** ************************************* **
** Initial D: Arcade Stage Version 3 FAQ **
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** Written By: MajinGoten **
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** Version: 1.1 **
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** Table Of Contents **
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1. Introduction
2. Game Basics
2.1 Legend Of The Streets
2.1.1 Myogi
2.1.2 Usui
2.1.3 Akagi
2.1.4 Akina
2.1.5 Irohazaka
2.1.6 Akina Snow
2.1.7 Happogahara
2.1.8 Shomaru
2.1.9 Tsuchisaka
2.1.10 Bosses
2.2 Time Attack
2.3 Bunta Challenge
2.3.1 Myogi
2.3.2 Usui
2.3.3 Akagi
2.3.4 Akina
2.3.4.1: Akina Snow
2.3.5 Irohazaka
2.3.6 Happogahara
2.3.7 Shomaru
2.3.8 Tsuchisaka
3. Information
3.1 Cars
3.1.1 Toyota
3.1.1.1 Trueno GT-APEX [AE86]
3.1.1.2 Levin GT-APEX [AE86]
3.1.1.3 MR-2 [SW20]
3.1.1.4 MR-s Limited [ZZW30]
3.1.1.5 Altezza RS-2000 [SXE10]
3.1.1.6 Levin SR [AE85]
3.1.1.7 Celica GT-4 [ST205]
3.1.2 Honda
3.1.2.1 Civic Type-R [EK9]
3.1.2.2 S2000 [AP1]
3.1.2.3 Integra Type-R [DC2]
3.1.2.4 Civic SiR II [EG6]
3.1.3 Mazda
3.1.3.1 RX-7 Type R [FD3SI]
3.1.3.2 RX-7 Efini III [FC3S]
3.1.3.3 Roadster RS [NB8C]
3.1.3.4 Roadster S Special [NA6C]
3.1.3.5 RX-7 Spirit R [FD3SV]
3.1.3.6 RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
3.1.4 Mitsubishi
3.1.4.1 Lancer Evolution III [CE9A]
3.1.4.2 Lancer Evolution IV [CN9A]
3.1.4.3 Lancer Evolution V [CP9A]
3.1.4.4 Lancer Evolution VI [CP9A]
3.1.4.5 Lancer Evolution VII [CT9A]
3.1.5 Nissan
3.1.5.1 Skyline GT-R V-Spec [BNR32]
3.1.5.2 Skyline GT-R V-spec II [BNR34]
3.1.5.3 Silvia K's [S-13]
3.1.5.4 Silvia K's [S-14]
3.1.5.5 Silvia Spec-R [S-15]
3.1.5.6 180SX [RPS13]
3.1.5.7 Sileighty [RPS13K]
3.1.5.8 Silvia Q's [S-14Q]
3.1.5.9 Skyline GT-25 Turbo [ER34]
3.1.6 Subaru
3.1.6.1 Impreza WRX STi [GC8]
3.1.6.2 Impreza WRX STi [GDB]
3.1.6.3 Impreza WRX STi Ver. V Type R [GC8V]
3.1.7 Suzuki
3.1.7.1 Cappuccino [EA11R]
3.2 Techniques
3.2.1 Feint Turning
3.2.2 5-In-4 Out
3.2.3 Eraser
3.2.4 Machine Gun Shifting
3.2.5 Putting it all together
3.3 Overall Rankings
Sub-Section 3.3 English Rankings
3.3.1 Dry
3.3.2 Wet
3.3.3 Snow
3.3.4 Start-Up
3.4 Courses
3.4.1 Myogi
3.4.2 Usui
3.4.3 Akagi
3.4.4 Akina
3.4.5 Irohazaka
3.4.6 Akina Snow
3.4.7 Happogahara
3.4.8 Shomaru
3.4.9 Tsuchisaka
3.5 Anatomy of A Corner
3.6 Translation Changes
4. Game Mechanics
4.1 Battle Races
4.2 Racer Level
4.3 Online Rankings
4.4 Misc.
5. Closing
6. Legal and Contact Information
7. Updates
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** Section 1: Introduction **
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This FAQ was written in hopes of reducing the amount
of repeat topics that plague our wholesome message board.
It also serves the purpose of bringing together the commonly
sought after information for the populous. While to say that
this guide will rid the board of all such requests for the
information provided here is naive, it is a hope that it
will reduce the vast amount we have.
This FAQ covers Initial D: Arcade Stage Version 3
and that alone. I will not discuss the anime or manga. I
will not rant about my hatred of Tokyo Pop anywhere but here.
I will not provide information about Versions 1 and 2; the
single point of discussion will be Initial D: Arcade Stage
Version 3.
************************************************************
** Section 2: Game Basics **
************************************************************
This section will cover the basics of the game, from
proper turning to gear control. I will start from the
beginning of choosing a car to starting your Initial D
career.
-- Choosing a Car --
This is one of the most commonly asked (and
retaliated against) questions. People ask which car they
should choose, and to be blunt there is no easy answer.
Many will say to choose a car you like, not one for
its ranking. However, it is not always that simple.
There are people like myself who had no interest in cars
prior to playing this game, thus we have no ‘car we like.’
To be honest, it is best to follow your gut instinct on
this. If you feel you need or want a high ranked car, go
for it. If a challenge is what you seek, do that. Overall,
though, no one but you can choose your car for you; it's
your decision and yours alone.
-- How to Play --
Playing Initial D is a very logical process and require
s more thought and action than simply turning without
thinking. You must approach corners and tracks with
more than just gung ho gamut. In this section I will
provide you with 3 basics functions that I personally
believe is the main prospect of Initial D.
The first is Braking.
In my personal experience, people seem to forget they
have a brake pedal. Taking your foot off the gas will not
get you through the later, or earlier for that matter, parts of the game.
The second is gear control.
Learn your shift points and the corresponding gears. If
you drop out of a power band, downshift. Try not to over rev and
keep your acceleration at max.
The final and most important is L-I-N-E.
Keep to a distinct LINE. Follow the shortest/best possible,
don’t just jump blindly into a turn.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1: Legend of the Streets **
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Legend of the Streets is the games ‘basic’ mode and
is what most people begin on. It gives the new player an
opportunity to get a feel for each course in a
non-competitive environment.
For the majority of this section, I will assume that you are
playing through Legend Of The Streets, hereby known as LotS,
in sequential order.
Please note that I will not be giving detailed descriptions of
how to tackle each course, that will come in section 3.4.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.1: Myogi **
************************************************************
The first course on your trip through LotS. It has a
few challenging opponents for the new player and can prove
to be quite a frustrating experience.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- Itsuki --
--------------------------
Car: Levin-SR [AE85]
Difficulty: Easy
Advice: Itsuki is easy and his car is nothing to be afraid of
either. He may take the lead off the line, but don't worry;
even a stock cappuccino can pass him easily. He'll stick
to a semi middle-inside line, stay close to the inside from
the beginning and try to cover as little track as
possible. After a few corners, you will come to a long
left hand corner, followed by a huge right with a guardrail
overlooking nothing but open air. This is the infamous
‘Grande Curve.’ For every car but the Suzuki Cappuccino
head out to the left and turn in early; you can keep your
foot on the gas the whole way through, especially on your
first lap. Keep the gas down and you'll come out ahead.
--------------------------
-- Kenji --
--------------------------
Car: 180SX [RPS13]
Difficulty: Easy
Advice: Not much different than Itsuki, keep going hard and
you'll win.
--------------------------
-- Shingo --
--------------------------
Car: Civic SiR II [EG6]
Difficulty: Low-Medium
Advice: Shingo will charge you hard on the straights. The
key for victory here is the corners, namely the Grande Curve.
Clear all of the corners clean and you'll be fine. If
he starts to close the gap on the long straights, don’t fret;
you'll make up any lost distance in the next corners,
granted you clear them.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.2: Usui **
************************************************************
Your second stop of your LotS adventure. This time
we have three major turns and less of a passing area. The key to
victory here is the same as it will be for the remainder of
the game, keeping your line and passing the corners clean.
Concentrate on driving clean, not fast.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- Tooru Suetsugi --
--------------------------
Car: Roadster S Special [NA6C]
Difficulty: Easy
Advice: Take this and the next race to familiarize yourself
with Usui. Tooru isn't anything to be afraid of, just keep yourself
at a safe yet constant pace. Try to place landmarks in your
head about where to brake and turn.
--------------------------
-- Kawai Atsurou --
--------------------------
Car: Skyline GT-25 Turbo [ER34]
Difficulty: Easy
Advice: Again, slow and steady wins here. Avoid any and all
wall contacts. Now is the time to memorize the phrase
"straights are enemies, corners are friends".
--------------------------
-- Mako and Sayuki --
--------------------------
Car: Sileighty [RPS13K]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: This is likely the first time you'll have to worry
about losing, as Mako and Sayuki will push you hard in both
the straights and corners. Your best bet is to just drive
your own line and rhythm. Don't try to copy theirs, develop
your own, for it will ultimately prove more valuable.
To clear the corners, you'll need to brake, downshifting
will prove almost necessary at this point. Again, L-I-N-E.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.3: Akagi **
************************************************************
Akagi can prove to be handful to new drivers. Kenta
and his rain race will more than prove difficult at first
and Keisuke can prove annoying with his erratic behavior.
Akagi will do nothing more than introduce you to your first
‘real’ course.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- 2 Guys from Tokyo --
--------------------------
Car: Silvia Spec-R [S-15]
Difficulty: Easy
Advice: Like Tooru on Usui, use this race to get a look at
your new stomping grounds. They may pull away from you at
times but, again, clean corners make a clean win. Fourth Gear
will be you knight in shining armor here, as you'll be
downshifting for almost every corner. The only part to
worry about here is the 'V' turn that comes
right at the end of the 2nd section. You'll probably want to
use third gear here, plus heavy braking will be helpful.
--------------------------
-- Kenta --
--------------------------
Car: Silvia Q's [S-14Q]
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Advice: If your playing through LotS in the presented order
then this will be your first rain race. It will also be
the downhill run, opposite of your last race. In the rain
your car will slide a LOT more than normal. Having a 4WD
will reduce the increased slide but it will still take a
good deal of skill to come out ahead here. Kenta WILL clear
the corners clean, something that most new players will be
unable to accomplish. However, his acceleration is nothing
to fear, so stray away from major wall hits and your
acceleration will be more than enough to come out ahead.
