R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 - PlayStation PS1

by Sony Playstation Video Game R4 Ridge Racer Type 4

Product Features

• 1-2 Players
• 8 Tracks, 45 Unique Cars, and over 300 Car Variations
• Sensational Graphics and Lighting Effects
• Analog Control & Vibration Function Compatible
• Special Controllers SLUH 00059 and SLEH 0003

Product Details

• ASIN: B00000J96V
• Media: Video Game
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,185 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

GameSpot Review

No matter how great you think Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, or any other driving game is, Ridge Racer has always been the preferred series when it comes to arcade-style driving. Though Rage Racer introduced some simulation aspects off the track, the on-track experience maintained the same powerslide-happy gameplay that PlayStation owners have loved since the system launched. Ridge Racer Type 4 (or R4, for short) makes plenty of improvements while maintaining the same basic feel.

The game's main mode is the grand prix, where you pick one of four teams and one of four car manufacturers, then race on eight tracks. Each team has its own little storyline that plays out between races, which is told through conversation with your team liaison. What your team liaison says to you changes depending on how well you do. The first two tracks only require you to place third or higher. The second heat requires you to finish second or higher, while the last four tracks require you to finish first to proceed. You can retry each track up to three times before having to start the entire heat over again. You'll earn a newer, faster car as you complete in each heat and one more before the final race. Which car you get depends on how well you did in the previous races. If you aced the entire heat, and you'll get a faster, better car than you would if you'd finished third in one or more races. These cars can be used in the two-player versus mode or the time-trial mode. Also, an extra trial is unlocked for each car manufacturer as you beat the game with the various cars.

There are two basic types of cars in the game. Drift cars are meant for powersliding, while the grip cars use their additional traction to make most turns without needing to lay down any rubber. The drift cars can maneuver the courses more quickly than the grip cars, but the grip cars let you compete, even though you might not have mastered the art of the slide. Also, Namco's Jogcon controller really brings a lot to the game. The addition of the small wheel makes the control a lot more intuitive, as well as providing valuable feedback (start doing thumb exercises now) that helps you know exactly when to power out of a turn. The track design still revolves around making only a few different tracks, and using variations to deliver different courses, but the rehashing of tracks doesn't stand out nearly as much as it did in the previous Ridge Racer games.

The graphics are simply great. The game moves at a very high, smooth frame rate, and the tracks are filled with detail. Lighting is also well used, and things like brake lights give off tracers in tunnels. The graphics aren't perfect, though. You can sometimes see the opposing cars through walls, and the brake lights occasionally appear in the road if you're approaching the top of a hill and another car is near the bottom of the hill. The soundtrack is a bit more mellow than the previous games, but it still fits into the game perfectly.

Above all, R4 is incredibly fun to play. Unlocking the cars (more than 300 in all, though most are basic variations on a few common themes) quickly becomes an obsession, and the Jogcon adds a ton of depth to the game's control. Sure, you can play with a Dual Shock or even a standard controller, but the Jogcon is definitely the way to play. If you've ever cared about any of the games in the Ridge Racer series, then R4 is definitely the racing game for you. --Jeff Gerstmann
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc.

Manufacturer Description

It is speed incarnate. Its sexy sheet metal restrains a 3000 CC power plant that hits 0-190 MPH in a snap of a linguini. It is the Bisonrte - just one of the automotive marvels the scorch the streets in Ridge Racer Type 4. With over 300 new cars 45 fantastic models 8 thrilling courses a 2-player split-screen mode there is only one way to drive...fast. R4's asphalt gulping graphics and spectacular racing environments deliver racing speeds that were once deemed impossible.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Fun, January 2, 2001

By 

D. White (Mid-Atlantic USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 - PlayStation PS1 (Video Game)

I have several racing games, including the best of all racers, those on Dreamcast (F355, Test Drive: Le Mans, and Sega Rally 2). I also have the "licenses-galore" Gran Turismo 2 on PSX and Sega GT. Simply put, I have much more fun playing R4 than the "licenses-galore" simulation racers, and place R4 on the replayability level of Sega Rally 2 (my favorite of all).

R4 is an arcade racer, so people who prefer sim games (or who >>think<< they do) may not like it. However, as a car nut myself with all these racing games, sometimes having less realism and more fantastic cars is the best gaming medicine. R4 has much variety, creative fantasy cars, and an actual personality (its refreshing to drive a jet-powered racer; or how 'bout that winnable 1-speed 191-mph 3-ft econocar!).

R4 offers a story for each of four different race managers you can work with. Like the different storylines in a Street Fighter game, this adds a dose of personality, though you won't mistake these stories for award-winning novellas.

R4 is highly recommended to all. It can be "won" by those with lesser skill on the "easier" teams, but even seasoned racers such as myself get a challenge from at least 1 out of the 4 teams (the expert-level DRC-team Grand Prix). Also, note that one can finish a Grand Prix with a few 3rd or 2nd place finishes, but those who do this and think "I'm done" will never see the better cars in the game. And definitely not the Pac-Man car...

Buy and enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best arcade racers available, November 29, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 - PlayStation PS1 (Video Game)

R4 is the pinnacle of the Ridge Racer series. Fantastic car design, great track layout, gorgeous graphics (yes, better than Gran Turismo) and great light sourcing combine to create one of the best racing experiences on any console.

While R4 doesn't have the depth of gameplay that Gran Turismo offers, it is much easier for beginnner's and novices to play than GT, and is enjoyable enough to keep hardcore gamers interested.

A must buy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trust me, You will be Surprised, November 28, 2001

By 

Christian H. Kim (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 - PlayStation PS1 (Video Game)

When racing games were dominated by 'real' simulation Gran Turismo, I just couldn't enjoy first two Gran Turismo games except the fact that I do get to drive my car. That chemistry wasn't just there. When I picked up this gem, I was immediately sucked into it. The graphic was BETTER than first two Gran Turismo games and not to mention its story line. It's simple story, but they have managed to present the 'simple' story with special cutscenes with jazzy music, and believe me, this combination really adds alot to this game.

This game does offer variety with two types of racing and four racing team. Not only each team offers various difficulty, but also it offers different storylines. I have especially enjoyed night setting race course, with music which it brings out the essence of each course to its max. May be something's wrong with me for I just couldn't enjoy 'awesome' Gran Turismo games (third installment was very enjoyable)..you might say.. but this game was MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE than Gran Turismo, Don't miss it!