Please login to submit a screenshot

"The best racer on the N64."

Ridge Racer 64 was released in September of 2000 for the Nintendo 64. This version of RR was co-developed by Nintendo Software Technology Corporation and Namco. The game was distributed by Nintendo. This version of RR is the first ever for a Nintendo system. It also marks the fiirst time that Namco has allowed one of its newer franchises on the N64. This version of RR is, in my opinion, the best of the series. RR64 features 24 cars (4 of which are immediately selectable). It also features nine tracks (technically this is true, each of the three unique tracks has three separate parts to it. ) It has great graphics, wonderful sound, and some of the best control ever in a racing game.

Graphics- 8/10- The graphics are, in a word, remarkable. The car models are simply amazing, they are very well built, and while there is a hint of jagginess to them, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. The cars all feature excellent, realistic reflections that add that little extra something to the overall look of the game. Not to mention nice little motion blur effects on the tail lights. The framerate is simple amazing. It’s rock solid and never skips a beat. The speed of the game is amazing. It’s one of the fastest racing games I have ever played; speed-wise it rivals F-Zero X in some cases. The game’s tracks feature many little touches that add to the feel of the race. For example, on one track you can see waterfalls. While on antoher, excellently rendered windows (complete with reflections) greet you with graphical bliss. The game does have some very minor collision detection problems; these usually occur when you are trying to pass someone, which can be a problem. All in all, the graphics are stupendous. The good far outweighs the bad.

Pros- Super-smooth framerate. Nice car reflections. Small graphical touches that add a lot to the look of the game. One of the fastest racing games ever.
Cons- Some might find the minute jagginess on the cars annoying, I don’t. However, there are some collision detection problems that can disrupt the gameplay.

Sound- 10/10- The game’s sound is remarkable. This game will treat N64 owners to some of the finest music, annoucning, and sound effects that they have ever heard come out of the system. The music has a rather up-beat, yet serious tempo to it that makes it perfect for racing games. While it’s not the best music in gaming history, it’s some of the best yet on the N64. The in-game announcer is one of the best I’ve ever heard in a racing game. His voice is crystal clear and he actually has many witty remarks during, as well as after, a race. For example, after a race, and if you didn’t place first he will say sometHing like, “ That was good, but you can do better, give it another shot.” This is a nice touch that really motivated me to keep playing the game. The sound effects are yet another aural treat. While there aren’t tons of sound effects (this is a racing game after all), the ones that are in the game are excellent. The engines all sound excellent, as does the screech of the tires. The game has some of the best sound I’ve heard from a racing game. The only downside to it is the announcer’s occasional idiotic remark. Thankfully, they are kept in short supply.

Pros- Great music that fits the racing genre to a tee. The sound effects are amazing. The announcing is some of the best I’ve ever heard in a racing game.
Cons- The announcer does say some stupid remarks.

Gameplay- 10/10- The in-game engine is rock-solid. It’s super-smooth and never misses a beat. It fits the arcade style of gameplay like a glove. There are numerous modes in which to try out this rock-solid game engine. There a Quick Play mode for when you only want to race on one track (the Revolution Novice track). There’s also a Grand Prix mode, this is the meat-and-potatoes portion of the game. It allows you to choose any available track and car and race the tracks until your heart’s content. You race against 11 CPU controlled cars in this mode. The Time Attack mode allows you to pick any car and any track. Your goal in this mode is to improve the best times. All of these modes are well-done and exploit the many strengths of the game.

Pros- Rock-solid gameplay. Modes exploit the strengths of the game.
Cons- None.

Control-10/10- The cars control like a dream. The control scheme is nicely set-up; the A button accelerates, while the B button brakes. The C-Up button is used to change the camera’s viewpoint. You can control the direction of the car using either the directional pad, or the Control Stick. This is the default button setup, and it works very well. Each and every command is easily excecuted. This is an essential part of any racing game becase a racing game is really only as good as its controls. The controls are instantaneous; the very moment that you press a button, you will see the results of it on-screen. This game has some of the most refined and responsive control schemes ever in a racing game.

Pros- Super responsive controls. The control scheme is nicely set-up.
Cons- None at all.

Presentation- 10/10- The game has a very sleek, polished look to it. The menus all feature highly detailed backgrounds. Not to mention fancy fonts and Computer Generated pictures of the Ridge Racer girl. The presentation looks very professional and fits the game perfectly.

Challenge- 3/10- The challenge in this game is virtually non-existant. The AI is a dumb as a box of rocks and the track design is very limited. This game could, and should have been made more challenging.

Replay Value-10/10- There are hidden cars to unlock (16 to be exact), not to mention lap times to beat. While this might not sound like much, the game is a sheer joy to play. It never gets boring or monotonous.

Overall-10/10- The game has some of the best graphics I’ve ever seen in a racing game. Not to mention some of the finest sound of any game on the N64. The control is among the best ever in video games. The gameplay is fast, furious, and addictive; it’ll keep you coming back for more.

Final Thought- This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest racing game that I have ever played. The gameplay is some of the smoothest I’ve ever experienced and the graphics are top-notch.

Buy or Rent?-Rent- As much as I like this game, I probably wouldn’t have bought it if I had not gotten it for such a low price ($6 to be exact.) While the game is very addictive, you can unlock most of the secret stuff in a day or two, three days tops. Only those who really love and “get” what the game is about will want toplay it longer than they need to.

How does it compare to other Ridge Racer games?

I’ve played three Ridge Racer games other than this one (Ridge Racer, Ridge Racer: Type 4, and Ridge Racer 5) and I can honestly say that this is the best one of the bunch. The gameplay in this version is leagues ahead of any other game in the series. It’s so fast that you can barely blink during a race without worrying about your position , and it controls better than any other Ridge Racer game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/25/01, Updated 03/25/01