--------------------------
-- Keisuke Takahashi --
--------------------------
Car: RX-7 Type R [FD3SI]
Difficulty: Hard
Advice: Keisuke will pull ahead at the start. He's
relatively fast during the first section, he however
slows down after you exit the S curves and enter section
2. Pass him here and try to gain as much ground as possible before
section 3. If he overtakes you after the ‘V’ turn, don't
fret; he once again slows down afterwards. If you can't
lead him until the finish he can be overtaken once again
during the final four corners. Keep trying and he'll eventually fall.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.4: Akina **
************************************************************
Akina will be very troublesome to new players. It is
by far the most technical course in the game and pulling off
victories here will prove difficult and challenging. The
overall key to winning is following your LINE (I just can’t
stress its importance enough). Akina is the
epitome of line over speed. Also, don't worry about that
fifth black space, you'll find out who that is soon enough.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- Koichiro Iketani --
--------------------------
Car: Silvia K's [S-13]
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Advice: Use this race to get to know Akina. Getting a feel
for the course's rhythm of corners and its overall pace
will be invaluable information for the upcoming races.
Iketani won't put up much of a fight if you stay off the
walls.
--------------------------
-- Nakazato Takeshi --
--------------------------
Car: Skyline GT-R V-Spec [BNR32]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Takeshi will give you a little more of a challenge than
Iketani. The main point of this race is to refine the lines
and rhythm you should have found in the previous race. Keep
concentrating on memorizing the course, you will need it
very soon.
--------------------------
-- Sudoh Kyoichi --
--------------------------
Car: Lancer Evolution III [CE9A]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Kyoichi will pull ahead quickly and push his car
hard. This race is uphill, so while the rhythm feels the
same it is actually different. The main aspect of success
on Akina Uphill is to turn early. If you try turning when
it appears to be correct to your naked eye, it will be too late.
--------------------------
-- Takahashi Ryosuke --
--------------------------
Car: RX-7 Efini III [FC3S]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Ryosuke is challenging, he turns fast and his FC
is no slouch on the straights. Once again the key to
winning lies in your LINE.
--------------------------
-- Fujiwara Takumi --
--------------------------
Car: Trueno GT-APEX [AE86]
Difficulty: Hard
Advice: This will be your first test of skill. Takumi's car
isn't the best when it comes to raw power, but his cornering
ability is scary at this point. The only way to come out ahead here
is to beat him at his own game, turning. If he leads from the
beginning don't worry, Akina has many points to pass on. If
you lose the first time (or second, or third…), just keep going for it.
He will fall eventually.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.5: Irohazaka **
************************************************************
When you first see this course the only thing on your
mind might be "OMGWTFDIE!". Yeah, well, it kind of is. You
luck out on this one though, with only 3 opponents and only
one to fear, meaning Irohazaka can be conquered easily.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- Iwaki Seiji --
--------------------------
Car: Lancer Evolution IV [CN9A]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: By now you should know, the first opponent should be
used to learn the course. Seiji is preety weak to be honest,
if you just use your old friend the brake, he can be beaten
with minimal effort.
--------------------------
-- Sudoh Kyoichi --
--------------------------
Car: Lancer Evolution III [CE9A]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Sudoh will be similar to how he was on Akina. You
should try to get a large lead prior to section 3, as this
will be vital in your next race. It can't hurt to practice
winning strategies right? You also try to take the jumps
and/or learn where they are for next race.
--------------------------
-- Kogashiwa Kai --
--------------------------
Car: MR-2 [SW20]
Difficulty: Hard
Advice: Like Takumi, Kai will be a test of your prowess. He is
not someone to be taken lightly. You will more than likely be
trailing through section 1, but try your hardest to gain a
humongous lead in section 2. When you enter section 3 and
reach the jumps, be prepared for him to either close the gap
or zoom ahead of you; Kai takes the jumps, and he takes them
FAST. The best counter to this is to do them yourself.
NOTE: Don't know about the jumps? See section 3.2, Techniques,
for how to take them and Section 3.4.5, Irohazaka Downhill,
to find out where they are!
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.6: Akina Snow **
************************************************************
Woo! The first new course of Version 3. If you hated
the rain battle with Kenta, then you will despise racing
Miki here.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- Miki --
--------------------------
Car: Celica GT-4 [ST205]
Difficulty: Varies
Advice: Racing Miki is a truly unpredictable race. If you
handled the rain OK and know Akina to a decent extent then
Miki will drop fast. If you struggled on either or both of
those prior races you may find yourself stuck here for
a while. Just remember, on hairpins the brake is your friend
and accelerator is your enemy.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.7: Happogahara **
************************************************************
Happo can be confusing and annoying. Almost everything
looks the same on this damn course, so remembering where the
tough hairpins are will be a nightmare to inexperienced
eyes. However, there is only one opponent to seriously worry
about here, Tomoyuki Tachi.
--------------------------
-- Ninomiya Daiki --
--------------------------
Car: Civic Type-R [EK9]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: If you've got a good idea on how your car handles by
now, Daiki is nothing to fear. Just keep a steady, calm
pace. Happogahara is confusing at first, no doubt, but it
has many passing opportunities. The only point at which you
should worry here is the snake curves. On the Outbound run,
the one you race Daiki on, they come up near the end of
Section 2. Using 3rd gear on these curves is recommended here.
--------------------------
-- Smily Sakai --
--------------------------
Car: Integra Type-R [DC2]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Like Daiki, beating Sakai entails that you and your
car are starting to act as one. This run follows the Inbound
route, opposite of your last race. The key point to this is
the same however, the snake curves. They will appear at the
start of section 3 this time, after a long straight. Again,
third gear is your friend.
--------------------------
-- Tomoyuki Tachi --
--------------------------
Car: Civic Type-R [EK9]
Difficulty: Hard
Advice: Once again, the last opponent of the course will prove
a threat. Tomoyuki is fast just about everywhere on this course
and he is incredibly fast through the snake
curves. Inching out a victory here will be a challenge.
Taking a large lead during section 2 will help against the
amazing speed at which he takes the snake hairpins, though
he wont slow down much during section 3. If you’re passed, use
section 4 to your advantage, as he is somewhat slow there.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.8: Shomaru **
************************************************************
To put it bluntly, Shomaru is everything you could
possibly hate about Happogahara multiplied by several hundred.
An incredibly small track with more similarity in landscape
than any other course, Shomaru is evil ><.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- Nobuhiko Akiyama --
--------------------------
Car: Altezza RS-2000 [SXE10]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Pass him as soon as possible - this will be your goal
for every race on Shomaru. If you can get out in front then
you can easily block your opponent all the way to the finish
line. For the most part Nobuhiko is pretty slow, passing him is
more a patience game than anything, just try your hardest to
avoid the walls. It might be easier at this point in the
game to stay in fourth and use Accelerate off for the corners.
--------------------------
-- Sakamoto --
--------------------------
Car: Cappuccino [EA11R]
Difficulty: Hard
Advice: Didn't like racing Kenta or Miki? I'm sorry, you have
one more rain race to finish before it's all over. You will
race Sakamoto in the opposite direction that you raced
Nobuhiko so try to remember your last race, only reverse.
Again, pass him as soon as possible. Even if you hit a lot
of walls afterwards, keep blocking him and victory is almost guaranteed.
--------------------------
-- Wataru Akiyama --
--------------------------
Car: Levin GT-APEX [AE86]
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Advice: Like the prior races, passing is essential. However,
Wataru makes that a little harder here. He's quick and has a
decent blocking AI, but if you manage to get ahead of him then
he's finished. If you find yourself unable to see while
trailing right behind him, slow down a little. It's not
worth losing a lot of speed by diving into a corner blind.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.9: Tsuchisaka **
************************************************************
Finally, we near the end. Four standard opponents stand
between you and the final three, then it's all over. Tsuchisaka
was added to Version 3 with Shomaru and Akina Snow. I find it
is an incredibly fun track with an amazing rhythm that flows
perfectly with its fluid corners and powerful straights.
-- Opponents --
--------------------------
-- Kyoko --
--------------------------
Car: RX-7 Type R [FD3SI]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Kyoko will be surprisingly difficult if you mess up
even once. She has a powerful single turbo in her FD that
gives her monstrous acceleration on the straights, but by
now you should know that victory lies in the corners.
--------------------------
-- Takahashi Ryosuke --
--------------------------
Car: RX-7 Efini III [FC3S]
Difficulty: Medium
Advice: Ryosuke's back and he wants some vengeance for you
beating him at Akina. Again, he's fast both in and out of
the corners, so watch out for him. If he leads you through
the first section try not to worry about it, as there's
still plenty of track to win on later.
--------------------------
-- Man in Evo V --
--------------------------
Car: Lancer Evolution V [CP9A]
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Advice: This race is a lot like the one you had with Kyoko,
However there is a deadly twist to it now. During the first
section you will cross one bridge, and during the second
section there will be a second bridge. Normally the inside
line is ideal here, however the Evo drivers have placed
an oil slick there. Driving over the oil will cause your car
to slide, likely into a wall, so you’ll have to take the
outside line. Brake and turn early and let you car slide
through the outside. This is a long corner, so use you car’s
acceleration to its fullest.
--------------------------
-- Man in Evo VI --
--------------------------
Car: Lancer Evolution V [CP9A]
Difficulty: Medium To Hard
Advice: Again, very similar to your race with Ryosuke. And
again there is that damn oil slick. This time, however, it
will be near the end of the race, on the first bridge this
time, right before section 3 ends. Keep an eye out for it,
remember to use the outside line there.
************************************************************
** Section 2.1.10: Bosses **
************************************************************
So you've gone and defeated everyone on every
course and yet there is still more to do? Yup, after beating
every opponent on every track, you will unlock the first of
three bosses. Beat the first and you can race the second,
beat him and guess what? You can race the third. Amazing,
isn't it?
-- Boss #1 --
--------------------------
-- Keisuke Takahashi --
--------------------------
Car: RX-7 Type R [FD3SI]
Course: Tsuchisaka
Difficulty: Hard
Advice: Keisuke is back and he's driving Kyoko's FD. He's
learned quite a bit since your last race with him back on
Akagi, so watch out. Like his older brother Ryosuke, he is
fast in the straights and corners. He doesn't seem to slow
down on any one particular part of this course, either. Once
again, a steady pace will prove more vital than rushing
things with a large margin of error. Also, keep in mind that
the oil slick is still there.
