Maximum Tune 3 becomes Namco Bandai's first global launch

Maximum Tune 3 becomes Namco Bandai's first global launch

Maximum Tune 3 has become the first game to be launched by Namco Bandai simultaneously across the globe. Officially launched in August, Maximum Tune 3 will begin shipping in September and is available as a Standard 28" model and a four-player Super deluxe unit.

The new installment of the popular series improves on its predecessors by providing increased game detail and a greater number of customisable options. The game features new ‘streetwise' cars, new tracks and a selection of enhanced playing modes.

One of these new enhanced playing modes is the new ‘Ghost Car Battle Mode', which allows players to challenge other players even when they are not present. After the player races on one of the tracks designated as a ghost track, the machine records the time, and more importantly, the players driving style. When playing ghost mode, the player may summon any ghost car, which can be done via a menu which sorts players by name and rank. This allows the player to race against an almost unlimited number of virtual opponents.

Traditional game modes also make a welcome return. Story Mode has benefited from a more enriched plotline and challenges players to tune their vehicles up to 820hp. VS Player Mode returns with an interesting feature, with the race leader able to determine the course route at selected intersections, which effectively means that there is up to 100 different course variations. Battle Mode will also be improved, with up to 10 playing positions linkable.

The magnetic player's cards will also be improved, with the cards now capable of storing up to three times as much data as those of the game's predecessor. Players with valid Maximum Tune 2 cards will also be able to import and upgrade key features of their Story Mode status, including stages cleared, mileage, car colour, tuning status and number of battles/wins accrued previously.

John Brennan, Product Manager at Namco Europe, commented: "Maximum Tune has remained at the top of the income charts for any driving game over a period of more than 24 months. Whilst the first and second incarnations remain great games in their own right, the increased opportunities for greater player interaction make Maximum Tune 3 a sure-fire hit for the 2007-08 season."