G25) is highly recommended to make the drifting mechanics manageable.
: Career mode (Legend of the Streets) can feel repetitive.
: Very "slippery" on controllers; lack of D-pad support for steering.
: The graphics are noted for being very "shiny" and "glossy" for an early PS3 title. The soundtrack is a standout feature, packed with high-energy Eurobeat tracks taken directly from the anime.
Check out these reviews and gameplay videos to see the drifting mechanics and visuals in action: Initial D Extreme Stage Review-Playstation 3 YouTube · Game Escape Initial d EXTREME STAGE (PS3) REVIEW! YouTube · /home/gligar13
: Many fans were disappointed by the removal of features found in previous console games like Initial D Special Stage (PS2). It lacks a traditional "Story Mode" and features a relatively small selection of tracks (7 courses total). Pros and Cons Pros Cons