-- Boss #2 --
--------------------------
-- Fujiwara Takumi --
--------------------------
Car: Trueno GT-APEX [AE86]
Course: Tsuchisaka
Difficulty: Hard
Advice: Arrrgh! As if he wasn't hard enough on Akina he has to
Come back and annoy us some more!? Well, there’s only one thing
to do, beat him. He's pretty quick throughout section 1, and will
get some odd speed boost as you enter the tunnel in section
2. If you’re leading there, just hope he doesn't catch you. Stay
off the walls and drive clean and you'll come out on top here.
Like the race with Keisuke, the oil is once again in place,
so when you come to the first bridge, use the outside line once
more. Beating Takumi here will net you a one-time free race
against your final opponent.
-- Final Race --
--------------------------
-- Fujiwara Bunta --
--------------------------
Car: Impreza WRX STi Ver. V Type R [GC8V]
Course: Akina
Difficulty: ...
Advice: If you haven't seen the anime or read the manga,
Bunta is Takumi's father, and, well, Takumi drives like a
sloth compared to Bunta. Bunta WILL pass you, as well as seem
to turn at unbelievable speeds and his car will seem to
accelerate like it was rocket powered. There is a way to
beat him though: line, braking and gear control. Bunta
follows a pretty clean line throughout the course, so to stay
one step ahead you'll need to take one equal in speed and
that allows you to pass him. The brakes are you friends here
in Akina, use them a lot. Stay off the walls at all costs
and avoid getting stuck behind that humongous rear Bunta's
car has. To keep your acceleration at peak performance,
control your shifting to a precise point and hit your shift
points as perfect as you can. It may take some time and
practice but you can beat him, so keep trying and he will
eventually fall.
-- Closing --
You did it! Legend of the Streets has fallen to your budding
Initial D skills. As you watch the credits roll, take a look
at yourself racing Bunta, it's cool ^^. When the game is
over and your card is spat out, you will have nine nice printed
marks, proof of your feat. However, you may notice you only
have 8 racer stars, yet you can get 10 from Legend of the
streets. How do you acquire the other two? You go through it
all again, twice. If you completely defeat Legend of the
streets three times you will acquire all 10 racer stars.
************************************************************
** Section 2.2: Time Attack **
************************************************************
Time Attack is the second option available to you
when playing Initial D. It pits you against the clock; you
run down any track and direction, rain or dry, and try to
set the fastest time. The only thing I'll say about this
is that you'll more than likely end up spending A LOT of time
here ><
************************************************************
** Section 2.3: Bunta Challenge **
************************************************************
AHHHH! He's back, and this time you get too choose
where he beats you -_^. The prospect of Bunta Challenge is
almost like a continuation of LotS. You race Bunta one-on-one on
all the courses. He has 15 ‘stars,’ or difficulty levels, for
each course and every time you defeat him, he gains a
star/goes faster next time.
There are 10 racer stars to be had here. They can be gained
by defeating Bunta 10 times on each track. It works in a
fashion in that if you beat Bunta once on every track, you
will gain one star. This can be done 10 times.
For the first six stars, Bunta will drive his old AE86, sans
the racing engine. After six stars, he swaps engines. For the
final four he uses his GC8V.
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.1: Bunta Challenge: Myogi **
************************************************************
Even though it's the wide, classic Myogi, Bunta will
prove to be a challenge here. Even the slightest of wall
taps or straying the tiniest bit off your line will prove
fatal here. Keep the accelerator floored at all times and
drive into each corner with guts and no fear.
Target time for 15 Stars: 2'55
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.2: Bunta Challenge: Usui **
************************************************************
Again, it's a simple course made hard by the best
driver known to man. Braking and downshifting will prove to
be too slow in the later stars, so at that point use the
eraser technique to keep up with this speed demon.
Target time for 15 stars: 2'51
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.3: Bunta Challenge: Akagi **
************************************************************
Akagi, a course complete with a good combination of
straights and corners. Bunta flows in sync with this course’s
rhythm. As he gets tougher you'll need to dig into your bag
of tricks to keep ahead. Proper use of the eraser and MGS
(Machine Gun Shifting) techniques will keep you one step
ahead here.
Target time for 15 stars: 2'22
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.4: Bunta Challenge: Akina **
************************************************************
Bunta's home course will prove to be a tough course
to defeat him on. He starts out a little slower than he was
in LotS, but quickly closes that gap and goes far beyond
what he was. Feint turning will be your savior here, master
it.
Target time for 10 stars: 3'02
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.4.1: Bunta Challenge: Akina Snow **
************************************************************
Some of you may have noticed the missing Akina
Snow from the Bunta Challenge course selection. To race
Bunta here, you first need to defeat him 10 times on Akina.
Then he’ll whip out his GC8V and race you in the snow, have fun.
Target time for 15 stars: 3'25
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.5: Bunta Challenge: Irohazaka **
************************************************************
Bunta is pretty quick here, so keeping an early and
strong lead will prove beneficial. The jumps will be key here
and mastering them will be almost necessary.
Target time for 15 stars: 2'58
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.6: Bunta Challenge: Happogahara **
************************************************************
For some odd reason Bunta seems somewhat slow here.
Keeping a good line and staying off the walls in pretty much
all that's needed here. Though it would be helpful overall to
you if you learn how to MGS the snake hairpins.
Target time for 15 stars: 2'24
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.7: Bunta Challenge: Shomaru **
************************************************************
Bunta is pretty tough here. Like the LotS opponents,
passing him is key. You can pull off a relatively cheap trick
for easy wins though. During the countdown, turn the wheel
almost completely left. When the race starts, you will slam
Bunta and if you shift properly, you should take the lead no
problem. Now you can just block until the finish line!
Target time for 15 stars: 3'03
************************************************************
** Section 2.3.8: Bunta Challenge: Tsuchisaka **
************************************************************
Bunta can prove a handful here but, not unlike the
prior courses, he can be defeated. Your best bet here is to
utilize almost every technique. Eraser, 5-in-4-out, MGS,
feint, everything. Tsuchisaka has the corners to perform
just about all of it.
Target time for 15 stars: 2'40
************************************************************
** Section 3: Information **
************************************************************
Section 3: Information
Ahhh, the bulk of the FAQ. This section will contain,
or try to anyways, answers to any possible question(s) one
could have about anything technical, from the car rankings
to a small summary on how they drive to an in-depth
course examination to covering every technique. Of course,
the rankings for Dry, Wet, and Snow are also here.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1: Cars **
************************************************************
This section will contain all information pertaining
to the cars. Every car in the game is covered and hopefully
will eventually all have a small review for it. Specific tune
and part information will NOT be provided on the grounds that to
actually benefit from the changes they make you already have
to posses great skill and can probably infer better than
being told. They also won’t be provided because it's a very
expensive process to get a car just to see its tune. I
apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Special parts, such as racing engines and turbos will be noted.
The ‘Best Course’ portion refers to the course in
which the car is closest to the world records.
‘World Record’ refers to the world record on the
‘Best Course’ with that specific car.
You may notice the lack of the last shifting point on the shift
points list. This is because the point for moving into your final
gear changes from course to course. This information may be
provided in the ‘courses, a second look’ section in future
FAQ versions. For the time being, experiment and find what
works for you.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1: Toyota **
************************************************************
Section 3.1.1: Toyota
Old reliable Toyota. The majority of their cars are
more on the drifty side than the grip, thought the
Celia GT-4 [ST205] is a 4WD, has a lot of grip.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1.1: Trueno GT-APEX [AE86] **
************************************************************
Takumi's infamous ‘Hachi-Roku (Japanese
for ‘8-6’).’
Dry Ranking: 7
Wet Ranking: 22
Snow Ranking: 13
Best Course: Akina
World Record: 2'55"709
Gears: 5
Special Parts: A, B, and C Tune receive a special racing
engine at 120,000 points. D Tune receives a Turbocharger at
120,000 points.
Shift Points: 5000-->5500-->6000
Shift Points after engine swap: 8000-->9000-->10500
Drive train: FR
Review (As written by Asaki Rakesu):
AE86 Trueno
Strictly speaking for non-Akina courses, the AE86 Trueno has
a very strong fourth gear followed by an above average fifth gear
strength; however, its first three gears are horrible. The car
is pretty much drift-happy and usually does so at your
whim (or poor handling techniques).
It does possess unusual strength on Akina
(in all conditions, snow included): extra strength to gears
4 and 5.
On other courses, the car is somewhat drifty and relies on
its gear 4 and 5 power to pull away or catch up.
Like the AE85, this car has problems on Tsuchizaka as it
has a tendency to slide before and after turns so beware of
this ‘unexpected’ characteristic on dry grounds there.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1.2: Levin GT-APEX [AE86] **
************************************************************
Wataru's car. I'll be blunt, I know NOTHING about this car.
Dry Ranking: 33
Wet Ranking: 32
Snow Ranking: 33
Best Course: Akagi Downhill
World Record: 2'23"722
Gears: 5
Special Parts:
Tune A: turbocharger at 60,000 points. supercharger 120,000 points
Tunes B and C: Racing engine, keeps car N/A
Tune D: Turbo at 120,000 points.
Shift Points: 5000-->5500-->6000
Drive train: FR
No Review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1.3: MR-2 [SW20] **
************************************************************
Kogashiwa Kai's car. Mid-ship, good acceleration.
Dry Ranking: 20
Wet Ranking: 27
Snow Ranking: 32
Best Course: Irohazaka
World Record: 2'59"267
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 5500-->5500-->6000
Drive train: MR
Review (As written by Excel):
The MR2:
The MR2 G-Limited (the chassis code is SW20) is a unique car to
the game in that it possesses mid-engine, rear wheel drive. One of
the awesome points of the mid-engine layout is it provides
exceptional off the line acceleration. The car has EXCELLENT
off the line startup, and will beat ANY 5 gear car off the
line and even some of the under-tuned 6 gear cars. The MR2's
drift style cornering allows the car to turn EXCEPTIONALLY
well, in most cases as fast as a course king.
However, the car does have some flaws that can prove to be
fatal. The cars number one flaw is its abilities, or lack
thereof, in the wet and snow conditions. In fact, its best
wet course is Happogahara, and even there it’s rated close
to 20th. Its drift style cornering quickly turns into a
nightmare in the wet, with the rear end swinging out very
easily and hitting walls on almost every corner. This kills
the acceleration, which is another fatal detraction of this
car. As I earlier stated, the MR2 has excellent startup.
