If you’re a fan of arcade racing thrills and the deep mechanics of sim culture, then JDM: Japanese Drift Master might just be your new obsession. Whether you’re sliding in on a controller or strapped into a full sim rig, this game has the sauce — and it’s built by a tiny, passionate team that seriously knows their drift stuff.
JDM masterfully balances accessible arcade drifting with sim-level depth. Newcomers can start throwing down slides within minutes, while dedicated gearheads can immerse themselves in fine-tuning camber angles, suspension setups, and tire pressures. There’s real depth here, and it rewards players willing to dig in.
These mechanics aren’t just shown through dry menus or generic sandbox structure, either – JDM features a surprisingly heartfelt slice-of-life anime story told through stylish manga panels. You take on the role of a Polish drifter chasing his dreams in Japan, sushi runs, rivalries, and touge showdowns included. It’s Initial D meets Persona in the best way.
From the moment you launch the game, the care and dedication of the development team is evident. Built on a custom in-house engine and featuring real car audio recordings, the game feels handcrafted — because it is. And it shows in every drift, every neon-soaked night drive, and every screech of the tires.
The customization system is equally as impressive. With over 25 cars inspired by JDM legends – think Skylines, Civics, and Silvias – the tuning potential is wild. Want to soup up a 70HP delivery truck into a record-setting drift beast? You can. And someone did. (Respect, Barl.)
What really sets JDM apart is its commitment to rewarding skill. This isn’t a hand-holding racer, but it never feels unfair. Learning drift mechanics feels like learning a new martial art – challenging at first, but mastering every technique feels like a genuine accomplishment. One moment you’re spinning out; next thing you know, you’re linking 360s like a boss.
A quick heads up: players using the Thrustmaster T300RS wheel may want to hold off or use an alternate input, as it is not currently supported. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for support to be added in future updates.
Bottom Line?
Having played earlier demos of JDM, I’m now 16+ hours in to the full release, and I still want more. This game is a real love letter to car culture, with indie heart, anime charm, and legit gameplay depth. There’s room for everyone, whether you’re cruising neon touge routes or chasing leaderboard glory.
While its simulator side has some room for improvement, I think it’s still great for what it is, and the game has overall come a long way since its early days. Highly recommended for anyone who dreams of drifting Mt. Akina IRL.
Score: 92/100 (and climbing!)
A review key was provided by 4Divinity. Wishlist or buy JDM: Japanese Drift Master on Steam, and top up your Steam wallets on Codashop for extra bonuses.
