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"The FIRST game released for the PSX brings the thrill that hit arcades in the early 90's home."

Here it is, the first game EVER released for the Sony PlayStation console!

Graphics: 10/10

Now, keep in mind, this game came out in the arcades in 1993, and on the PSX (in Japan) in 1994.
For it's time period, and being a first generation Playstation Game, these now "old school" polygonal graphics blew away the competition other consoles at the time. Back then, we were just transitioning into the 32-bit era. A game like this could have never been created on another system at the time (SNES, Genesis, Jaguar, etc.) and be 100% arcade perfect. The environments in the race tracks are fluid with animation, and no choppy framerates to be found anywhere. For being a product of 1993/94 this is very superior. Namco was several steps ahead of everyone else.

Gameplay: 8/10

Well, it's racing, the only objective is to race a few laps around the track, avoid running out of time, and try to finish in first place. Now there is only ONE track/area with four different variations (plus the mirror and reverse modes). But what did you expect? As for cars, there are 12 total (13 if you can unlock the secret car). So you can get a variation from each car's performance in speed, acceleration, handling and traction.

Sound: 10/10

It's on a CD, so we get CD quality sound. The game has 6 music tracks to choose from, or since the game is loaded completely at the beginning, you can put in any music CD to race with your favorite songs. The sound effects are as you expect. Engines rumbling, tires squealing, cars crashing in the walls or each other. And what arcade racer isn't completely without your friendly announcer? This guy has quite a bit of different phrases that he says. You might find it annoying, but it's just one of the big elements of arcade racing.

Control: 9/10

Simple. Gas, Brake, Shift Up/Down Camera Change. What else is needed?
The only thing that could be annoying is mastering the drifting technique to slide around corners. It seems as if it makes the cars hard to control, but if you master it, you will be setting new lap records everyday.

Replay Value: 6/10

Yeah, there is a limited number of tracks, but plenty of cars and fun. It also brings nostalgia to long time Ridge Racer fans. Of course, finding this game in new or used condition can be a bit tough, but it is definitely a collector's item given it's rarity and the fact that it is the FIRST game ever released for the PlayStation.

All in all, Ridge Racer pushed the PlayStation off to a great start into the videogame world and it's successes in the market.

Namco has given birth to a legendary series.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/05