Nissan's Formula E team has announced a new retro arcade game to celebrate the electric race series' arrival in Japan later this month. The Tokyo event is Nissan's home E-Prix, and the company is complementing the occasion with a game that combines Tokyo's vibrant streets with the city's historic gaming culture.
(V)8-Bit
The Nismo Electric Racer Tokyo game has been developed in the classic eight-bit style seen in arcades during the 1990s, and sees players take control of a stylised Nissan Formula E car. As the name suggests, the game is set against the backdrop of a Tokyo cityscape that includes Mount Fuji and the famous cherry blossom trees.
The new game is available on PC or mobile, and allows players to race at speeds of up to 322km/h - much like the real Formula E cars. So much so, that Nissan's Formula E drivers, Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato are set to register their highest scores ahead of the E-Prix, and Nissan is inviting fans to pit themselves against the professionals.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team, commented: "We're very excited to return to our home E-Prix in Tokyo,” said Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan's Formula E team. “This race is not only a major moment for us as a team, but also a chance to celebrate our Japanese heritage. With 'Nismo Electric Racer Tokyo' we've created something that captures the energy we bring to the track while celebrating Japan's legendary gaming culture. We've had a good season so far and we're ready to give it our all in Tokyo to deliver excitement both on and off the track."
Artistic licence
The new game has been illustrated by Japanese artist Kentaro Yoshida, who is known for his bold lines and quirky characters, but this is his first foray into the world of video games. However, Yoshida's trademark style will also debut on the real Tokyo circuit, after the artist created a special livery that reimagines the team's existing Sakura-themed designs.
The new livery will be unveiled at an event on May 14 at Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. The images will simultaneously be shared across Nissan's Nismo performance division's social media channels.
At present, Nissan driver Oliver Rowland sits top of the driver standings, having won in Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Monaco, but his team-mate, Norman Nato, is 19th, having only picked up 11 points all season with a sixth-place finish in the USA.