How would you rank version 4-8? (2025)

Here are my personal opinions:

#1. Version. 3. This is an all time favorite, full of nostalgia for old players. Being the latest in the pre-HD era of Initial D Arcade Stage, this one had the most amount of game content compared to the original Arcade Stage and Version. 2.
Pros: Translated into English and localized for the US. Cheap. Often considered a classic game.
Cons: The cabinet is older than your Initial D 4, not compatible. Magnetic cards instead of the plastic ones, cheaper but less durable. Most likely not what you are looking for.

#2. 7 AAX. This title drew back a huge crowd of old Initial D players back when it first came out. This was the title that managed to capture the attention of many old players, with its nostalgic classic soundtrack and a much more grippy handling physics, just like the pre-HD era of Initial D Arcade games. A wide variety of tracks and an equally plenty selection of cars means that it definitely is one of the better Initial D Arcade Stage titles.
Pros: Tag mode (co-op multiplayer), Snow tracks (Available only on later versions)
Cons: No English release available, Need to upgrade to Ringedge

#3. 8 Infinity. This is kind of a mixed bag in terms of handling model, it wasn't praised for it, but it is definitely not the worst. Among current-gen Initial D Arcade Games, this is the definitive edition. After updates, this game have even more cars and tracks than 7 AAX, Along with the most amount of customization available for players who purchased card saves.
Pros: Tag Mode and also RivalSide (Singleplayer campaign missions with a ranking system), Tachometer customization (for card saves), Variety of other customization options
Cons: Tag Mode and half the Story mode campaign is locked and not playable on ver. 1.0, New cars and tracks are not available until updates are present. No English release available
Note: Players can purchase cards themselves that might come with the locked cars.

#4. Arcade Stage 5. This is often praised for its handling, which had a unique tire wear mechanic that never re-appeared in its sequels. Players who had played it either hate it to the extreme, or love it a lot. Most players really enjoyed it. The physics can even allow players without card saves to beat players with fully upgraded cars, as long as the skill is there. Thus, this game is one of the more rewarding ones for players who practice and master the game.
Pros: Lindbergh system (no need to upgrade), Slower paced playstyle means reduced wear on mechanical components such as steering wheel and pedals
Cons: No English release available, no Tag game mode, less cars than its successors

#5. Version. 2. This is also a classic. There isn't anything wrong with this one (except for the usual car balance issues), just that Version. 3 have more content. Many players feel more nostalgic about Ver. 2 than Ver. 3.
Pros: Translated into English and localized for the US. Cheap. Often considered a classic game.
Cons: The cabinet is older than your Initial D 4, not compatible. Magnetic cards instead of the plastic ones, cheaper but less durable. Most likely not what you are looking for.

#6. 6 Double Ace. This is the first Initial D title to use the Lindbergh system. It also introduced the tag mode that everybody is familiar with by now, although story mode tag doesn't exist until 7. This game also ditched the well praised tire wear system from Arcade Stage 5.
Pros: Tag mode (co-op multiplayer)
Cons: No English release available, Need to upgrade to Ringedge

#7. Arcade Stage Zero. As of the current date of posting, this is the latest game in the Initial D Arcade franchise. A new AIME card system is finally implemented on this brand new cabinet, with a H pattern shifter and a new NU2 system powering it. However, reception is not very good. Many players are not fond of the cluttered UI design, the lack of story mode cut-scenes, the absence of older game modes such as tag, horrible j-rock soundtracks, and the reduction in the number of tracks and cars compared to 8 Infinity.
Pros: the latest Initial D Arcade game
Cons: Completely new incompatible cabinet (purchase directly from SEGA Japan), costly, extremely hard to operate inside the USA, steering wheel have less steering angle than previous titles, bigger display but not higher resolution, No English release available

#8. Initial D Arcade Stage (Original). Not much can be said about this title. This is a great game in 2002, but it had aged quite a lot. It is not going to turn heads unless the player is an enthusiast who knows what he is looking at.
Pros: Translated into English and localized for the US. Cheap. A true classic. Any arcade enthusiast will instantly recognize this one.
Cons: The cabinet is older than your Initial D 4, not compatible. Magnetic cards instead of the plastic ones, cheaper but less durable. Most likely not what you are looking for.

#9. Arcade Stage 4. Commonly regarded as the worst Initial D Arcade game EVER, this is the first HD era Initial D Arcade game, and also the last Initial D Arcade game to be ported to a home console. As a sequel to the legendary Version. 3, Arcade Stage 4 had less cars, less tracks, and physics that was absolutely horrifying to most players during that time. This is the first Initial D Arcade game that can let the player do wide angle drifting, but its physics was so horrible, some described it as driving a piece of soap. This is also the last Initial D Arcade game that had an English release, although some theorized that the awfulness of this title, which led to its horrific reception, is what killed English ports and home console ports of Initial D for good.
Pros: Translated into English and localized for the US. (The only HD era Initial D Arcade game that is available in English)
Cons: The game is a pile of trash.