However, once you hit fourth, the killer acceleration becomes
average at best. Once you hit fifth gear, the car turns into
one of the slowest cars in the game. Remedies to the flaws
of the car are few. The D Tune wing is known for stabilizing
the car, but do not expect the car to turn into a great
rain/snow car with the wing. Also, the C Tune muffler
improves the car’s fifth gear at the expense of some of
the startup. Feinting in this car is absolutely necessary,
as the car doesn't gain much speed on straight-aways after
the corner, so it’s ESSENTIAL to carry as much speed through
the corner as possible. The best courses of the MR2 are Akagi
UH, Akina DH, Iro DH, Iro Rev and Happo (both directions).
It’s average on Usui (both directions), Akagi DH, and Akina UH and
its worst courses are Myogi, Akina Snow, Shomaru OB and Tsuchizaka
(both directions for all).
The MR2 receives no special upgrades at any tune(no turbo,
engines, superchargers, etc.)
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1.4: MR-s Limited [ZZW30] **
************************************************************
I honestly know nothing about this car.
Dry Ranking: 22
Wet Ranking: 25
Snow Ranking: 30
Best Course: Irohazaka
World Record: 3'00"428
Gears: 6
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 5500 --> 5750 --> 6100 --> 6500
Drive train: MR
Review (As Written by Askai Rakesu):
MR-S
This car is an MR layout and it possesses a strong first
through third gear but there's nothing after that. Fourth gear
is only slightly stronger than the AE85’s and gear 5 is about
the same so beware of the gear power. If you're under the
assumption you can catch up in gear 5 against an equally
skilled opponent, then you are out of luck.
This car DOES have a couple courses that it is strong on and
where it can be a threat to challengers; Akagi and Irohazaka.
The car's cornering on these two tracks is above average so
use them to your advantage.
With that said, you still have to be careful in rain or on
Tsuchizaka, as the car just falls apart in those conditions.
It MUST be noted that this car fares a lot better on
Tsuchizaka than its brother, the MR-2.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1.5: Altezza RS-2000 [SXE10] **
************************************************************
Again, I know NOTHING about it.
Dry Ranking: 10
Wet Ranking: 24
Snow Ranking: 19
Best Course: Shomaru OB
World Record: 2'55"897
Gears: 6
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7000-->7250
Drive train: FR
No review, yet
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1.6: Levin SR [AE85] **
************************************************************
Itsuki's car, the ‘Hachi-Go.’
Dry Ranking: 33
Wet Ranking: 34
Snow Ranking: 33
Best Course: Akina Downhill
World Record: 2'58"820
Gears: 5
Special Parts: Tune A gets a turbocharger at 120,000 points
Shift Points: 5000-->5500-->6000
Drive train: FR
Review (As written by Asaki Rakesu):
AE85
The car's only strength is its startup as gears four and five die
really badly and it is a drifty car. Choosing Tune A will
only extend the power of the already weak fourth gear a little
more and fifth is still utterly bad. However, there is ONE
track where this is an exception: Akina. The AE85 gets a
special boost in the last two gears that is not available on the
other tracks.
The turbo and NA variants handle slightly differently. The
turbo variant has a tendency to kick out its rear when
you step on the accelerator whereas the NA version is less
likely to do that.
Either variant still results in crazy sliding from the AE85
when turning and the problem becomes very visible on
Tsuchizaka or wet conditions.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.1.7: Celica GT-4 [ST205] **
************************************************************
Miki's car, great on Akina Snow.
Dry Ranking: 19
Wet Ranking: 17
Snow Ranking: 1
Best Course: Akina Snow, both directions
World Record: 3'27"294
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 5800-->6500-->7000
Drive train: AWD
No Review, yet
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.2: Honda **
************************************************************
Known in the real world for making a dependable car.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.2.1: Civic Type-R [EK9] **
************************************************************
The Todou Racing school's car of choice, used by
Daiki and Tachi. Fastest car on Happogahara Outbound.
Dry Ranking: 23
Wet Ranking: 20
Snow Ranking: 20
Best Course: Happogahara Outbound
World Record: 2'18"842
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6500-->7000-->7500
Drive train: FF
Review (As Written by GrAyEeWoLf):
EK9
The EK9 has crappy off the line acceleration. Even with
proper shifting, this FF car will never beat another car off
the line unless your opponent is using an under-tuned car or
doesn't know their shift points. However, once you get
started, the EK9 handles exceptionally well. Purely a grip
car, it takes corners very smoothly. It does fairly well
on every course but won't do anything more than about
average in terms of time attacks on anything other than
Happogahara. Also, it actually runs pretty well under rain
and snow conditions.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.2.2: S2000 [AP1] **
************************************************************
Honda's small, sporty, nifty looking car. A little
below average here though.
Dry Ranking: 28
Wet Ranking: 26
Snow Ranking: 15
Best Course: Myogi Counter-Clockwise
World Record: 2'54"756
Gears: 6
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6500-->7200-->7500-->8000
Drive train: FR
No Review yet
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.2.3: Integra Type-R [DC2] **
************************************************************
The infamous best car in Version 2 got hit hard in Version 3.
Dry Ranking: 26
Wet Ranking: 31
Snow Ranking: 16
Best Course: Happogahara Inbound
World Record: 2'19"728
Gears: 5
Special Parts: Turbo charger at 120,000 points, Tune A
Shift Points: 6500-->7000-->7500
Drive train: FF
No Review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.2.4: Civic SiR II [EG6] **
************************************************************
The fastest car on Happogahara Inbound. It however
seems to be lacking on other courses.
Dry Ranking: 25
Wet Ranking: 33
Snow Ranking: 18
Best Course: Happogahara Inbound
World Record: 2'18"770
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6200-->7200-->7800
Drive train: FF
Review (As written by BobAndGeorge)
EG6
The EG6 is a really underrated car, especially because,
well, it sucks. However, it can be a surprisingly good
battle car if you know how to use it as your opponents
generally won't expect you to keep up with them.
The EG6 is number one on Happogahara Inbound dry, but just about
average on every other course. It's pretty much useless in
the rain, so try to stay as far away from it as possible in
battles. Since it's FF it's easy to steer in the snow, so
it won't be doing any fishtails. However, it's not that
great compared to 4WD cars.
On to how it drives. It’s odd, in that it under steers and
grips, but at the same time it drifts. Use the
under steering to your advantage on Happo, since under steer
= win there. It's pretty average on Akagi and Shomaru, so
if you have to battle somewhere else, pick one of those two.
It can be scary on Akina. It's ranked as being slow there but
Akina, IMO is the hardest and most technical course that really
isn't noobie friendly. In other words, practice practice
practice, because it can be a VERY exceptional car if you
know how to use it. Since the course is pretty wide,
passing shouldn't be a that much of a problem.
The EG6 has a terrible start up, beating only the R32, Mecha
Trueno and Capp off the line. Now I don't condone this but
if you want to, turn the wheel 90 degrees to the left or
right (depending on which side you're on) and gas your ass
off. Doing this you should be able to push your opponent into the wall
and get in front. After that, learn to block (which isn't
hard since the car doesn't drift).
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.3: Mazda **
************************************************************
Mazda cars have always been known to be fast in this
game and this version is no exception.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.3.1: RX-7 Type R [FD3SI] **
************************************************************
The fastest car in Version 1 and the second
fastest in version 2. It handles well and can make an
impression on every course.
Dry Ranking: 6
Wet Ranking: 7
Snow Ranking: 21
Best Course: Akagi Downhill
World Record: 2'21"560
Gears: 5
Special Parts: Single Turbo at 120,000 points, B Tune.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7250
Drive train: FR
Review (As Written by MajinGoten):
RX-7 Type R
The RX-7 Type R, better known as the FD, is a car that has
much potential in the right hands. While the car performs
exceptionally on just about every course, it sadly has no
‘home course.’
It has changed a lot from prior versions, becoming much more
apt to slide around corners. However, this can easily be put
to the advantage of the driver.
Its startup is relatively average, with strong high gears.
If you can stay off the walls, your fourth and fifth gears will
keep your speed nice and high.
It performs well on Usui, Akagi and Tsuchisaka but seems
a little slow on Irohazaka. This just shows the cars weak
upper third gear.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.3.2: RX-7 Efini III [FC3S] **
************************************************************
The car used by Ryosuke, the White Comet of Akagi.
I've heard it handles similar to an FD, but I've never
driven one to find out.
Dry Ranking: 18
Wet Ranking: 21
Snow Ranking: 28
Best Course: Akagi Downhill
World Record: 2'21"349
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 5200-->5600-->6100
Drive train: FR
No Review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.3.3: Roadster RS [NB8C] **
************************************************************
A quirky little car. Slides, A LOT.
Dry Ranking: 32
Wet Ranking: 30
Snow Ranking: 14
Best Course: Myogi Clockwise
World Record: 2'56"304
Gears: 6
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->6500-->7000
Drive train: FR
No Review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.3.4: Roadster S Special [NA6C] **
************************************************************
Similar to the other roadster, or so I've heard.
Worst dry and rain car, pretty low on the Snow tier as well.
Arguably the worst car in the game.
Dry Ranking: 35
Wet Ranking: 35
Snow Ranking: 24
Best Course: Happogahara Outbound
World Record: 2'22"243
Gears: 6
Special Parts: Increased Cylinder Bore at 120,000 points, A Tune.
Shift Points: 5200-->5800-->6200-->6500
Drive train: FR
No Review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.3.5: RX-7 Spirit [FD3SV] **
************************************************************
Almost identical to the Type R, only grips more.
Dry Ranking: 5
Wet Ranking: 8
Snow Ranking: 23
Best Course: Akagi Uphill
World Record: 2'26"884
Gears: 5
Speicalparts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7250
Drive train: FR
Review (As written by BigDai):
The Spirit R
The car's greatest asset is its well-balanced performance.
Though not as equally balanced as an Evo 4, the FD Spirit
still does well enough on its worst courses. Rain shouldn't
be much of a problem for the Spirit, as with its sibling
the Type R. Both FDs are almost identical in overall
performance, so really it's a matter of preference if you
prefer a grip car or a slightly more drifty one; this would
be the drifter of the two FDs. This is a good beginner car
as well, since it's not a big drifter like an 86 Trueno, but
it's also not a big gripper like a Skyline R32. It's a good
balance of both, which will help you should you decide to
acquire a second car.
It's a pretty stable car until you start delving into higher speeds.
This is especially true with Tsuchizaka, where the car
almost becomes uncontrollable at very high speeds.
