The Tokyo Xtreme series has been a favorite of mine for a while. Although it doesn't quite reach the heights of Project Gotham or Gran Turismo, it has always managed to provide a fun and rather addictive experience. Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3 is much of the same action as before, only now with the added challenge of three freeway systems to battle on.

It is not on the level of other racers, but damn does TXR 3 look good. Cars are nicely modeled and offer a full range of body modifications. If you don't like your hood, change it. Want a side skirt? You can add that too. A disclaimer at the beginning of the games says that the cars featured in TXR 3 (or the companies) aren't associated with the game. This results in cars that look close, but not exactly like their real-life versions. This is a little disappointing, but I'm sure there's a pretty good reason for it (or at least I hope so). The game also does a nice job of conveying speed, especially when you're dodging incoming traffic and trying to catch up to, and out run other racers. Lighting is one of the effects that TXR 3 does best. Neon lights up the ground, headlights are blinding (at least when you drive into them) and street lamps let you see just enough of the street ahead. Throw in some wet streets and reflections and it's a solid package. However, I was a little disappointed with some of the 'showy' modifications like car stickers and body colors. The selection is there, but it's really not what I was hoping for -- especially after viewing some of the options in Need for Speed: Underground. I also found the sticker application system a little confusing, or at least not as easy to manage as in the previous game.

I wasn't too impressed with the engine noises. Granted these aren't muscle cars, but I would have liked a little more 'body' when using a powerful engine. They're workable, but sound like a weak mix of dust busters and hair dryers. The music is just as bad and will make you wish the PS2 was capable of custom soundtracks. Think of the worst guitar solo you've ever heard, make the player tone deaf and the guitar out of tune and you'd be pretty close to the ballpark, if not on home plate.

Tokyo Extreme Racer 3 is a little different than your typical racers. Instead of starting at a given point and racing to a finish line, you begin races by flashing your headlights at challengers (who are designated with a symbol floating above them). Other racers won't always accept your challenge -- which usually means you have to go and find some 'easier' guys to pick on in order to get your street cred up. A few racers will only appear under certain conditions, giving you a reason to try different license plate configurations or driving on certain freeway systems at certain times. Apparently a few cars will only show up on certain days -- although I was unable to verify this personally (or just didn't notice). If you get high enough in the ranks, 'bosses' will challenge you to a race. These are challenging races, but they are also the only way you can get some of the better cars in the game.

After starting a race, a health bar appears at the top of the screen that tells you who is winning the race. As you drop behind your opponent, your health bar will deplete. The same goes for your opponent if they drop behind you. You can employ a variety of methods to trip up the other racer, such as tricking them into running into an oncoming car, ramming them into the wall or getting them to hit a median marker (or freeway split-off). The first one to lose all of their health loses. Winning nets you points which can be spent on new parts and cars. The tracks featured in the game are actually parts of the Japanese Freeway system. This system can be accessed from any number of on ramps -- each of which unlock as you progress farther into the game. TXR 3 expands on the freeway system presented in previous games by allowing you to take on two new cities -- Osaka and Nagora. The new freeway systems are great, but don't really offer anything beyond the streets of Tokyo. In fact, both of the new cities are pretty boring to race through since they are little more than straight-aways and nothing like the labyrinthine system found in Tokyo.

The system works, but is far from flawless. First off, a majority of races are very predictable and always start from the same spots. Not only are these areas pre-scripted, but the way the race starts is also scripted. For example, one section will always start with a van in the same spot and another would always start near an off ramp (which made it really easy to bump the guy into and end the race quickly). This detracted from the fun of some races because the game's racers would adapt. This also occurs during most sharp turns since a majority of the time the AI racers would come to a near stop when hitting them.

At the start, racing can be tough -- at least until you get your first few modifications and fine-tune your performance settings. It also doesn't hurt that opponent AI is extremely predictable and always falls for the same tricks. The only real challenge is making up the car length or two lead the AI is always given over you. I'm by no means a good racing game player -- but even I had an easy time with Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3.

Upgrades are the name of the game in Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3. Unlike previous games, you're allowed to start with a little more money this time around (or at least it seemed that way). The game can be a little frustrating at first since you won't be able to beat everyone you face, but eventually you'll find some chumps to pick on and gain some points. It wasn't long before I was leaving all that opposed me in my wake. After you find the car you want, most of your points will go into getting better engines, mufflers and other parts for your car. TXR 3 gives you ample opportunity to tweak the little individual aspects of your car. You can play with the gear ratio; drop the suspension and other adjustments. You can also spend money on aftermarket parts like skirts, hoods, fenders and spoilers -- some of which will increase the performance of your car. Once all the hardware is in place you can finish the job by adding decals and a slick new paint job.

Beyond the tweaks and races, there's not much replay left in TXR 3. After building your dream car, there's little left in the game to keep you occupied. In a way, I found TXR 3 to be a real disappointment. The series really hasn't gone anywhere in the last few years, mostly due to the lack of evolution in the TXR series. This is basically the same game as Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 (or Zero), only with two new freeway systems. If you're looking for a hardcore racer, it might be a better idea to check out another title. But, given TXR 3's low price point (twenty dollars), it's not that bad a purchase for people who just want to tool around in fast cars for a few minutes.