Electric Studios Crafts 16-Bit Playable Arcade Game for Tokyo E-prix

Ahead of Formula E’s Tokyo E-prix on 17th and 18th May, Nissan have released a ‘80s-inspired, 16-bit racing game, with a little help from Dark Horses and Electric Studios. Playable online, ‘NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo’, pays homage to Japan’s gaming history, with gamers able to zoom down cherry-blossom clad streets, iconic cityscapes and even past Mount Fuji.

Electric Studios were tasked with illustrating and concepting the game, working closely with Japanese illustrator Kentaro Yoshida and Matias Poggini. The team designed, illustrated and developed all assets within the game, including the car, scenery, buildings, and of course playable characters. Users are able to choose between Nissan Formula E teammates - Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato - whose race cars will be donning matching, special-edition 16-bit liveries at the upcoming race.

Electric Studios’ art director, Kurt Champion, lists classic Nintendo and SEGA racing games such as OutRun and Super Chase H.Q. as early references, and comments on the unique challenge of working with pixel-art. “There is something really special about distilling design to its most essential form”, he comments.

“Shifting from our typical high-resolution mindset to 16-bit pixels was a welcome challenge. It forced us to rethink everything, focussing on the craft behind every detail and challenging us to capture the sensation of 322kph whilst evoking depth. Each decision surrounding motion, scale and design was deliberate. If it did not enhance the feeling of the race, it was not included.”

NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo is available to play through your web browser for free on both PC and mobile here.

Check out more from Electric Studios here.