Under steering is something this car has no problem with
unless you yourself make it under steer by shifting/braking
wrong. It doesn't accelerate off the line very well - it can
only beat a handful of cars - so get used to the acts of
passing cars and being behind. On the wet, the FD Spirit
will change from a less drifty car to a much more
drifter one. Adapting to the two different styles will take
some work, since on dry you'll be used to having a good
balance of drift and grip. The main thing to remember is
knowing when to apply the throttle. In the wet you'll want
to do it after the majority of the turn has
been cleared to avoid sliding to the outside barrier.
This car's one true weakness lies in the snow. The FD Spirit
will over steer like crazy on the snow, so it's best to
avoid Akina Snow like the plague.
Best courses dry: Akagi, Usui, Akina Uphill and Tsuchisaka
Inbound.
Worst courses dry: Happogahara
Best courses wet: Akagi Uphill, Usui Counter-Clockwise
Worst wet: Happogahara
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.3.6: RX-8 Type S [SE3P] **
************************************************************
The games fastest dry car and second best in the wet.
Lacking on snow department though. Definitely the game's
best car overall. The world record holder for Shomaru Inbound,
though it does more than exceptionally well on almost every other
course. The only real place it hurts is Akina.
Dry Ranking: 1
Wet Ranking: 2
Snow Ranking: 17
Best Course: Shomaru Inbound
World Record: 2'56"356
Gears: 6
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6500-->7250-->7750-->8000
Drive train: FR
No Review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.4: Mitsubishi **
************************************************************
The only cars from the Mitsubishi family that made
it in Initial D were the Lancer Evolutions.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.4.1: Lancer Evolution III [CE9A] **
************************************************************
A good all-around car. Infamous for its MFS(Misfiring System).
The fastest car on Akagi Uphill.
Dry Ranking: 15
Wet Ranking: 13
Snow Ranking: 4
Best Course: Akagi Uphill
World Record: 2'25"579
Gears: 5
Special Parts: Misfiring System at 120,000 points, A Tune.
Shift Points: 5800-->6300-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
Review (As written by TownRanger):
The EVO III
Well known for its Misfiring System (MFS), which visualizes your
accel-off with flames! You get it if you choose A Tune. The MFS
gives you the second best start-off for five-gear cars in the
game.
Apart from the cool appearance of the unique MFS and a good
launch, however, the fourth and fifth gear of this car are a bit
underpowered. On Shomaru and Tsuchi where the last gear
counts, this car can be weak. Also, the recovery after
wall contacts is very weak in that it takes many seconds to
gain speed back up to a competitive number.
The handling of this car is generally ok. But notice that
1) It's drifty for a 4WD car
2) This car sometimes under steers and
3) High speed cornering will make this car
unstable. Turn early for tight corners and allow some space
for the car to power slide in order to avoid the outer wall.
This car has Akagi UH and Iro as its home courses. I personally
focus on Iro DH and experiments with rims seem to indicate to
me that the Enkei rims (the star-shaped rims, intended for
B Tune) are best for Iro DH.
An overall average car.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.4.2: Lancer Evolution IV [CN9A] **
************************************************************
Best car on Irohazaka. Pretty much better than
average on the other courses.
Dry Ranking: 3
Wet Ranking: 4
Snow Ranking: 6
Best Course: Irohazaka Downhill
World Record: 2'56"908
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.4.3: Lancer Evolution V [CP9A] **
************************************************************
Best car on Tsuchisaka. Pretty good overall.
Dry Ranking: 9
Wet Ranking: 5
Snow Ranking: 8
Best Course: Tsuchisaka Outbound
World Record: 2'37"337
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.4.4: Lancer Evolution VI [CP9A] **
************************************************************
This car has a mixture of below and above average times.
Decent on Snow.
Dry Ranking: 29
Wet Ranking: 18
Snow Ranking: 10
Best Course: Akina Snow Downhill
World Record: 3'20"560
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 5750-->6250-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.4.5: Lancer Evolution VII [CT9A] **
************************************************************
A pretty average car, stuck almost in the middle of
the rankings. Pretty good in the rain as well.
Dry Ranking: 21
Wet Ranking: 12
Snow Ranking: 5
Best Course: Akina Snow Downhill
World Record: 3'20"668
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 5750-->6250-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5: Nissan **
************************************************************
Nissan by far has more cars in the game than any other maker.
Don't know why, they just do.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.1: Skyline GT-R V-Spec [BNR32] **
************************************************************
A monster in the rain. This heavy beast has great
acceleration yet turns like a yacht. Fastest car on Myogi,
Akagi Uphill, Shomaru and Tsuchisaka when it comes to the
rain.
Dry Ranking: 14
Wet Ranking: 1
Snow Ranking: 7
Best Course: Tsuchisaka Outbound Wet
World Record: 2'42"251
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6500-->7500-->8000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.2: Skyline GT-R V-Spec II [BNR34] **
************************************************************
The six gear cousin of the BNR32. Pretty quick off the
line. Other than that, I can't say much for this car.
Dry Ranking: 24
Wet Ranking: 9
Snow Ranking: 3
Best Course: Akina Snow
World Record: 3'20"825
Gears: 6
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6500-->6800-->7300-->7800
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.3: Silvia K's [S-13] **
************************************************************
A mediocre car at best. Nothing special here.
Dry Ranking: 13
Wet Ranking: 16
Snow Ranking: 25
Best Course: Usui Clockwise
World Record: 2'46"306
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6500-->6500-->7000
Drive train: FR
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.4: Silvia K's [S-14] **
************************************************************
Again, nothing special here.
Dry Ranking: 25
Wet Ranking: 23
Snow Ranking: 29
Best Course: Usui Clockwise
World Record: 2'47"261
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7000
Drive train: FR
No review, yet
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.5: Silvia Spec-R [S-15] **
************************************************************
Again, the Silvias fail to impress. This one scores
worse than the last two, though.
Dry Ranking: 34
Wet Ranking: 29
Snow Ranking: 29
Best Course: Usui Counter-Clockwise
World Record: 2'47"526
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6200-->6700-->7000
Drive train: FR
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.6: 180SX [RPS13] **
************************************************************
This time Nissan gives us a decent car.
Dry Ranking: 10
Wet Ranking: 15
Snow Ranking: 27
Best Course: Usui Clockwise
World Record: 2'46"272
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6250-->7000
Drive train: FR
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.7: Sileighty [RPS13K] **
************************************************************
The bastard child of a 180SX and Silvia K's. At
least it's the world's fastest on Usui, either direction.
Dry Ranking: 8
Wet Ranking: 13
Snow Ranking: 26
Best Course: Usui Counter-Clockwise
World Record: 2'45"984
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7000
Drive train: FR
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.8: Silvia Q's [S-14] **
************************************************************
Due to some cruel joke of Sega Rosso, this car ended up
ranked number one on Akagi Downhill. That, however, is all it
has going for it.
Dry Ranking: 30
Wet Ranking: 28
Snow Ranking: 35
Best Course: Akagi Downhill
World Record: 2'20"347
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7000
Drive train: FR
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.5.9: Skyline GT-25 Turbo [ER34] **
************************************************************
A new addition to Version 3. I personally haven't
had a chance to drive it yet, so I can't say much for or
against it.
Dry Ranking: 11
Wet Ranking: 6
Snow Ranking: 34
Best Course: Akagi Uphill Wet
World Record: 2'31"062
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 5800-->6500-->7000
Drive train: FR
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.6: Subaru **
************************************************************
Subaru boasts its powerful Impreza WRX line in
Initial D, and they hold up rather well.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.6.1: Impreza WRX STi [GC8] **
************************************************************
A mediocre car with mediocre position on the rankings.
Dry Ranking: 17
Wet Ranking: 11
Snow Ranking: 9
Best Course: Akina Snow Uphill
World Record: 3'28"191
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6500-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.6.2: Impreza WRX STi [GDB] **
************************************************************
Like its counterpart, there is little to say about
this car. It does perform very well on Akina Snow, though.
Dry Ranking: 16
Wet Ranking: 10
Snow Ranking: 2
Best Course: Akina Snow Uphill
World Record: 3'27"598
Gears: 6
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 6000-->6000-->6500-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.6.3: Impreza WRX Sti Ver. V Type R [GC8V] **
************************************************************
The legendary Buntamobile. It performs well in
just about any condition on any course. World's fastest on
Akina Uphill and either direction on Akina Wet.
Dry Ranking: 4
Wet Ranking: 3
Snow Ranking: 11
Best Course: Akina Uphill
World Record: 3'04"976
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts, as well
as no external parts whatsoever. This car only has one tune (N).
Shift Points: 6000-->6250-->7000
Drive train: 4WD
No review yet.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.7: Suzuki **
************************************************************
Suzuki only got one car into Initial D; my personal
favorite, the Cappuccino.
************************************************************
** Section 3.1.7.1: Cappuccino **
************************************************************
This little thing can fly
just about anywhere in the right hands. Just don't expect
it to do anything but crash in the rain. World's fastest on
Shomaru Outbound and Myogi Counter-Clockwise.
Dry Ranking: 2
Wet Ranking: 19
Snow Ranking: 12
Best Course: Shomaru Outbound
World Record: 2'55"369
Gears: 5
Special Parts: This car receives no special parts.
Shift Points: 8000-->9500-->10500
Drive train: FR
Review (As Written by MajinGoten):
Cappuccino
To describe this car in one word, slide. The Cappuccino is
without a doubt the most slide-heavy car in the entire game.
It also has the worst off the line startup. So how did it get
ranked number 2 on dry? Its beyond belief ability to turn.
This thing will turn on half a dime or less. The drawback to
this is it will produce next to no traction while turning ><
It would be best to stay on dry pavement as this car will be
next to impossible to control in the rain, or least it feels
that way to me.
It runs the fastest on Myogi and Shomaru and is pretty fast
on Akina and Akagi. I'd avoid Happogahara and Tsuchisaka,
though.
Overall this car has incredible potential, you just gotta
keep driving it.
************************************************************
** Section 3.2: Techniques **
************************************************************
So you spent your collage tuition on Initial D and you
still can't catch those world record holders? Yeah, me too.
There is hope, however. By spending enough (too much) money
and time playing this game, crack Initial D engineers
(hardcore gamers) have found out ways to turn faster.
************************************************************
** Section 3.2.1: Feint Turning **
************************************************************
Probably the oldest technique around. Feint turning
was utilized in a limited number of places during the days
of Version 2 but it has evolved into a universal speed maker
for the new era.
