“Aren't recent racing games all about realistic cars?”

If you hear such comments, there is a work I would definitely like to introduce. That is “Hashire Hebereke EX,” which will be released on September 3, 2026.

This work, which remakes “Hashire Hebereke” released on the Super Famicom in 1994 for modern audiences, is sprinting at full speed in a completely different direction from so-called authentic racing games. The sight of cute characters running around the courses, throwing items at each other, and aiming for the goal while being at the mercy of obstacles is so lively that it makes you laugh just by watching. However, the fun of this game does not end with mere slapstick. Due to performance differences among characters, special moves, and the existence of items that completely change the situation, a heated race unfolds where the outcome is unpredictable until the very end.

What is indispensable when talking about the charm of “Hashire Hebereke EX” is the existence of the appearing characters. Starting with the protagonist Hebe, a lineup of unique faces that intrigue you just by hearing their names is fully assembled, including O-chan, Jennifer, Sukezaemon, Bobodori, Pen-chan, Utsujin, and Unyon. While in normal racing games one tends to choose based solely on performance numbers, in this work, it is already fun at the exact point of “which character to play with.” Both appearance and movements are full of personality, possessing a liveliness as if anime characters have jumped straight into the race venue. Furthermore, since each possesses different characteristics and special moves, you can enjoy not only the selection method of “using them because they are a favorite,” but also the strategic nature of thinking, “This character looks like they would be strong on this course.” Contrary to the cute appearance, surprisingly deep tactical maneuvers can be enjoyed.

If you think of “Hashire Hebereke EX” as a mere racing game, that is a bit of a waste. An amazingly diverse range of game modes is prepared in this work. First, for people who want to enjoy it alone, there is “Story.” A different tale unfolds for each chosen character, aiming to clear all 10 stages. Since you can immediately re-challenge even if you lose, you can enjoy the world of the characters while playing casually. And for players who want to hone their skills, “Time Attack” is waiting. Thanks to the ghost function that competes against your own past records, it makes you want to challenge it over and over again, aiming for just a slight reduction in time.

Astoundingly, a tag mode called “Engacho” is even included. The idea of a tagger chasing other players with poop placed on their head is so surreal that it is hard to believe it was born from a serious game design meeting. However, when actually played, both the fleeing side and the chasing side get into a huge uproar, and before you know it, everyone is laughing out loud. Furthermore, “Battle Run” for classic race matches, “Popun Battle” where you fight by throwing “Popun” at the opponent, and even “Rhythm Game” which is irresistible for rhythm game lovers are prepared. A work that allows you to play while crossing genres to this extent is quite rare.

The true value of this game is likely demonstrated when played with multiple people after all. Up to 4 people can participate in local matches. If friends and family gather, loud cheers are bound to fly around not only inside the screen but also in the real world. A person who was running away with the lead in the race drops in rank due to receiving an item attack at the very last moment or getting caught on an obstacle. Conversely, it is not rare for a player who was in dead last to make a one-shot turnaround. Exactly because of that, no one can let their guard down until the end, and naturally everyone becomes hooked. It is not a game that is fun only for the person who won; even the people who lost can make a funny story out of it. I feel that is precisely the charm characteristic of “Hashire Hebereke EX.”

And like a modern remake work, online functions have also been significantly enhanced.

It supports online races with up to 8 people, allowing you to casually match against players nationwide. Developments where skill and luck intermingle on randomly selected stages generate a different drama every time. In a chaotic state where no one knows who will win, split-second decisions determine victory or defeat. The sense of tension unique to online competitive play and the comical atmosphere characteristic of the Hebereke series fuse exquisitely. In recent years, numerous games pursuing realism or competitiveness have arrived, but “Hashire Hebereke EX” is a bit different. What this game aims for is likely the time itself where anyone can play casually while laughing. Unique characters, unpredictable race developments, a diverse range of game modes, and online matches where large numbers of people can get excited. Whichever you take, “fun” is packed inside. “Hashire Hebereke EX” grants nostalgia to people who played the Super Famicom version long ago, and fresh surprise to those touching it anew. It looks set to become a title that radiates a conspicuously unique presence in the racing game world of 2026.