Initial Drift Online
Last updated: 2026-02-15
- Enjoyable and solid gameplay experience
- Variety of cars and customization options
- Fun multiplayer and drifting mechanics
- Poor collision and unrealistic physics
- Frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes
- Game feels unfinished and unstable
Emotions
Players are primarily frustrated with the game's handling and braking mechanics, which are described as poor and unrealistic. Additionally, there are significant issues with server connectivity, including frequent disconnections and difficulties joining servers. Controller compatibility and camera issues further exacerbate the frustration, making the game feel unplayable at times.
Disappointment stems from the game's poor quality and unfinished textures, which give it a dated appearance. The drifting mechanics and overall gameplay experience do not meet expectations, and the lack of a single-player mode or story mode is a significant letdown. Players also express disappointment with the game's physics and controls, which feel unbalanced and unrealistic.
Enjoyment comes from the fun gameplay and drifting mechanics, which are rewarding once players learn and fix initial issues. The variety of maps and the ability to customize cars add to the enjoyment. Despite bugs, the game is fun and evokes the spirit of Japanese drifting.
Anger is primarily caused by the presence of bugs and poor game quality, leading to a feeling of being scammed. Server issues, including bans and disconnections, further fuel this anger. Players are also angry about the poor driving physics and the game's overall performance.
Satisfaction arises from the game's realistic physics and effective braking and drifting mechanics. Players appreciate the small details and simplicity of the game, finding it worth the price. Despite bugs, the overall positive experience and the game's quality contribute to satisfaction.
Verdict
Mostly negative
Summary
Positive 38% Ā· Negative 62%. Score: 62 / 100
Verdict
Predatory Monetization
Summary
The game has significant issues related to its monetization strategies. Players feel that the game is pay-to-win, with real money providing substantial advantages. Additionally, a large portion of the content is locked behind DLC and microtransactions, leading to a perception of the game being a cash grab. These factors severely impact the user experience and suggest a focus on monetization over gameplay quality. Score: 90 / 100
Top points
- Pay-to-Win - High
- DLC and Microtransactions - High
- Cash Grab - High
Verdict
Tinkering Required
Summary
The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with controller support, menu navigation, and gameplay sensitivity. Many users report that controllers do not work properly, forcing them to use alternative methods to navigate menus and play the game. Additionally, the controls are noted to be overly sensitive, making the gameplay experience less enjoyable. Various bugs and technical issues further disrupt the user experience. The lack of an offline mode is also a notable limitation. These issues collectively indicate a need for substantial improvements to enhance the overall user experience. Score: 55 / 100
Top points
- Controller Support Issues - High
- Menu Navigation Problems - High
- Gameplay and Control Sensitivity - Medium
- Bugs and Technical Issues - High
- Lack of Offline Mode - Medium
Positives:
- Many players express that the game is enjoyable, well-made, and entertaining. It is often described as a great game with potential and beautiful design.
- The game includes a variety of cars that are easy to acquire and modify, featuring both mythical and modern vehicles.
- The drifting mechanics are highlighted as a strong point, with players finding them enjoyable, smooth, and beautiful once mastered.
- Players find the game fun to play, especially with friends, making it an enjoyable social experience.
- The gameplay is described as solid, interesting, and skill-based. Players appreciate the smooth running and detailed tips provided.
Negatives:
- The game's collision mechanics are widely criticized for being unrealistic, overly dramatic, and buggy. Players report issues with car and player collisions, making the physics feel uneven and problematic.
- Many players describe the game as raw, underdeveloped, and full of bugs. It is often considered far from being in a beta state and poorly made.
- The game is reported to have numerous bugs that can be annoying and disruptive. These bugs are found in various aspects of the game, including the roads.
- Players are often kicked from servers and lobbies, sometimes as frequently as every 10 seconds. This issue forces players to repeatedly rejoin servers.
- A significant number of players express a strongly negative opinion about the game, describing it as trash, junk, and not fun to play. Some even consider it the worst racing game.
Gameplay:
- The game heavily focuses on drifting mechanics, with players frequently mentioning excessive drifting and the game being a drift simulator. The physics and handling of cars are designed to facilitate drifting, making it a core aspect of the gameplay.
- The game provides a wide range of car customization and tuning options. Players can adjust various settings and purchase different skills to enhance their cars, allowing for a personalized and optimized driving experience.
- Players have noted that the controls are difficult and require customization. The game offers customizable control settings, including keyboard controls and steering sensitivity settings, which need to be tweaked to match the player's style and the game's physics.
- The game features realistic physics and handling mechanics, which include collision and manual gear mechanics. Players need to spend time tweaking their car settings to achieve the desired handling and performance.
- The game offers an arcade-style racing experience with casual driving gameplay and arcade physics. It includes racing on various maps and features an indie racing title feel, appealing to players who enjoy less realistic, more accessible racing games.
Performance:
- Players experience repeated disconnections from servers, often within seconds of joining. This issue is widespread and severely impacts gameplay.
- Players frequently encounter game crashes, including issues with game restarting, freezing, and general instability.
- The game is reported to be buggy and glitchy, with various issues affecting gameplay, including visual glitches and collision bugs.
- The game's graphics are often criticized for being outdated or serviceable rather than cutting-edge. Some players mention the graphics feel like they are from the 90s.
- There are mixed reviews about the game's optimization. Some players report good optimization, while others find it lacking.
Recommendations:
- The game is highly recommended for those who enjoy drifting and are car enthusiasts. It offers a great experience for fans of motorsport and drifting, as well as those who want to learn drifting.
- The game is considered a good value if it is free or available at a very low cost. Many players suggest getting it only if it's free.
- The game is seen as having potential and being good overall. It offers an interesting gameplay experience with variety.
- Players recommend trying the game with a new controller for a better experience. Manual transmission controls are preferred over automatic.
- Despite some bugs, the game is recommended for a good experience. Players suggest ignoring the haters and focusing on the enjoyable aspects.
Miscellaneous:
- Players have expressed a desire for the addition of a friend system in the game. This feature would likely enhance the social aspects and multiplayer experience.
- There are mentions of the game being played or compatible with the Steam Deck. This indicates interest in the game's performance on this platform.
- Feedback regarding the settings menu, possibly indicating issues or suggestions for improvement. This could relate to usability or specific settings options.
