Tanaka is a 3D race game where “pilots” guide their
crafts (vehicles) through the streets of the City
of Tanaka in the year 2525.
The “missions” vary in difficulty and objective.
Some races are run “against the clock,” while others
are “Duels” or “Total Carnage” races where you must
defeat the other pilots or destroy them to emerge
victorious. And last but not least, is the “escort”
mission where you must guide another vehicle through
the streets, defending and protecting it from all
others, until it reaches safety (the finish line).
Upon completion of the race, a “pilot” is awarded
prize money if they finish in the top three spots.
The higher the finish, the greater the award. The
awards can then be spent in the “Shop” where pilots
purchase and equip their vehicles.
The vehicles are “smart” and highly configurable.
Pilots are able to choose from among many different
variables such as different type of cars (Stormy X1,
Flying Fish, Bomber F20 etc.), engines (hydrogen,
plasma, or nuclear etc.), missiles and mines
(rolling mine, ZZ rocket, the Seeker etc.) lasers
(double laser, multi-laser etc.), and shields
(deflectors).
However, as mentioned above, it should also be
noted that the vehicles are “smart”. Which means
that when you buy weapons, you also need to
consider “weight” and “drag” on the vehicle etc.,
as well as cost. The more your car weighs, the
slower it will go.
As you fire your weapons and the car “lightens”,
it will go faster because it is lighter. A skilled
pilot will know how to choose wisely, balancing
weaponry and performance when constructing their
vehicles.
Tanaka is a true 3D game with digital stereo sound
and force feedback joystick support. It also
features a network component that allows up to 8
players, to compete against each other, over the
Internet (this feature not available in the demo).
The following features are “crippled” or have been
removed in this demo release version:
– Contains only 3 levels
– All networking features disabled
– Custom screen game play disabled
These features are present and working in the retail
release version.
Another thing that really makes Tanaka Demo enjoyable for me is how it manages to stay interesting even after playing it multiple times. Many games feel repetitive after a while, but here, the experience still feels fresh because of the small details and different ways you can approach the gameplay. As you continue playing, you naturally start improving and understanding the mechanics better, which makes everything feel more rewarding. I also appreciate the balance the game maintains—it’s not too difficult, but it’s not too easy either. You can play it casually for a short break or spend longer sessions without getting bored. That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons why I keep coming back to Tanaka Demo. Overall, it’s the kind of game that doesn’t just entertain you for a moment, but actually gives you a consistently enjoyable experience every time you play.
