Japanese Multiplayer Racing Game Brings Split-Screen Competition and 1990s Arcade Style to Modern Platforms
Tokyo-based game publisher and developer 3goo has announced that 4PGP will launch June 11, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Steam.
Priced at $19.99 in the United States, the game blends classic arcade-style racing mechanics with modern graphics and performance features, targeting players looking for accessible multiplayer competition and nostalgic gameplay inspired by 1990s racing titles.
The release comes as retro-inspired racing games continue gaining popularity among gamers who grew up with arcade cabinets and early console racers during the genre’s peak era.
4PGP Focuses on Accessible Multiplayer Racing
According to 3goo, 4PGP is designed for players of all skill levels, combining simplified arcade handling with competitive racing mechanics.
The game supports up to four players locally through split-screen multiplayer, a feature that has become less common in modern racing games but remains popular among fans of couch co-op and party-style gaming experiences.
Players can choose between four difficulty settings — Rookie, Novice, Veteran, and Expert — alongside multiple gameplay modes including Quick Race, Championship, and Time Attack.
Unlockable Cars and Tracks
As players progress through the game, they unlock additional vehicles and race circuits.
The title includes:
- 14 race tracks
- 20 unlockable cars
- Multiple racing modes
- Local four-player split-screen multiplayer
- Assist Mode for younger or beginner players
The progression system is designed around replayability and improving race times, a structure familiar to fans of classic arcade racers.
Inspired by Classic 1990s Racing Games
4PGP draws heavily from the style and pacing of iconic 1990s arcade racing franchises that helped define the genre during the early console era.
The development team includes contributions from Kenji Sasaki, known for his work on legendary racing titles including Sega Rally and Ridge Racer.
The soundtrack was composed by Tomoyuki Kawamura, whose previous work includes music for Virtua Racing, Sega Rally, and Tokyo Xtreme Racer.
For many American players, the presentation may feel reminiscent of classic arcade experiences once common in malls, family entertainment centers, and early home console gaming.
Modern Features Added for PS5 and Steam Versions
The PlayStation 5 and Steam releases include several upgrades and gameplay improvements compared to earlier console editions.
New additions include:
- An extra unlockable vehicle
- Analog acceleration and braking controls
- Updated difficulty balancing
- Additional quality-of-life improvements
The game also supports 4K resolution and a consistent 60 frames per second using a custom-built engine.
According to the publisher, the same content updates will later be released free for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the game.
3goo Continues Expanding Beyond Japanese Publishing
Founded in 2009, 3goo is primarily known for bringing Western-developed games to the Japanese market.
The company has published Japanese releases for titles including Dead by Daylight, Aliens: Fireteam Elite, RoboCop: Rogue City, and Dead Cells.
In recent years, the company has also expanded into original game development for global audiences, including the 2022 fighting game The Rumble Fish 2.
Retro Racing Games Continue Finding New Audiences
The launch of 4PGP reflects broader demand for arcade-style racing experiences that prioritize accessibility, local multiplayer, and fast-paced gameplay over ultra-realistic simulation mechanics.
While modern racing franchises increasingly focus on realism and online competition, many players continue seeking games that capture the straightforward fun of older arcade racers.
By combining retro-inspired gameplay with modern hardware capabilities, 4PGP aims to appeal to longtime racing fans as well as younger players discovering the arcade racing genre for the first time.
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