If you’ve sworn off genAI Crazy Taxi and dislike all the twerking in GTA 6, consider Shifu: Traffic Masters, a jolly open world driving game set in 1990s China
Shifu: Traffic Masters is an upcoming open-world driving game set in 1990s northern China, offering an alternative approach to the driving game genre. Drawing explicit inspiration from classic driving games like Driver and Midtown Madness, the game aims to capture the spirit of those titles while placing its action in a unique setting rarely explored in mainstream gaming.
The game is available with a playable demo on Steam, allowing interested players to experience the game ahead of its full release. Based on the available information, Shifu: Traffic Masters presents itself as a “jolly” experience, suggesting a more lighthearted tone compared to some contemporary driving games. The 1990s China setting provides a distinctive backdrop for the traditional driving game formula, potentially offering players a nostalgic or novel experience depending on their familiarity with that era and region.
The game appears to be marketed toward players seeking alternatives to current major driving titles, particularly those concerned about the use of generative AI in games or who prefer different tonal approaches than some popular driving franchises. With a demo now available and a trailer showcasing the gameplay, Shifu: Traffic Masters is establishing itself as a notable indie or mid-tier driving game entry in the current gaming landscape.