Introduction
Tanuki Sunset is a vibrant, retro-style skateboarding game developed by Rewind Games and Squid Squad. You play as Tanuki, a rad raccoon from Sunset Island, who dreams of landing on the cover of FISH, the top longboarding magazine.
The game combines fast-paced downhill longboarding with a chill synthwave soundtrack and neon-infused, cyberpunk-inspired visuals. Players skate through procedurally generated courses, including mountain ranges, bustling city streets, and sandy beaches, performing tricks, drifting, and dodging obstacles to rack up points. Its addictive gameplay, stunning sunset backdrops, and relaxing yet challenging vibe make it a standout indie title.
How to play
Controls
- Left/Right Arrow Keys (or Analog Stick): Steer Tanuki left or right.
- Up Arrow (or Speed Stance Button): Enter speed stance to go faster.
- Down Arrow (or Slide Button): Perform a 180-degree slide.
- Spacebar (or Drift Button): Hold to drift around corners and obstacles.
- Q/E (or Trick Buttons, in air): Perform tricks like spins or flips for extra points.
- Gamepad support (e.g., Xbox 360 controller) enhances the experience for smoother control.
Gameplay
- Drifting: Hold the drift button while turning to slide around sharp corners. Drifting maintains speed and earns style points. Start drifts early for tight turns.
- Tricks: Jump off ramps or gain air-time and press Q/E to perform spins, flips, or other tricks. Combine buttons for complex moves to boost your score.
- Near misses: Skate close to walls, edges, or obstacles for bonus points from “tight squeezes” or near-miss moments.
- Collecting items:
- Tanuki bits: Collect these to fill the Bonus Roulette Meter for a spin that awards bonus points. Also used as currency for cosmetic upgrades (boards, outfits).
- Tapes: Change the music and visual theme.
- Ringing phones: Answer for story bits (e.g., calls from Tanuki’s mom).
- Baby Raccoons: Rescue for extra points.
- Obstacles: Dodge cars, trucks, traffic cones, and cliffs. Crashing or falling off the track sends you back to the last checkpoint, losing some points.
- Bonus roulette: Collect 20 Tanuki Bits to trigger the Bonus Roulette, which awards additional points.
- Customization: Use Tanuki Bits at Bob’s Skate Shop to buy cosmetic items like boards, hats, or clothes to style Tanuki. Items don’t affect gameplay.
Tanuki Sunset blends simple controls with challenging gameplay, rewarding skill and creativity. Its retro aesthetic, catchy music, and quirky raccoon protagonist create a unique, addictive experience.
