Launched in late 2007 Sega Joypolis in Odaiba, Japan released the coolest racing game ever, the Sega Initial D Stage 4 Limited Arcade game. It is a driving simulator for the ultimate drift fan, based on the Initial D cartoons and makes use of three mounted cars on a moving platform.
The three mounted cars are exact replicas from the actual show; a panda coloured
Toyota Trueno GT-APEX (AE86), a sonic blue
Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version V Type R (GC8), and a yellow
Mazda RX-7 Type R (FD3S).
The tracks of the game actually exists in real roads in Japan - Lake Akina, Mt. Akina Gutters, Irohazaka's winding hairpins, Akagi- 5 S-turns, Myogi- Grande curve or Mount Tsukuba's winding roads. But not only the track layout are similar, but thanks to this simulator it also feels like them with the feedback of moving platform and steering wheel. It is said to be violent as in real life, and you will feel the car drifting and responding as real as if you where in a real car, on a real road. All this said, regretfully the handbrake, gearbox and dashboard are unresponsive.
So if you are going to Japan, do yourself a favour and go to Sega Joypolis and play this great arcade game. Day tickets including admission and unlimited attraction ride are 3500 yen (about €35) and are cheaper if you purchase them after 5pm at 2500 yen (€25).