Let me get this off my chest first: R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 is my SECOND favorite racing game of all time (F-Zero and Top
Gear tie for first). Namco promised outstanding gameplay and graphics, and they delivered with an outstanding gaming
experience. The magazines hyped this game up (almost too much, in my opinion) to seem like the greatest game ever, and
while it isn't as good as promised (some unfortunate flaws are soon found in the game), it is still an outstanding quality game
that is well worth the 20 bucks or so that it costs.
Graphics (10/10): Better than Gran Turismo 1 and 2. There, I said it. Flame me all you want, I don't care. The lighting effects
are incredible, especially when you go underneath a tunnel. The graphics are very good all around, even the replays are
fantastic (but admittely not up to par with Gran Turismo 1/2). There are minor clipping problems, especially in the fifth stage,
but that doesn't detract any from the score. Better think twice before calling Gran Turismo 2 the prettiest looking Playstation
racer ever....
Music/Sound (10/10): One of the best, if not the best, soundtracks on a racing game ever. The soundtrack is so good that
Namco released a pretty popular soundtrack to the game in Japan only (?) nyways, each of the songs are fantastic, but I
especially enjoy a few unique songs. A great part of the game is that you can choose the music track that you want to listen to
before you start each race!! Sweet!! Overall, a fantastic soundtrack. The sound effects are great as well. The cars racing sounds
like car racings, screeching turns sound realistic, etc. The sound effects are so good you may think that you are actually racing
a real life car! Great audio effects.
Control/Gameplay (8/10): The control is great, much better than Gran Turismo 2. It is very easy to control your car, and
making smooth turns are smooth and very easy. The gameplay is good as well, although it has a severe flaw, which I get to to
in just a minute. The game is just like any racing game, you race through different stages, but there are no pit stops which is
why I prefer a game like Top Gear. It just doesn't seem as realistic without pit stops. There are several different modes,
including the multiplayer mode and a grand prix mode. The Grand Prix mode has a flaw however: ITS BORING!! (at least for
me) See, before you can start racing, you have to pick a car, brand manafucter, and some other things. Then you get to listen to
some boring ranter which never changes. Then you finally get to start. Finally, you think, Im out of the woods. WRONG!
Then afetr every few races you get to hear some more quotes. Ugh. Anyway, the racing is too good for me to really complain
about the Grand Prix mode, but it would have been better if Namco included a way to turn the boring quotes and stuff off.
Also, you may have noticed that the game comes with two CDS: dont get too excited about it, because only one has the actual
game. The second CD is basically just a few demos (including Klonoa, an underrated gem I advise buying) and a one-track
''update'' of Ridge Racer Revolution. I could have lived without it, but overall its a good addition.
Notes
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# of Players: 1-2 players
Memory Card: 1 block
Special Controllers used: Dual Shock, Namco JogCon (?)
Replay Value (8/10): You probably would end up wanting to race single races after a while.
Challenge (4/10): Pump that difficulty level up, if you can (Ive never tried)
Fun Factor (9/10): R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 is a unique racing experience from one of the premiere gaming companies out
there, Namco. Gran Turismo 2 may be getting all the press now, but it doesnt hold a candle next to this wonderful racing
game. The boring grand prix mode doesn't detract from the grand gaming experience known as R4. Get this game today if
you're a Playsattion racing fan disspaointed with the newer Gran Turismo 2.
