The Final Word game review

Ridge Racer 64 -- Nintendo Software Technology Corporation/Namco Ltd.

R.I.P.
I honestly have to say that this version is as good if not better than the first Ridge Racer, and I definitely holds as my favorite version next to Rage Racer. Three exclusive tracks with multiple variations (not just backwards, but alternate routes), tons of new cars, and four player racing modes to name a few of the features here.

I was totally amazed at how good this game looked. Obviously Nintendo knows how to code for their system, because they did an amazing conversion. Play control is great, allowing you to go so far as setting your power-slide type to match RR, RR Revolution, or default RR64 modes. The RR64 mode is really kind of odd the first few times you try to pull it off, but once you get the hang of it you're track times jump significantly. Basically, once you successfully trigger the power-slide, the car locks into a "groove" down the track. All you have to do is keep the car from spinning too far in either direction and the next thing you know you've swept right through the curve in a snap.

Sound was really good as well, and the music score had all new songs. To be honest though, I didn't feel the tunes were as great the music in some of the other games in the RR series. Graphics were excellent as I said before, but not as phenomenal as Stunt Racer 64. Never-the-less, if you are a hard-core Ridge Racer fan you should check out this game. It's seriously cheap these days, and if you don't have an N64 you might want to check it out anyways... you might just find yourself hunting down a used system to play this game on.

(11/2000)