Feint Turning, From Kaiser Joel
Feint Turning
The idea is getting the car to somewhat under steer and
with it achieve a sliding effect. Exit speeds are generally
improved and tail slides are less problematic.
TO DO: Approaching the corner, you go IN and from there go
OUT - IN – OUT, so you are kind of waving the wheel.
NOTE: For visual help with this, check out
http://www.geocities.com/william_helmold/corner.gif
************************************************************
** Section 3.2.2: 5-In-4 Out **
************************************************************
Something new that came around during Version 3. It
is rather simple to perform, just downshift at the apex of a
corner rather than at the entrance, improving exit speeds.
5-In-4 Out, From Kaiser Joel
5-In-4-Out
A complex idea and results in faster and powered exits
using the lower gears. Should be done in conjunction with
feint turning.
TO DO: Do feint turning and as you go into the turning in point
of the feint, brake enough to enable the car to go in and
corner. At the apex floor the accel and shift down. In this
event, the car with over steer (fishtail also) and exit
incredibly.
************************************************************
** Section 3.2.3: Eraser **
************************************************************
Another new technique to Version 3. It's very odd,
to say the least.
Eraser, From Kaiser Joel
Eraser
Enables the car to slide with minimum turning and it
can also be used to get a better line and speed. (This slows
you down a few KM/H when done at very high speeds)
TO DO: Simply shift up and down while keeping the car
floored. This causes the car to slide and counter steering
will most likely be needed
************************************************************
** Section 3.2.4: Machine Gun Shifting (MGS) **
************************************************************
An older technique used to reduce braking distance, it boosts
overall straightaway time by allowing the car to
use its full power longer.
Machine Gun Shifting, From MajinGoten
Shorten braking distance, allows for longer use of higher gears.
TO DO: Rather than downshifting a ‘normal’ amount of time
and braking over a distance, brake literally less than a
second before you turn and downshift a few times in conjunction
with this. The low gear will allow you to corner at a normal
speed. It is possible to up shift during some corners as well.
************************************************************
** Section 3.2.5: Putting it all together **
************************************************************
So you MGS, Eraser, 5-In-4 Out, and feint at will.
Yet, you still look like a snail on the big picture. Yeah,
Well, guess it's time for the infamous ‘feint + eraser + 5-4’
cornering technique.
This overly complicated technique is pretty much for those
with obscene times as it is; hell, I barely do any of the
first four that often. If you insist on learning it, though, I
won’t stop you.
To begin, you approach the corner as your going to perform a
normal feint turn. When you first hit your brake, immediately
use eraser. While sliding towards the center, downshift and
accelerate at the apex.
Yeah, have fun learning that one ><
************************************************************
** Section 3.3: Overall Rankings **
************************************************************
This will list all 35 cars and how they rank versus one another
in every condition.
Information was pulled from
http://www.initiald.org/cgi-bin/initiald/v3.cgi?pg=rec&type=
rank
************************************************************
** NEW!! Sub-Section 3.3: Overall Rankings - In English! **
************************************************************
I created a table similar to the one availible at the link
above, just in english. Feel free to link all you want.
http://geocities.com/Rabitecomixz/Ranking.html
************************************************************
** Section 3.3.1: Overall Rankings - Dry **
************************************************************
1. RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
2. Cappuccino [EA11R]
3. EVO IV [CN9A]
4. RX-7 Spirit R [FD3SV]
5. Impreza GC8V [GC8V]
6. RX-7 Type R [FD3sI]
7. 86 Trueno [AE86]
8. Sileighty [RPS13K]
9. EVO V [CP9A]
10. 180SX [RPS13]
11. ER34 GT-T [ER34]
12. Silvia S13 [S13]
13. Altezza [SXE10]
14. R32 GT-R [BNR32]
15. EVO III [CE9A]
16. Impreza GDB [GDB]
17. Impreza GC8 [GC8]
18. RX-7 III [FC3S]
19. GT-Four [ST205]
20. MR2 [SW20]
21. EVO VII [CT9A]
22. MR-S [ZZW30]
23. Civic EK9 [EK9]
24. R34 GT-R [BNR34]
25. Silvia S14K [S-14]
26. Civic EG6 [EG6]
27. S2000 [AP1]
28. Integra R [DC2]
29. EVO VI [CP9A]
30. Silvia S14Q [S-14Q]
31. 86 Levin [AE86]
32. Roadster NB8C [NB8c]
33. 85 Levin [AE85]
34. Silvia S15 [S-15]
35. Roadster NA6c [NA6c]
************************************************************
** Section 3.3.2: Overall Rankings - Wet **
************************************************************
1. Skyline GT-R [BNR32]
2. RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
3. Impreza GC8V [GC8V]
4. EVO IV [CN9A]
5. EVO V [CP9A]
6. ER34 GT-T [ER34]
7. RX-7 Type R [FD3SI]
8. RX-7 Spirit R [FD3SV]
9. Skyline GT-R [BNR34]
10. Impreza GDB [GDB]
11. Impreza GC8 [GC8]
12. EVO VII [CT9A]
13. Sileighty [RPS13K]
14. EVO III [CE9A]
15. 180SX [RPS13]
16. Silvia S13 [S-13]
17. EVO VI [CP9A]
18. GT-FOUR [ST205]
19. Cappuccino [EA11R]
20. Civic EK9 [EK9]
21. RX-7 III [FC3S]
22. 86 Trueno [AE86]
23. Silvia S14K [S-14]
24. Altezza [SXE10]
25. MR-S [ZZW30]
26. MR2 [SW20]
27. S2000 [AP1]
28. Silvia S14Q [S-14Q]
29. Silvia S15 [S-15]
30. Integra R [DC2]
32. 86 Levin [AE86]
33. Civic EG6 [EG6]
34. 85 Levin [AE85]
35. Roadster NA6C [NA6C]
************************************************************
** Section 3.3.3: Overall Rankings - Snow **
************************************************************
1. GT-FOUR [ST205]
2. Impreza GDB [GDB]
3. Skyline GT-R [BNR34]
4. EVO III [CE9A]
5. EVO VII [CT9A]
6. EVO IV [CN9A]
7. Skyline GT-R [BNR32]
8. EVO V [CP9A]
9. Impreza GC8 [GC8]
10. EVO VI [CP9A]
11. Impreza GC8V [GC8V]
12. Cappuccino [EA11R]
13. 86 Trueno [AE86]
14. Roadster NB8C [NB8C]
15. S2000 [AP1]
16. Integra R [DC2]
17. RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
18. Civic EG6 [EG6]
19. Altezza [SXE10]
20. Civic EK9 [EK9]
21. RX-7 Type R [FD3SI]
22. Silvia S15 [S-15]
23. RX-7 Spirit R [FD3SV]
24. Roadster NA6C [NA6C]
25. Silvia S13 [S-13]
26. Sileighty [RPS13K]
27. 180SX [RPS13]
28. RX-7 III [FC3S]
29. Silvia S14K [S-14]
30. MR-S [ZZW30]
31. 85 Levin [AE85]
32. MR2 [SW20]
33. 86 Levin [AE86]
34. ER34 GT-T [ER34]
35. Silvia S14Q [S-14 Q]
************************************************************
** Section 3.3.4: Overall Rankings - Start Up **
************************************************************
1. Roadster NB8C [NB8C]
2. Silvia S15 [S-15]
3. Impreza GDB [GDB]
4. Altezza [SXE10]
5. Skyline GT-R [BNR34]
6. RX-8 [SE3P]
7. S2000 [AP1]
8. MR2 (1st/2nd gear) [SW20]
9. 180SX [RPS13]
10. 85 Levin [AE85]
11. EVO III (A-tune) [CE9A]
12. GT-FOUR [ST205]
13. MR-S [ZZW30]
44. NA6C [NA6C]
15. Silvia S13 [S-13]
16. Silvia S14K [S-14K]
17. 86 Levin [AE86]
18. RX-7 III [FC3S]
19. Sileighty [RPS13K]
20. Impreza GC8 [GC8]
21. EVO V [CP9A]
22. EVO III (B/C/D/N-tunes) [CE9A]
23. EVO IV [CN9A]
24. 86 Trueno (D/N-tunes) [AE86]
25. FD3S Spirit R [FD3SV]
26. FD3S Type R [FD3SI]
27. Evo VI [CP9A]
28. EVO VII [CT9A]
29. Impreza GC8V [GC8V]
30. Silvia S14Q [S-14Q]
31. ER34 GT-T [ER34]
32. Civic EK9 [EK9]
33. Integra Type-R [DC2]
34. Civic EG6 [EG6]
35. Skyline GT-R [BNR32]
36. 86 Trueno (A/B/C-tunes) [AE86]
37. Cappuccino [EA11R]
************************************************************
** Section 3.4: Courses **
************************************************************
Section 3.4: Courses
This section will go into detail on every course and
direction. Future version may contain rain help.
All world records are taken from
http://ranking.segarosso.com/inidas3e/index.html
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.1: Myogi **
************************************************************
The first course, labeled ‘Easy.’
Counter-Clockwise;
World Record: 2'52"975 Cappuccino [EA11R]
World Record, Rain: 2'53"491 Skyline GT-R V_Spec II [BNR32]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: Myogi, in either direction is easy. Counter-Clockwise,
or CCW, gives you the downhill direction for the
Grande Curve. Just about every single car, excluding the
Cappuccino, can full throttle the Grande Curve. You just
need to turn a little early and stick to a clean line. If
you are driving a Capp, braking a small amount or
using eraser will suffice for a decent time, enough to beat
10 star Bunta. To go that extra step and get times up there
with the world records you'll need to feint the turn,
not to mention be practically full tuned for that massive
209 KM/H top speed.
In the rain you'll need to let off the gas for the Grande
Curve. Other than that it's pretty much the same.
Clockwise
World Record: 2'53"016 Cappuccino [EA11R]
World Record, Rain: 2'53"740 Skyline GT-R V_Spec II [BNR34]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: Again, a simple course that can be full throttled by
just about everything. Not much to say that wasn't said
in the previous section.
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.2: Usui **
************************************************************
The second course, labeled ‘Normal.’
Counter-Clockwise:
World Record: 2'45"984 Sileighty [RPS13K]
World Record, Rain: 2'48"550 RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: Usui isn't anything to fear by any means. The big
change from Myogi is the actual need to use your fourth gear,
,fifth if your driving a 6 gear car. The point is you need to
downshift.
