"If you like having fun for the first couple days of a game's life, get this game NOW."

This game was released by Namco in Japan and North America and was released to Europe by EA. At participating stores, it comes bundled up with the infamous Pac-Man vs. In fact, that's all I see the game as. A tool to get the real deal.

Gameplay: C+

Eh, the gameplay's average, nothing more or less. The good part is, R: Racing Evolution will supply you with multiple game modes. Some examples might be time attack and arcade mode. You'll be able to unlock stuff, earn Reward Points and upgrade cars, new characters, and so on. I guess that my biggest complaint would be the lack of excitement compared to other racing games. There's no happenings where it's like "Whoa! What the heck happened?" It's more like "Yay, you won, good for you, I'll beat you next time!" The game seems to drag on forever until it eventually falls into a pit and you get mad at it. The problem is most likely the lack of excitement and suspense multiplayer. Namco needs to make a surprise technique and consider the aspect of bored games playing the same thing over and over just to unlock horrible stuff. I guess the only reason I gave this a C+ is that there is multiplayer and it can be fun the first few times you play it. After that, it's just a matter of time before you throw the game into a dumpster.

Graphics: B-

This is probably the best aspect of the game, the graphics are neat and created to a good extent. The cars look fantastic, the courses were great and the characters were okay too. Details that one might not notice, can play a certain effect in other people's view. In other words, some things may look different, depending on your opinion of it. Kind of mind-boggling, isn't it? I guess the only reason this category got a B- is because it failed to amaze me, astound me, so that I'd be proud to show this game to other people's faces and say, "HA!"

Sound: F

I was displeased at the lack of quality sound. All there is, is horrific music that'll make you want to turn down the volume so that you won't be distracted by it while playing. Get a portable music player, because you're going to need something to accompany a racing game. In case you still want to know why it's terrible, the licensed rap music sounds dorky and is out-dated. Nothing is new, and the rappers sound like they're on drugs.

Scores:
Gameplay: C+
Graphics: B-
Sound: F
Story: N/A
Replay Value: WAY BELOW AVERAGE
Difficulty: AVERAGE
Fun Factor: BELOW AVERAGE
Frustration Factor: BELOW AVERAGE
Final: 4/10

R: Racing Evolution is definitely not a game that'd I recommend for any type of gamer. At the most, take it as a rental, because you'll get bored of it in two days. It's repetitive and once you've exhausted the game modes, you'll be left with nothing to do. Sorry Ridge Racer fans.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 06/09/05