Ridge RacerSYSTEM: Sony
Playstation
DEVELOPER: Namco
PRODUCER: Namco
PRICE: N/A
RATED: Kids to Adults (Ages
6+)
Here's a game that is definetely worth playing!! It's Ridge Racer from the arcade giant Namco. But you knew that anyway, didn't you? It said Namco on the box, so you knew it'd be great!
This game is an almost perfect port of the arcade game of the same name. Graphics, feel, ect.. are so close to the original that you'd think you bought the machine. Way better port then the graphically challenged Datoyna USA from Sega.
Your gonna love this game for many reasons. It is fast, beautiful, and just an overall joy to play. Afterall, it is virtually the same game that has dominated arcades for quite some time.
With the release of the Playstation, came RidgeRacer. This is what sold systems for Sony. With the release of the Saturn, came Daytona USA. This is what was supposed to sell games for Sega.
Everyone compaired the two racers once released. Ridge Racer was perfect in respect to what was expected of a port. Daytona, although perfect in gameplay, wasn't near as good looking as it was in the arcade. Graphics were low-res, and pop-up was quite apparent. The port was less then spectacular.
Great ports like this (and others) are what eventually caused Sony to gain such dominance in the home console market. Had Sega paid a little more attention to the graphics, along with the gameplay, they would've still been a top contender. Sure, they changed, but it was a little too late!
I bet your thinking I liked Ridge Racer better then Daytona USA. No, I didn't. I actually liked Daytona a bit better (although both are very good). I think the postitve aspects of Daytona overshine where it lacks in graphics. Ridge Racer also had a few flaws that, in my mind cannot be over looked. I'll explain.
Ridge Racer only has one track, as opposed to Daytona's three. Some argue that the track has extra sections in mid, high level, and T.T. so it actually matches Daytona. To me, this doesn't cut the mustard! It is still one, and only one track. Very repetitious racing indeed.
Ridge Racer is not as smooth of a racer as Daytona either. Power slides feel awkward, and take much time to perfect. To it's credit, some love them, but I still don't think they come close to Daytona. Just somehow not as smooth.
No car damage, and only two possible car views. These gripes may seem like I'm nitpicking, but actually they do attest to the fact that Daytona is a more complete racer. It lacks a little in graphics, but makes up for it in the gameplay department.
Whether I liked Daytona better or not, is actually beside the point. I only presented my opinions because there has been wide spread comparison between the two. Actually, if you read my Daytona review you will find it is only slightly better then Ridge Racer. Datoyna scored 93%, Ridge Racer scored 89%. Both are excellent racers, and I recommend them to anyone. If you haven't tried this game, I say go get a copy. It's definetely well worth it.
RATINGS
GRAPHICS 95%
SOUND 94%
GAMEPLAY 80%
ORIGINALITY 90%
REPLAY VALUE 85%
OVERALL 89%
