Tanuki Sunset for Web

Quick summary

Tanuki Sunset is a free third-person longboard game from indie studio Squid Squad. You play as a skilled tanuki (a raccoon from Japanese folklore) shredding a procedurally generated seaside route drenched in synthwave colors. The goal is straightforward: stay on the road as long as possible, chain stylish moves, and rack up points while avoiding cliffs, traffic, and obstacles.

Core gameplay

A run consists of carving downhill, pulling off drifts and jumps, and gathering collectible bits scattered along the route. Picking up these Tanuki Bits fills a Bonus Roulette meter that multiplies your score when triggered. Points are awarded for airtime and drift length, and risky near-misses add extra score — so flashy play is rewarded.

Controls and challenge

• Simple input scheme: play with an Xbox controller or a keyboard; a few keys/buttons handle left/right movement, speed bursts, and tricks like 180s and slides.
• High sensitivity: the board accelerates quickly downhill, and small differences in input duration can send the tanuki swinging wide off the pavement.
• Environmental hazards: moving cars, sudden lane constrictions, and large boulders can end a run instantly if you collide with them.
• Risk vs reward: brushing past danger tends to net bonus points, encouraging daring maneuvers.

Visual and audio style

The presentation leans into a stylized, cartoonish aesthetic rather than photorealism. The palette favors neon pinks, electric blues, and minty greens to evoke a sunset-by-the-sea, retro-futuristic vibe. The animations are deliberately simple but charming, matching the game’s arcade feel.

Tips for better runs

• Focus on collecting bits to charge the Bonus Roulette — it yields much more than passive skating.
• Practice short, controlled inputs to avoid oversteering on tight bends.
• Use jumps and drift chains to boost score multipliers whenever a clear stretch appears.
• Keep an eye on the horizon for sudden road narrowing and incoming traffic.

Final thoughts

Tanuki Sunset is ideal for quick, addictive play sessions. Its pick-up-and-play controls make it accessible, while the sensitive handling and procedurally changing roads keep the difficulty engaging. There’s little in the way of progression beyond beating your high score, but the satisfying arcade loop and visual style make it an enjoyable time sink. If you want an alternate quick-play experience, consider trying Hole-io.