Drift City for Windows

1/9

IJji is the latest arcade video game to come out from the house of Krome, the folks behind Windows gaming. IJji is an ambitious action-adventure video game that mixes elements from hidden objects, puzzles, and adventure into its smooth gameplay. Drifting down a pre-pubescent world, IJji has you trekking across a vast, unforgiving landscape in search of your final destination. You'll have a blast collecting & utilizing power ups to boost your vehicle's performance, earning speed as you go, and avoid spikes, blizzards, and other hazards along the journey. And when you're done, the game automatically switches over to the split-screen mode for local two-on-one multiplayer action.

The story line of the game kicks off in the year 2021, where a group of teenagers get stranded on an island due to a blizzard. While their canoe is damaged, one of them makes his way into the heart of drift city, a modern-day version of Japan's largest island, Izu, and sets up shop as an inn. You'll find that every neon sign is glowing, and the colorful, cartoon-style background seems to be part of the scenery. It's a bit eerie, yet also quite welcoming, as evidenced by the many posters lining the walls. Once inside, the players start completing the various errands they need to complete throughout the island (such as collecting crates and unlocking more upgrades for your vehicle) and gradually make their way towards the finish line. As you progress through the various missions, the screen will grow progressively clearer, as you help the inn earn money to better equip its facilities and upgrade its interior.

Along the way, you'll be treated to beautifully rendered, life-like characters that really capture the spirit of" Drift City" as a whole. I really like how Krome has made itself feel lifelike, with little to no dialogue bubbles or voiceovers. The fonts are clear, and everything about the menu speaks true to life. There's not much left to explore besides the mission area itself, but rest assured that much more is yet to come from Krome City. I'm looking forward to playing the final chapter of Krome City: Rush Hour as soon as it becomes available for the Nintendo DS.