About Tanuki Sunset
Tanuki Sunset is a 3D longboarding game in which you take control of a Tanuki racing down colorful roads, dodging traffic, drifting around corners, and collecting items to rack up points. With a bit of know-how on your longboard, you’ll be pulling off stylish moves and extending your run. The neon, synthwave-inspired esthetic combined with simple gameplay makes for a journey that's both relaxing and reflex-intensive.
Life on the Board
The Tanuki moves forward automatically, so you don't need to constantly manage your speed; the real challenge lies in steering.
Use the Left and Right Arrow keys to change direction and maintain your position on the road. When approaching a curve, the Space bar lets the Tanuki drift—a move you’ll use frequently to navigate narrow sections cleanly.
The interesting thing is you don't have to hug the edge of the road and chase every item in sight all the time. Sometimes, maintaining a steady line is more beneficial than attempting a risky maneuver just for a few extra points.
Scoring Through Style
Tanuki Sunset tracks more than just the distance you travel; the game encourages players to perform a variety of moves while boarding.
Drifting, getting airtime, and skimming close to other vehicles all contribute to your score. To beat your records, you’ll need to learn how to chain different actions together rather than simply trying to stay on the board as long as possible.
But there are boundaries to risk-taking. A car pulling out in front of you can end your run instantly, so situational awareness is still more important than looking for bonus points at all times.
Collecting Items Along the Way
Keep an eye out for "Tanuki Bits" as you race downhill. These items are scattered along the route and can help you unlock a special reward.
Collecting 20 Bits triggers the bonus roulette. It’s a fairly easy side objective to pursue during long runs, provided the items aren't positioned in a way that forces you to make dangerous maneuvers.
In addition to Bits, you might also encounter Kits. By passing over the right spot, the Tanuki can pick up a Kit. Your mission is then to reunite the little Tanuki with its mother to earn a massive point bonus.
Controls
What makes Tanuki Sunset so addictive?
The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity. There aren't many buttons to memorize, yet executing a perfect run requires a great deal of precision.
You can play simply to relax and soak in the neon scenery, or turn every run into a high-score chase striving for cleaner drifts, greater distances, or completed side objectives.
The synthwave soundtrack, the colorful roads, and the image of a Tanuki on a longboard all make for a unique style. The game doesn’t force you into one playstyle, so everyone can find their pace.
See how far you can get!
A peaceful ride can turn in a split second. A car cutting you off or an overcorrection in the steering can easily ruin your run, especially if it comes out of nowhere.
If you like arcade games that have simple controls but still offer some room to get better at playing, Tanuki Sunset is a good choice. Get on your board, go downhill and try to keep the Tanuki on the road as long as possible.