Unlocking the Power of Tong Its: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Its Uses
The first time I successfully chained together three consecutive drifts in Japanese Drift Master, I finally understood what makes this discipline so captivating. It’s not just about sliding a car sideways—that part is surprisingly accessible, especially with a rear-wheel-drive machine packed with torque. What truly separates casual players from masters is the delicate, almost artistic control of drift angle and speed. I’ve spent over 50 hours in the game so far, and I can confidently say that the core of the experience lies in that sustained balance, that beautiful tension between control and chaos.
When you initiate a drift in the game, the initial whip is straightforward. The real challenge—and honestly, the real fun—begins right after. You need to maintain a good angle while keeping enough momentum to carry you through the corner. That’s where the balance meter comes into play. It’s a clever mechanic, one that reminds me of the grind balance bar in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Watching that meter, responding to its subtle shifts, becomes second nature after a while. You learn to steer into the direction your car’s tail is pointing, all while gently modulating the accelerator to power through the slide. It’s a dance, really—one wrong input and you’re either spinning out or losing all your style points.
Personally, I think the inclusion of the balance meter was a genius move by the developers. It turns what could have been a chaotic, unpredictable mess into a skill-based system that rewards practice and finesse. I remember my early attempts: I’d either overcorrect and spin or lose angle too quickly. But once you figure it out, the feeling is incredible. There’s a certain rhythm to it—entering the corner, setting the angle, holding it, and then exiting smoothly. It just feels good. And when you start incorporating advanced techniques like using the handbrake to quickly adjust your angle or dropping the clutch for an extra burst of torque mid-corner, that’s when you truly feel like a drift master.
I’ve noticed that many players, especially those new to driving sims or arcade racers, tend to overlook the importance of throttle control. They assume drifting is all about the steering and the handbrake. But from my experience, the accelerator is your best friend. Light, deliberate pressure can keep a drift alive longer, while stabbing it can either save you from understeer or send you into the wall. It’s this depth that keeps me coming back. I’d estimate that around 70% of maintaining a perfect drift comes down to throttle management, while the rest is steering and situational awareness.
What I appreciate most is how the game doesn’t hold your hand too much. It gives you the tools—the balance meter, responsive controls, and realistic physics—and then it’s up to you to put in the time. I’ve had sessions where I spent a full hour just practicing one particular corner, trying to shave off a tenth of a second or achieve a higher style rating. That sense of progression is deeply satisfying. It’s not just about winning races; it’s about mastering a craft, even if it’s a virtual one.
Some purists might argue that no video game can truly replicate the feel of real drifting, and they’re probably right. But Japanese Drift Master comes closer than any other title I’ve played. The feedback through the controller, the way the car responds to inputs, the sound design—it all comes together to create an immersive and rewarding experience. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve grinned after nailing a particularly tricky section or finally beating my own high score. It’s that blend of accessibility and depth that makes it so special.
In the end, unlocking the power of drifting in this game is about patience and persistence. It’s about embracing the learning curve and celebrating those small victories along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or someone who just loves cars, there’s something deeply compelling about taking control of a slide and making it look effortless. For me, Japanese Drift Master isn’t just a game—it’s a masterclass in virtual car control, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking to dive into the art of drifting.