Usui has three corners to worry about. The first and last will
always be the ones you need to downshift on, no matter the
direction. The second, known as C-121, can be done with
accel off if you do it early enough. More precise players
use eraser around it, though, or so I hear.
In the rain, you'll just have to slow down a bit. That will
pretty much hold true for all courses; there's not any big
secret to driving in the rain, just take the course slower.
Clockwise:
World Record: 2'46"182 180SX [RPS13]
World Record, Rain: 2'49"165 RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: Not much different. Eraser can still be used at
the C-121.
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.3: Akagi **
************************************************************
Third course, labeled ‘Hard.’
Downhill:
World Record: 2'20"347 Silvia S14Q [S14]
World Record, Rain: 2'23"850 Skyline GT-R V_Spec II [BNR32]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: Akagi is an incredibly fun course to race on, or
at least that's how I feel. It has a smooth rhythm along with a
next-to-perfect balance of straights and corners. It also
possesses a challenging atmosphere, as it's hard to become quick
here. Overall, you'll just need to slow down and concentrate on driving
clean, then work on driving fast.
Landmark guide, written by MajinGoten
Start off strong and hit your shift points as well as you
can. Reach your highest gear and the road begins to curve
slightly. After a quick right, you'll see the first corner,
downshift and brake while aiming for the apex. Try to clear
it at the very least at 120 KM/H. Wait until you can upshift
again and do so. After a long right, the road will narrow
and turn left. The next right begins the S curves. For the
first S curve, there's two ways to approach it.
You can hit the brakes and stay in fifth though you'll need
to downshift at the next corner, or you can downshift and
just tap the brakes. They both result in about the same
apex and exit speeds, so it's your choice. Either way, you
will need to take the corner in fourth, you can just accel
off for it. For the rest of the S curves, you probably wont be
needing your brake. If you just turn early enough and stick
to your line they can all be done with just taking your
foot off the gas. For the last corner before section 2,
there's a kink to the left before turning to the right.
Personally, I make a quick feint motion to the left before
taking the corner. You can just set yourself up to turn
right without needing to feint, your choice. Once in section
2, take the final S curve and keep your accelerator floored.
After a medium straight, the course will once again narrow
and go left, again followed by a right hander. This corner
can be deceptive, my advice is to downshift and tap, TAP,
your brakes. Accelerate hard out of the corner and get
ready for the longest straight on the course. Follow the
series of lefts and rights, they are all full throttle, if
you have trouble staying off the walls, refine your line.
After a while, you'll see a left, then a right, then the
second checkpoint taking you to section 3. The corner on
the other side of the checkpoint is the infamous ‘V turn,’
aptly named for its shape. I prefer to MGS this corner,
and up shift to fourth after clearing the apex. This nets
around a 120+ exit speed, which isn't that bad. When still
learning this corner, I advise to keep both hands on the
wheel, up shift after you clear it. Stay in fourth as you
approach the next corner, accel off for an easy clear.
Keep going strong, and hit fifth gear. For the next corner,
downshift and tap your brakes, then turn hard and aim for
the apex. Full throttle the next, just keep your line and
it's easy to clear, though you may come dangerously close
to the outer wall. Hit fifth as you approach the next turn,
again quick tap on your brakes and downshift. Stay in fifth
as you approach the final four corners. Oh yeah, the third
checkpoint is in there somewhere. For the first of the final
four corners, downshift and use those brakes and keep the
inside line as best you can. You'll have to turn really fast
after you exit the first to make the second, don't worry
about your brakes here, though. The next two can be done
without brakes but as you get faster, you may want to tap
them to keep that line. Exit the fourth corner and then just
follow the line to full throttle the last one before the
finish line.
The rain can give you some trouble on the longer corners,
as there's a good chance you’ll slide right into the outer
wall.
2'26"4XX Guide For Cappuccino, written by MajinGoten
- Fifth Gear before first turn
- Take first turn in fourth, exit around 124-126
- Hit fifth before S Curves
- Take S curves in fourth, slowest point around 121.
- Exit S curves near 130, hit fifth before next right hander.
- Downshift and tap brake for right-hander, 135-138 exit.
- Take rest of Section 2 in fifth.
- Hit 3rd for V turn, up shift to fourth at apex, 120+ exit.
- Next corner in fourth, accel off.
- Hit fifth before the next corner, tap brakes, 135+ exit.
- Full throttle next corner, nearly 145+.
Hit fifth before next corner, take it in fourth, 138+ exit.
- Take the rest of section 3 and all of section 4 leading up
to the final four in fifth.
- Downshift and brake for first of the final four, first
corner around 132, second 135, third 138-140 and fourth 142+.
- Finish in fifth.
NOTE: Done without the use of any techniques, all you need
is your brake and some skill.
Uphill:
World Record: 2'25"548 EVO III [CE9A]
World Record, Rain: 2'29"611 Impreza GC8V [GC8V]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: Akagi's uphill is not that much different from
its downhill run. Don't be afraid to full throttle some
of the corners. You'd be surprised how well a car can corner
with the proper line.
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.4: Akina **
************************************************************
Fourth course, labeled ‘Hard.’
Downhill:
World Record: 2'55"542 86 Trueno [AE86]
World Record, Rain: 2'58"935 Impreza GC8V [GC8V]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: By far the game's most technical course. Learning
it is a challenge, mastering it is an uphill battle that
seems to never end. Akina is, in a word, annoying. It seems
to be kind enough, offering a medium challenge, yet to muster
up times even remotely close to that of the records you WILL
need to use a massive amount of techniques including feint,
eraser, 5-in-4 out and guttering.
Landmark guide, Written by MajinGoten
Begin by taking off fast, like all courses. Depending on
your car, you may or may not hit fifth before the first left.
In any case, tap the gutter but do not get dragged into
the inside wall. If you were in fourth you should be now able
to up shift. The course will curve right, then left,
then the first corner appears. Brake early and turn earlier,
remember Akina is all about L-I-N-E. A decent exit is
anything over 120, for now. As you exit the corner, you will
need to make a quick left before the road straightens out.
The next curve is a quick kink that goes right-left, really
fast. You have two options here, hit the gutter and take the
next corner normally or miss the gutter and take the next
corner with the natural feint that will occur, granted you
attempt to get back to the outside lane. In either case,
heavy braking here will be the new player’s friend. There is
a semi-long straight after this, go full throttle until you
hit the first checkpoint. Brake after hitting the CP and take
the corner, accelerate after the apex. The next can be done
without braking, just take your foot off the gas a lot
earlier, drive in a straight line with no gas before turning.
After this is when the longest straight on Akina begins.
After a right hander, you will approach the longest piece of
straight road, with orange cones on the outside of
the approaching corner. This corner can be full throttled,
but I don’t advise it if you’re still learning? Tap your
brakes and turn early. Take the right in full power then hit
your brakes for the left. When you get a little better, full
throttle on the left and just hit the gutter. Keep the gas
floored as you finish up CP2. Before you reach CP3, you
will reach the infamous RHOD, Right-Hander Of Death,
named for its steep angle and the speed at which it is
approached. Your best bet here is to brake hard and turn
early. It's possible to hit the gutter and exit at speeds
exceeding 135, though it's difficult to say the least.
Clear the RHOD and drive the long straight. Once the road
narrows, the next corner appears, a left hander. Downshift
and tap your brakes, a good exit is anything above 135.
Full throttle the left and following right and keep going
strong through the straight. You will come to three sets of
rumble strips, or those little red lines on the road. Brake
after you exit the second set and turn in before the third
ends. Try and hit the gutters, as they help you clear the four
consecutive hairpins much easier. Oh, I did mention that
first right-hander was the beginning of four consecutive
hairpins right? Guttering every hairpin isn't needed,
though it helps a LOT. Once you exit the fourth pin, you
will enter section 4. The first left-hander can be done
by accel off, if you exited the four consecutive turns that slow.
Based on whether or not you accel off or brake on the
last pin, do the same for the next one. This corner is a
big variant though, my advice is to play around with it
and figure things out for yourself. Full throttle everything
until you come to a tight right hander, either approach
like a normal corner and aim to exit at 135+, or try
using 5-in-4-out for an exit of 140. The corners after this
are easy, just try to build as much speed as possible. The
final corner is a right-hander, so both accel off and turn
early. Hit the gutter, but avoid being dragged in at all
costs. It's possible to exit around 165+. I've heard
you can use three erasers to clear this full throttle,
though I haven't done it myself.
Uphill:
World Record: 3'04"958 Impreza WRX Type R STi [GC8V]
World Record, Rain: 3'06"135 Impreza WRX Type R STi [GC8V]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: Very similar to Akina, but I would hope that would
be pretty obvious. The idea here is to turn early, as this
course can be very deceptive. In all honesty, I don't
think I've even raced this course since Version 3 came out
so, um... keep trying?
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.5: Irohazaka **
************************************************************
Fifth course, labeled ‘Hard’
Downhill:
World Record: 2'56"908 Lancer RS Evolution IV [CN9A]
World Record, Rain: 3'01"234 Lancer RS Evolution IV [CN9A]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: Irohazaka is a very unique course, but again that's
just my way of saying I'm not good on it. This course is so
repetitive it hurts, just concentrate on taking the proper
line at all costs. You may hear ‘there's no need to brake on
Iro!,’ This, however, is so wrong it hurts. Like I said, line
for the beginning aim for exits around 75+ KM/H. The only
trick to driving Iro is the jumps, which pop up around
section 3. The first is a single corner, the next four are
consecutive and should be done around 50 KM/H. There is no
secret to jumping though, just turn earlier than you would
and aim for were the guardrail would be.
Uphill:
World Record: 3'04"270 Lancer RS Evolution IV [CN9A]
World Record, Rain: 3'08"550 Lancer RS Evolution IV [CN9A]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: ¨_¨ I don't think I've EVER even raced here before.
... What?
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.6: Akina Snow **
************************************************************
Sixth course, labeled ‘Expert’
Downhill:
World Record: 3'19"913 Celica GT-FOUR [ST205]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: This course is just Akina with snow, which is
practically super rain. Just turn early and stick that
line, I mean it. Also, accelerating early will equal death.
Uphill:
World Record: 3'27"294 Celica GT-FOUR [ST205]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: Let's see, if you turn early on Akina Snow and on
Akina uphill, I wonder if you turn really early here?
