by Jody - January 10, 2004

When it comes to Namco creating games � we�re sure to see and play something that we have never seen before. Even though this series is truly founded on the Ridge Racer one, it is not a sequel in the long-time leash. With the newest release of R: Racing Evolution, just how will this game compete to the likes of Grand Turismo 3 and the Need for Speed series? We�ll just have to show you.

Ridge Racer Evolution?

Just like any other racer, R: Racing Evolution has your traditional Arcade, Time Attack, and vs. modes. Arcade mode is basically the storyline � you�ll embark into it as Rena, a sexy rally-racer with a lot of skills. Later on, she becomes a rival, and you will have to race against her. The storyline is divided into 14 chapters, so that you won�t beat this game in a day. Time Attack is basically what it sounds like � you race around a certain number of laps on a track or a rally-course until you�re finished � and at the end you compare your time to your others for completing the track. This is probably the most fun part of the game because you can just cruise around � when you�re not worried about your time that is. As far as vs. is concerned � this is the part (other than the other racing modes) that makes the game more fun to play. What�s more fun than smoking AI�s with your supped up rally car? Smoking your buddies when they think their car is fast also.

As mentioned earlier, there are a few more game modes � rally-drifting and drag for instance. In Rally-Drifting, you will race around a given dirt course and �drift� through the turns and such. Even though this sounds like it would be the most fun, it is certainly the hardest mode in the game. Next up is drag-racing. In drag racing, your goal is simple � race down a half-mile track in your rigged up dragster. Rather that be an American muscle car, a Japanese import, or a European Exotic car, the choice is up to you.

One very cool feature on the drifting track is the Brake Assist system. While going around a certain turn, your car brakes will automatically be applied just enough so that you can make that turn while still driving safe. Although this seems like it would make the game a lot more fun � it does lower the overall speed of the car and will eventually piss you off as other racers fly by you after the turns. Despite though, we have the lovely radio-chat system that seems to be installed in every car for use in communicating with the pit-stop crew. While at times this can really save your life � it does seem to get very OBNOXIOUS; especially since you cannot turn it off for good.

Lovely.

Next up, we have the stunning graphics. While you race your Chevy Camaro down the sidelines of a circuit track, it�s hard not to notice the gorgeous visuals located on the outside of the track. From the beautiful look of the fans, to the sky, even to the cars just sitting and watching, you will notice how good it looks. Besides this, the tracks and the car models are done extremely well! Not even in Project Gotham Racing 2 have I seen better car details than this. Graphically speaking, this game will make it cry.

Vroom vroom!

From the noisy squeaks of the car�s tire squealing off to the cheering of the fans � the audio in this game is some good ear-candy for you. When I first plugged my XBOX up in the living room and turned on the surround system � this was one of the first games that I played on it. Upon winning a race, I noticed that the uproar of the crowd just seemed to realistic to be true. That same night, I had a dream that I actually won a race in my nice Evo � too bad it was just a dream� as there were nicely pixilated chicks in it also.

Rally racing is awesome.

The thing I love about this game compared to others is the graphically feel and the rally-racing. It�s been a long time since I�ve played a game with rally-racing� but this game just brings up good old memories about Sega Rally and such. My dad and I used to play that game a lot in the morning before I would go to school, so I guess that�s where my hidden drift talent came from. Now it�s just me, my friends, and my step dad that play this game � which is just as cool. There is nothing more fun than going about 140, hitting a sharp curb, sliding right through it, and going the same speed.. Maybe even faster!

Anime Racing.. check it out.

Even if this game is not as massive as Need for Speed: Underground is, it�s still a good buy for your money. It does depend on comparing it to Project Gotham Racing 2 though. Ask yourself � are you a fan of Imports or European cars more? After you answer -- get the game according to the car you want. If you can�t decide� just wait until Grand Turismo 4 comes out.