"Namco makes it to the finish line"

I've been a big fan of the Ridge Racer series ever since its debut in the arcades in 1993 and later on the Playstation in 1995. In 2000, the RR series had come a long way in terms of popularity and overall style. So much so, that Namco decided that it was time to give another console a piece of the Ridge Racer pie. On February 14, 2000, Ridge Racer 64 hit the shelves in every major game store. Of course back then, I only owned the Playstation and I was skeptical as to how good the game would be. "Do the graphics hold up well? Are the music tracks any good?? Above all else...is it fun???" Those were the questions running through my mind last year as I popped in the game and turned the power on. The answer? Yes, yes, and...yes!

I noticed that Namco didn't directly develop this particular game. It was actually handled by Nintendo Software Technology Corporation. When I saw their name flash over the screen, I became a bit concerned. I was afraid the they might have missed something that Namco would have otherwise included. Well, upon watching the opening racing scene play out, followed by a quick glance at everybody's favorite Ridge Racer girl, I was convinced that nothing was lost in the mix.

The visuals are among some of the best that I've seen on the N64. The graphics are smooth and very easy on the eyes. The headlights on the cars give off that cool blur effect that's most noticeable in tunnels or low lit areas. Not to mention, the car models themselves are well designed, for the most part. There are a few that look a little on the "boxy" side, but they still look good anyway though. Many folks will also find the speed of the game to be quite pleasant, although it can serve as a danger when your racing on some of the more advanced courses with faster cars and nasty "S" corners. The game's frame rate is silky smooth...at least in the single player Grand Prix, Car Attack, and Time Attack modes. I'm not sure how the graphics handle in 2-4 player racing modes, but I've heard that the frame rate drops just a little bit. But that's par for the course anyway, because it's a common happening with most multi-player racing games of that generation. I don't count that as a strike against RR64.

I was very curious about how the music was going to sound. After all, the Ridge Racer games before this one all had soundtrack-worthy tunes. Is it any different with the N64 version? Well, I don't know if there are any official soundtracks out...but I can tell ya'll that Nintendo did an excellent job with both the music and the sound FX too. They didn't use the game's cartridge format as an excuse to fudge in the audio department. Every track is well done and quite enjoyable to hear while leaving your competition in the dust. While, perhaps it's not quit as memorable (or as long) as the earlier Ridge Racer titles, you really won't care. I just didn't find myself humming the tunes when I'm not playing it and it's probably because it's a slightly different style then what I'm used to hearing. But it's great stuff, overall. The music is also good for drowning out the exuberant "announcer guy" too.

The fun factor of RR64 is right up there with the rest of its siblings. The course layouts are very well designed...or I should really say...emulated. Actually, some of you might recognize 2 of the 3 courses because they were taken directly from the first and second RR games. In fact, they named the tracks Ridge Racer (1), Revolution (2), and a new one called Renegade (3). It doesn't sound like much at first glance, but they are split up between 8 classes of races. Each class has the same 3 courses, but with different branching points and also reversed versions too. In all, you have 20 courses to conquer, and that ought to keep the average gamer busy for a good while.

Also, after each class that you successfully win, you'll be given 3 new cars to challenge in Car Attack mode. If you can beat them (and it's not hard either), then you can have them to drive in your future Grand Prix endeavors. And believe me...you'll need those cars if you plan on winning the more difficult races ahead. I also suggest checking out the replays after you're done racing because...well...it just looks really good. Nintendo didn't cop out and just stick you with a behind-the-bumper prospective. You'll get a very good look at the courses and cars as they come screeching around the mountain ranges and beach resorts. I personally like seeing the blur effects in pure replay glory, while I'm watching my car cut off the hopes of my rival. I never get tired of taking in all of the stylistic goodness that Nintendo put into this game.

If you're an N64 owner who even remotely likes racing games, I do suggest this one as the game to get. And it's pretty cheap too. Most game stores have it used for no more than $10...cartridge only, of course. Ridge Racer 64 deserves every bit as much respect and praise as its Playstation counterparts. I do believe that Nintendo put just as much effort and quality into this game as Namco would have if they did it themselves. You can't ask for much more than that.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/17/05