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.7: Happogahara **
************************************************************
Seventh course, labeled ‘Expert’
Outbound:
World Record: 2'18"842 Civic Type R [EK9]
World Record, Rain: 2'21"991 RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: To summarize Happo, turn left then right, then
left again, repeat. The only real point of interest is
the snake hairpins. Use 3rd gear for the first, second, and
third. Hit fourth after you start accelerating on the fourth.
Inbound:
World Record: 2'18"770 Civic SiR II [EG6]
World Record, Rain: 2'21"798 RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: Again, left, right, left, right, and so on....
The snake hairpins can be done the same, this course doesn't
change from direction to direction.
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.8: Shomaru **
************************************************************
Eighth course, labeled ‘Expert’
Outbound:
World Record: 2'55"369 Cappuccino [EA11R]
World Record, Rain: 3'01"348 Skyline GT-R V_Spec II [BNR32]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: It's everything you could hate about Happo, just
much worse. Again, there isn't much to worry about, just try
to drive as clean as possible. The only point of interest is
‘W,’ or ‘M’ turn. I use third for the first and fourth on
the second, but I know it can be done better than that.
Inbound:
World Record: 2'56"207 RX-8 Type S [SE3P]
World Record, Rain: 3'01"616 Skyline GT-R V_Spec II [BNR32]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: It's the same thing, just the opposite direction.
I must apologize if my descriptions for these are lacking,
but you must understand their simplicity.
************************************************************
** Section 3.4.9: Tsuchisaka **
************************************************************
Ninth Course, labeled ‘Expert’
Outbound:
World Record: 2'37"324 Lancer RS Evolution V [CP9A]
World Record, Rain: 2'41"875 Skyline GT-R V_Spec II [BNR32]
Bunta Direction: Yes
Overview: Tsuchisaka is a very fun course to drive. The
main aspect to remember is that the entire course can be done
in fifth gear. No downshifting required, fun isn't it? The
only other major point is that if you’re racing TA, the oil
slick from the Evo drivers will be there, remember that
(it isn’t there in Bunta Challenge).
Inbound:
World Record: 2'37"944 Lancer RS Evolution V [CP9A]
World Record, Rain: 2'42"486 Skyline GT-R V_Spec II [BNR32]
Bunta Direction: No
Overview: Who would've guessed that this course is almost
identical to it's outbound brother? Hmm, I don't know.
The only real thing to consider is keeping your section 1
clean so you are in fifth gear even at the roller coaster
section.
************************************************************
** Section 3.5: Anatomy of a Corner **
************************************************************
Section 3.5: Anatomy of a Corner
This section will describe, in detail, how to
generally approach a corner.
To begin, approach the corner from the outside lane. Begin
braking BEFORE the corner; for a slight boost in time
brake late, but brake without your foot on the gas. After
reaching an acceptable speed, remove your feet from ALL
pedals and turn, aim for the apex, or center, of the corner.
Hit the gas after you've cleared the apex. Once you clear
the corner, counter-steer to avoid sliding right into the
wall.
For a visual aid, look at
http://www.geocities.com/william_helmold/corner.gif
************************************************************
** Section 3.6: Translation Changes **
************************************************************
This section will cover the difference between the original
Japanese version and the translated English version.
Character Names:
_________________________
| Original | Translated |
|----------|------------|
| Takumi | Tak |
|----------|------------|
| Itsuki | Iggy |
|----------|------------|
| Iketani | Cole |
|----------|------------|
| Ryousuke | Ry |
|----------|------------|
| Keisuke | KT |
|----------|------------|
| Takeshi | Zack |
|----------|------------|
| Mako | Maya |
|----------|------------|
| Sayuki | Simone |
|----------|------------|
| Kyoichi | Kyle |
|----------|------------|
| Seiji | Hawk |
|----------|------------|
| Wataru | Aki |
|----------|------------|
| Daiki | Dice |
|----------|------------|
| Sakai | Smiley |
|----------|------------|
| Tomoyuki | Touch |
|----------|------------|
| Kyoko | Kylie |
|----------|------------|
| Kenta | Danny |
|----------|------------|
| Kai | Caine |
|----------|------------|
| Nobuhiko | Nobu |
|----------|------------|
| Sakamoto | Sid |
-------------------------
************************************************************
** Section 4: Game Mechanics **
************************************************************
Section 4: Game Mechanics
This section will cover the majority of other things
you may or may not encounter while playing Initial D.
These will include battling, racer levels and online
rankings, as well as an assortment of others.
************************************************************
** Section 4.1: Battle Races **
************************************************************
So, is the computer becoming too slow? Bored trying
to beat your own times? Want to shut up that friend of yours
who claims he's faster than you? Well, here's you chance.
-- Starting a Battle --
Any time when starting a game on Initial D Version 3, you
will be asked a simple question first. If there is currently
no one playing on the other cabinet, the choices will be
‘Refuse’ and ‘Accept.’ Choosing
‘Refuse’ disallows others to challenge you to a battle race.
Likewise, choosing ‘Accept’ allows others to challenge you.
If someone else is playing AND accepting battle races, the
choices will change to ‘Not Ready’ and ‘I’m In.’ Choosing
‘Not Ready’ will not challenge the other racer and the game
will continue on. Choosing ‘I'm In’ results in a battle.
NOTE: At any time during your RACE, as in the actual time
you’re racing, you may change your choice of yes or no on
accepting challenges by pressing the ‘start’ button.
-- Challenging or Being Challenged --
Once a challenge has been issued the challenging player
will choose a track, condition and time. The race will
then start. If both players hold down the brake prior to
the game starting then the default function of boost will
be turned off. Boost, if you don't know, gives a massive
acceleration increase to the trailing player based on how
far behind they are. The further away, the bigger the boost.
NOTE: There is an extreme amount of controversy about the
use of boost. Most people will likely ask to turn it off,
which is fine. Overall though, no one can make you hold YOUR
foot down. It's your choice, not theirs.
-- Winning and Losing --
The first player to cross the finish line wins, simple.
Both players will receive points, with the winner getting
more. Also, at most arcades, the winner will receive a free
race.
-- Battle Levels --
After many a battle, you may see the words Battle Level
Up!’ This is a simple tool used by the game to track your
battles, though ultimately it means nothing. The only thing
it really does is at level 11 you will receive an "aura",
or colorful flames emitting from your car prior to a race.
To bad they don't show during races.
Aura Colors:
Level 11 - 20: Blue
Level 21 - 22: Green
Level 23 - 24: Red
Level 25 - 26: Orange
Level 27: Deep Red
Level 28: Yellow
Level 29: Deep Blue
Level 30: Teal
Level 31: White
Level 31 with 10 consecutive victories: Rainbow
************************************************************
** Section 4.2: Racer Levels **
************************************************************
This section will cover the ‘racer level’ system in
Initial D.
As you've progressed through LotS, I'm sure you've seen
"Racer Level Up!" or something to that effect more than
once. You may also have noticed little stars printing out
on your card. These are you racer level, and they do
absolutely NOTHING. There are 30 in total and, for the sake
of completion, many people quest to get them all. But
despite their being useless, it is a challenge to say the
least.
-- First 10 --
The first 10 stars can be acquired by completing LotS three
complete times (this does not include Bunta on Akina). You
get eight the first, one the second, and the final one on
the third.
-- Second 10 --
The next 10 can be achieved by reaching battle level 30. You
will gain one star for every 3 battle levels.
-- Last 10 --
The final 10 are being held captive by Bunta, so to speak.
To ‘release’ them, face Bunta in Bunta challenge on every
course. For every star you have on EVERY course, you will
receive one racer star. So in order to get all 10 stars
from Bunta, you need to beat him 10 times on every course.
NOTE: This is not a set order you must achieve the stars in.
You can get them in almost any order you want.
************************************************************
** Section 4.3: Online Ranking **
************************************************************
So, the local arcade players not enough for you
anymore? Good, now you can play the big leagues, sort of.
Any time after you complete a TA you will receive a
16-character password, which is used to log your times for
the online rankings. When you want to rank yourself, write
down the password and head over to;
http://ranking.segarosso.com/inidas3e/index.html
Click on the green text ‘Driver ID Acquired.’ Input the data
it asks for and ship it off.
NOTE: Free e-mail does not work for this, so no Yahoo and/or
Hotmail.
Once you acquire your driver ID, write it down for safety’s
sake. Then head back to main page and click on ‘Time
Application.’ Input the required data, then view your stats.
You can view how well you rank by area (country),
car type (world), and overall.
Have fun making it to the top!
************************************************************
** Section 5: Closing **
************************************************************
Initial D can be very frustrating at times, no doubt. There
will be times when you feel you can not achieve faster times,
in which case you should just keep trying. When in doubt,
ask around. The message board is a place with a friendly
atmosphere where help is an abundance, so do not be afraid
to ask.
-- Resources --
Here are some resources you may find useful.
GameFAQs message board:
http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/gentopic.php?board=15501
Initial-D.com message board (Requires registration):
http://www.initial-d.com/forum/
Online rankings:
http://ranking.segarosso.com/inidas3e/index.html
Car rankings, by course (In Japanese):
http://www.initiald.org/cgi-bin/initiald/v3.cgi?pg=rec&type=
rank
************************************************************
** Section 6: Legal and Contact information **
************************************************************
As always, this will provide everything that will
make this guide legal.
I do not own Initial D in any form way or matter. All rights
reserved to Shuichi Shigeno and Sega Rosso.
This guide is for free use and distribution, however it is
illegal to profit from it so please refrain from selling it.
The text contained within is my intellectual property, please
do not plagiarize my work.
-- Contact --
If you have any questions you need answered, please feel free
to ask at WilliamHelmold@pacbell.net. Or ask for "MajinGoten"
at the message boards!
************************************************************
** Section 7: Updates **
************************************************************
10:53 A.M. 11/2/2004: Began logging updates. Added translation
section and finished Usui. Changed all chassis codes from
being contained in () to []. Added drive train to all car
sections. Added start-up listing.
7:43 P.M. 11/3/2004: Added Akagi, including my own 2'26 guide.
Started Akina, am still considering adding XXX/200 course
portion.
11:24 P.M. 11/5/2004: Finished Akina overview, started Akina
landmark guide. Finished landmark guide for Akagi.
1:11 P.M. 11/19/2004: After a super long hiatus, I'm finally
back. No idea how much I'll finish, though.
11:19 P.M. 12/7/2004: Hmm, back maybe? Yeah.....
2:57 P.M. 12/9/2004: First draft done!