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Tanuki Sunset is a third-person, arcade-style skateboarding game developed and published by Rewind Games. Originally released on November 2019, for Steam, the game later expanded to Nintendo Switch and a browser-playable version, making it widely accessible.
In this vibrant and laid-back game, players take control of Tanuki, a raccoon determined to make it big by landing on the cover of Sunset Island’s top longboarding magazine. As you cruise through neon-lit roads, winding mountain paths, and breezy coastlines, the retro synthwave setting pulls you into its relaxing rhythm.
Blending sports, arcade, and light adventure, Tanuki Sunset invites players into a chilled-out experience that’s easy to pick up but surprisingly challenging to master.
In Tanuki Sunset, you play as a stylish raccoon chasing a dream across the neon-lit world of Sunset Island.
From the moment you drop into the winding roads, the setting feels like a chill blend of cyberpunk vibes and island serenity. You’ll drift past city lights, race through forest trails, and coast along the sandy beaches of Sunset Island, all while synth beats pulse in the background.
The game doesn’t rely on a deep narrative. Instead, the adventure is about the journey, mastering your board, feeling the rhythm of the road, and carving your name into a world that looks like it came straight from a dream.
The main objective in Tanuki Sunset is to build up your score by skating downhill, landing stylish tricks, and collecting Tanuki Bits. Chaining actions like a timed drift into a clean jump boosts your multiplier, something top players optimize by combining near-misses and high-speed turns. Each Tanuki Bit collected also fills the Bonus Roulette, which offers end-of-run score boosts and gear unlocks at Bob’s Skate Shop.
You’ll need to balance speed with control. Sharp turns require drifting, while ramps invite airtime. Watch out for every obstacle, cars, crabs, or steep edges. Crashing resets your run and burns momentum.
Advanced players often maximize point runs by mastering momentum conservation: drift late, land centered, and string multiple actions into one smooth combo.
The heart of Tanuki Sunset lies in its charming lead: a longboarding raccoon with a dream. When you meet Tanuki for the first time, you’ll notice the laid-back attitude and signature outfit that sets the tone for this relaxed but skill-based game. Unlike typical human characters in most skating games, Tanuki adds an unexpected layer of personality and fun to every ride.
The game’s art style mixes neon colors with synthwave visuals, creating a dreamlike skate environment that’s both nostalgic and modern. What makes the game truly cool is its use of procedurally generated roads, meaning every run feels slightly different. Think Alto’s Odyssey meets Tony Hawk, but slower-paced and moodier.
At Bob’s Skate Shop, you can swap out your skateboard and outfit using Tanuki Bits. It’s not just about aesthetics, better boards may help with maneuverability, making trick combos smoother.
The game blends relaxing vibes with just enough action to keep you engaged. Dodging cars, crabs, and cliffs adds a reflex-based challenge, while the responsive controls make drifting and tricking intuitive and satisfying.
Progress in Tanuki Sunset revolves around collecting Tanuki Bits, the game’s main currency. You collect them by landing tricks, drifting close to edges, and staying on the board without crashing. These Bits fuel the Bonus Roulette, a meter that, when full, grants extra score boosts and unlocks.
According to Rewind Games, "we wanted progression to feel rewarding without pressure, like earning style points for skating smart." Bits are used at Bob’s Skate Shop to unlock new outfits and boards, each with unique flair. Mastering different boards helps players slowly master the longboard, improving control over tight turns and jumps.
As you climb in skill, you’ll unlock new areas, beaches, cities, and forest cliffs. Even in the classic version, secrets like phones and tapes offer variety and encourage exploration.
Whether you're just starting to play or aiming to climb the leaderboards, Tanuki Sunset rewards precision and flow. Here's a quick rundown of proven strategies:
Avoid common pitfalls like going too fast into turns or skipping Tanuki Bits. For deeper insights, check out community tips on Discord and YouTube tutorials.
Pros
Cons
Tanuki Sunset is full of hidden surprises that players often miss on their first few runs. Look out for floating tapes, they can shift the entire visual theme or soundtrack mid-level. You might also spot baby raccoons or old phones tucked in corners, adding charm and bonus points.
For tips and strategies, join the game’s Discord (linked on its itch.io page) or check out online videos and guides. The community regularly shares advice on how to optimize tricks and discover new paths.
Tanuki Sunset is a stylized, unique experience that blends retro aesthetics with smooth skateboarding mechanics. It’s easy to start, tough to master, and endlessly replayable. Whether you find it through Steam or a browser website, we highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys creative arcade games with charm, challenge, and a touch of neon-soaked nostalgia.