An instant-classic arcade racer on release both in the arcades (and eventually Playstation), Ridge Racer unfortunately looks positively anemic through a 2021 lens with a single track with one variation depending on difficulty and four very similar cars.

It's a decent distraction if you like time trial racing but the handling model can make playing feel more frustrating than fun these days. Can't deny the impact it made though, and thankfully Namco built upon it well for its sequels.

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2021


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