Bandai Namco is preparing Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR+ for Japan as the long-running arcade racing series approaches its 20th anniversary. The update is scheduled for release by March 2024 in Japan, with a possible Asia and Oceania launch by June 2024 based on the rollout pattern of Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR.
There are currently no announced plans for North America or Europe. China and North America have also not been confirmed for the 6RR+ update, while Europe has not received a new entry since Maximum Tune 3. For Australian arcade fans, the possible Asia and Oceania release is the most relevant part of the announcement.
The game was revealed during a Japanese livestream. The recently announced details include new cars, music, gameplay adjustments and an event mode. Bandai Namco has not announced a new driver unit or terminal unit alongside the update. A teaser site is available here.
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR+ cars
The headline vehicle for 6RR+ is the Nissan RZ34, known in Japan as the Fairlady Z. Previous versions have used the following hero cars:
- 6RR: Nissan R50 by Italdesign
- 6: Porsche 718 Cayman S (982H20) and Porsche 911 Turbo S (991MA171)
- 5DX+: Lamborghini Aventador (LP700-4) and Honda NSX (NC1)
- 5DX: Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI Quattro and Dodge Viper SRT-10
- 3DX+: Nissan R35
The BMW logo in the car-selection menu has been updated. The Nissan logo was revised for 6RR and may receive another adjustment in 6RR+, although that detail has not been confirmed.
Seven cars that were previously limited editions can now be selected from the main menu:
- Honda S2000 (AP2)
- Nissan Leopard
- Mini Cooper via BMW; this Japan-exclusive car still requires confirmation for the Asia and Oceania market because of possible licensing issues
- Nissan Fairlady Z 280ZT (Z31)
- Mazda MX-5 RF
- Toyota GR Supra RZ (DB42, also known as the A90)
- BMW M4 Competition (G82)
The Honda S660 remains unconfirmed, despite appearing in the game files for some time.
Gameplay and feature changes
6RR+ introduces small physics changes, including extra push in lower gears. Vehicle customisation also receives updates, with straight neon underglow returning for some cars. It is not yet clear whether arch-style neon underglow will remain, particularly if the 67-level dress-up system is unchanged.
Wangan Navigator is set to show which players have recently visited particular venues. This feature has raised privacy questions, including whether player accounts will be able to opt out of appearing in those venue records.
In-store rankings can now be accessed through the Wangan Terminal. Players will no longer need to wait for the attract-mode ranking loop or use the green and red buttons to move through it more quickly.
Several Time Attack courses have revised start and finish locations. A new in-venue 2v2 Tournament mode is also planned.
New Wangan Midnight music
Five tracks have been added by composer Yuzo Koshiro:
- Entry (WM6RR+)
- Everynight Everyday
- Moonlight Love
- Midnight Symphony
- Maximum Overdrive
When will 6RR+ reach Australia?
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR+ is due to appear at the Japan Amusement Expo the month after its announcement. There was no confirmed plan for Maximum Tune 6RR+ to appear at IAAPA 2023, and an international release has not been announced.
That leaves Australian players waiting for clearer information about an Asia and Oceania rollout. The update is an unusual way to mark two decades of Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune, particularly with discussion of a possible future Maximum Tune 7. However, no details about a seventh instalment have been confirmed.
For operators, an upgrade path could make the update more practical if it were offered for existing 5DX+ machines at a reasonable price. At present, there is no announced upgrade-kit pricing or availability.
Fans tracking the series can visit the official Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR+ website, here. Readers interested in the wider arcade scene can also follow the RETROCADE arcade news and gaming blog, explore racing arcades, or review the arcade machine buying guide.
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