R4: Ridge Racer Type 4

"R4 is lacking but still a good game"

The Ridge Racer series has been one of my favorite franchises. The arcade-style has been the keeper of my interest in this series and while R4 Ridge Racer Type 4 is a good game, it's gameplay is outclassed by the previous Ridge Racer games.

Like Rage Racer, R4 has a Grand Prix mode but that's where the similarities of the two game modes end. Unlike the Ridge Racers of the past, you don't have the option to choose which race you'd like to compete in. The races are strictly linear and this kills what was one of the greatest joys of past RRs. If you get stuck on one track you'll just have to grin and bear it. The Grand Prix mode is broken up into three sections. The first two races require you to place third or better, the next two races require you to place second or higher, and in the last four races you'll have to win first every race. You only have four chances to qualify and once you use up all your chances, the game is over. Also like Rage Racer, there are four car manufacturers to choose from. But this time you'll pick a team to go with a manufacturer such as Pac Racing Club or Dig Racing Team. Some manufacturers make drift style cars while others make cars that are more suited for grip.

R4 has the biggest lineup of cars out of any RR. The game has over 300 cars, but many of the car models repeat themselves with slight differences in the stats. The means required to unlock the cars is tiresome. Each manufacturer has 80 cars which means you'll have to beat the game many times if you wish to unlock them all.

Visually, R4 is the best looking RR on the PlayStation. The game makes use of nice graphical effects like blurs and lighting. The way the car lights stretch on the night courses is just cool. The cars are well modeled and you can even customize your car with logos.
R4 tracks are beautifully designed and don't consist of closed off sections like the previous games. You'll race on 8 tracks against 7 CPU racers. The AI is a bit more challenging this time. Some cars even try to block you to prevent you from passing them.

The RR games have always had some cool tunes and R4 is no exception. The game has a total of 14 songs that you can choose before the race begins. Some are soothing tracks while some are strictly rock music.

R4 isn't a bad game. It's just a disappointing effort from Namco. They tried to improve the game too much and wound up taking out some of the fun. The Ridge Racer fans should pick this one up. Just be aware that there are better Ridge Racers out there.

VISUALS 9
AUDIO 9
FUN 7

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/06/01, Updated 06/06/01