I just received the game in the mail yesterday, and WOW! I LOVE IT! The graphics are much better than I expected. I did the 2001 season in the AE86 Trueno Coupe, and ended up in 21st.

Then I did the 2002 season in the AE86 Levin coupe (sexy beast), and I am the 2002 D1 champ. Then I did the 2003 season in a AE86 Trueno Hatchback, and placed 15th. Then I did the 2004 season in a 180 SX, and I am the 2004 D1 champ also. I love the way that the AE86s always run out of power, and you need to constantly kick the clutch, very realistic in that sense. The tracks have been recreated very well. The Sugo Kart track is amazing. Bihoku is realistic with the hill that everyone clips before the first turn. I even had a Bihoku style crash. The car nearly flipped over. IT WAS GREAT!
Well, it's now time for the things that need to be improved. First off, we all hate the judges in the game. They sound immature, like they know nothing about drifting. They could have left the original judges from the start. I'd rather hear Manabu Suzuki's loud ass than that stupid girl.

If they needed english speaking judges, they could have used Toshi Hayama, J-Rod (voice of Formula D), and Alex Pheiffer. That would be much better. Also, the music sucks plainly, but many racing games have crap for music, so screw it. The actual scoring in the game should be worked on a little. My opponent has a perfect run, but if I stop drifting in the middle of the turn, all I have to do it produce huge angle, and I am the winner. If I stop drifting, I AM DONE. That is what needs to happen. You think I am done? NO! Anyway, the cars look great, but I wish I didn't have to just pick a car that already looks nice, has good performance, and just tune it. I would like a GT or Forza system in it (just like every racing game should be). I buy a car, I buy parts, I make it look at as hot as I want, and I tune it. I would like that, but Yuke's isn't going to listen to me.
The game has it's flaws, but the fun factor and challenge is more than enough to cover up for it's flaws. It's not GT, it's not Forza, it's not Enthusia, but in it's own way, I have more fun with this game than any other (I am a huge drift fan, so this is my opinion, not a fact). I am glad they decided to bring it here to America. There are many games I wish they would bring over here, but this is the one I was dying to play.
Challenge: 4/5 if you are a beginner and 3/5 if you have played a couple hours.
Fun factor: 5/5 Just plain ole fun.
Value: 3/5 A little pricey, but well worth it if you are a drift fan.