Advan Racing
A Japan-exclusive racing sim with over 70 vehicles.
Advan Racing is a PlayStation racing simulation from 1998, created and published by Atlus exclusively for the Japanese market. Players can jump into a quick race or pursue a career mode, also called Advan Racing, where winnings are used to buy upgraded vehicles. Races take place at different times of day and in varied weather, including fog. Four camera angles are available, one of which is a cockpit view. Over 70 cars are selectable, ranging from the Nissan Micra to a Toyota touring car. A split-screen multiplayer mode supports head-to-head duels. An information mode includes videos on the history of Advan racing in Japan.
Previews often compared Advan Racing to Gran Turismo (1997). Mega Fun called it one of the best games in its genre and a genuine alternative to TOCA 2, praising the clever opponent AI and authentic graphics, though noting some graphical glitches. PSX Extreme described it as an unsuccessful mix of Gran Turismo and TOCA, though a second reviewer there liked it slightly more and highlighted the AI quality. Consoles + appreciated the number of cars and the AI but advised against buying it if one already owned Gran Turismo, Need for Speed III, or Ridge Racer Type 4. Fun Generation stated that while Advan Racing offers no improvements over Gran Turismo, it remains a good title on its own terms.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Advan Racing
- Developer
- Atlus
- Platforms
- PlayStation
- Released
- JP · November 19, 1998
- Genre
- Sim racing
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Advan Racing features two primary modes: a quick race option and a career mode also called Advan Racing, where players earn prize money to buy better cars. Races can occur at different times of day and under various weather conditions, including fog. The game offers four camera perspectives, including a cockpit view, and players can select from more than 70 vehicles, such as the Nissan Micra and a Toyota touring car. Multiplayer allows for split-screen racing duels, and an information mode includes videos about the history of Advan racing in Japan.
Reader's Guide
Advan Racing was often compared to Gran Turismo (1997) in previews. Reception was mixed: Mega Fun stated it ranks among the finest in its genre and serves as a genuine alternative to TOCA 2, praising the clever opponent AI and authentic graphic effects, though noting some graphical glitches. PSX Extreme called it an unsuccessful mix of Gran Turismo and TOCA, though a second reviewer liked it slightly more and highlighted the AI quality. Consoles + liked the number of vehicles and AI but did not recommend it if one already owned Gran Turismo, Need for Speed III, or Ridge Racer Type 4. Fun Generation said it offers no improvements over Gran Turismo but is still a good title in its own regard. The game remains a niche title due to its Japan-only release.
Did You Know?
- Advan Racing was released only in Japan.
- The game features more than 70 vehicles, including the Nissan Micra and a Toyota touring car.
- Races can occur under foggy weather conditions.
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