GameSpotting

Ricardo Torres
Associate Previews Editor

Recent Favorites: Panzer Dragoon Orta, Phantasy Star Online Episode 1&2, Lowrider, Monster Rancher Advance 2
Most Wanted: Skies of Arcadia Legends, Dark Cloud 2, Fable, Phantasy Star Online Episode 1&2, Brute Force, Primal

Lowriding: Japan Does One Right for La Raza

Oh, Japan, is there anything you can't do? Just when you think Japanese developers couldn't possibly surprise you with zany games anymore, some random team will bust out a gem that's both wacky and playable. Such is the case with developer PCCW Japan and its recently released Lowrider for the PlayStation 2--a lowriding sim that distills the essence of the car-customizing sport into an addictive rhythm action game.

screenshot
Lowriding is all about wowing the masses.
Lowrider first hit my radar at this past Tokyo Game Show when Jeff returned from his roaming of the show floor with insane tales of seeing a Japanese rap group, a tricked-out lowrider, and a PlayStation 2 game based on the time-honored hobby. Personally, I thought he'd snapped. Traveling to Japan always messes with your head for a day or so until you get accustomed to the time difference, and I was sure he just needed a rice bowl and a nap. Still, as a Chicano and former attendee to many a car show, I was duty-bound to get to the bottom of Jeff's wild tales.

screenshot
Who needs Transformers when you can do this?
It was a very surreal experience to come up to PCCW's booth and be greeted by the oddly comforting twinkle of glittery paint and chrome coming off the lowrider that was prominently displayed. After trying my hand at the playable demo I knew I'd be making sure we covered the import. When you think of how horribly wrong a game based on lowriding could have gone, Lowrider really dodged a bullet.

screenshot
Behold the power of hydraulics.
It's surprising how well the sport of lowriding is suited to the rhythm game format. In some ways Lowrider is the kind of game that could only come out of Japan, since Japanese developers have the market cornered on the goofy sim. There's also a weird purity when games out of Japan make use of imagery that would likely be considered borderline here. There's a healthy dose of Latin folk peppered throughout the game, who, thankfully, are done in an art style reminiscent of the popular Homies toys. I haven't seen anything horribly stereotypical in the game, which is a welcome thing after years of seeing some cringe-worthy appearances by people of color in games. Granted, my knowledge of Japanese isn't good enough to discern whether or not the dialogue is cringe-free or of the "Yo ese was sappening?" variety, but I'd like to give the game the benefit of the doubt. Lowrider just seems to be about good-natured wacky Japanese fun, which just never gets old.

Now I'd love to wrap things up by definitively saying that Lowrider will be coming to the States, but, as of this writing, it hasn't been confirmed. PCCW is the parent company of Jaleco Entertainment USA, so technically Jaleco could bring the game out here. From the sounds of it, though, the game is just one of several that the publisher is evaluating for US release, which troubles me--Lowrider has all the hallmarks of one of those eccentric Japanese games that never make it out here. But here's hoping Lowrider beats the odds and makes it out to these shores. I doubt we'll ever see a home-brewed game based on the sport, so this is the best chance to bring the magic of lowriding to the masses. So, to Jaleco I say, "Horale pues!" Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to earn enough cash to get a new paint job for my ride.

« Previous PageNext: Simple Pleasures »