Genre: Racing
Developer: Genki Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Imagineer Co., Ltd.
Year: 1997
Platform: Sega Saturn
“Shutokou Battle ’97: Drift King” is a racing game for the Sega Saturn and part of Genki’s long-running Shutokou Battle series. The game focuses on street racing along Tokyo’s Shuto Expressway, featuring high-speed duels against rival drivers. It continues the series’ emphasis on realistic driving physics and car handling while also incorporating elements of tuning and vehicle customization.
The Saturn version introduces a range of licensed Japanese cars, including models from manufacturers such as Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda. Players can adjust their vehicles to improve performance, handling, and top speed, which is essential when facing tougher opponents in head-to-head battles. The goal is to challenge rivals one by one, progressing through increasingly difficult encounters to earn prestige on the highway.
Races take place primarily at night on the expressway, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the real-life Japanese street racing culture of the 1990s. The game also emphasizes drift mechanics, which were a growing trend at the time. This version includes refinements compared to earlier entries, with smoother controls and improved track layouts that make better use of the Saturn’s hardware capabilities.
