Ridge Racer
It's quite amazing really, that so many early 3D racers got their gameplay style just right. The original Virtua Racing, Daytona USA, Sega Rally and Ridge Racer are all just as playable today as they ever were. The thrill of racing big, chunky cars over silky-smooth 3D is special somehow. You're in a bayside city, with swimsuit girls on the grid and the sun blazing in the sky of this halcyon day. You race over the crest of a hill and see the beach sprawling before you, palm trees hanging over it as surfers play in the foam. The announcer is corny but you just love it when hecompliments your driving.
So what happened? The original's exaggerated drift system has become the game's primary gameplay element, yet it's changed dramatically. The cars have been rounded off to the point that they don't really look like cars any more, rather high-speed lozenges. They still look great, but not as iconic as the chunky racers of the original. The frame-rate remains, but the ultra-clean textures glaringly repeat on the featureless track.
The last game in the series with Ridge's old character was V. Type 4 was different but refreshing, but 6 and 7 (which are practically identical) and the PSP offerings are all very similar... and nothing like the arcade masterpiece we remember and still play. RIP Ridge.
Above: 'Wow - what a start', indeed. But where's the series going? Bring back Ridge City!
Long for the old style of these games or embrace change? Why notdiscuss it in the forum!
