R: Racing Evolution

Namco returns to the track with R: Racing Evolution, Ridge Racer Redux.

Namco?s always been a provider of some of the best arcade racing games, but with R: Racing Evolution, it?s managed to straddle a fine line between pick-up-and-play arcade-style action and precision-oriented sim. Solid play mechanics, combined with an in-depth story mode (complete with cinemas) and other play facets, give R a solid edge over the competition.

Thunder Road
A fleet of unlockable hot wheels showcases R?s diverse lineup of modes. You can engage in fast-and-loose Arcade, Time Attack, Event Challenge, or Racing Life. The last, Life, is particularly alluring as you take an ambulance driver from humble, amateur beginnings to the international championships. And if you?re a street-racer fanatic, there?s some of that in here, along with a decent selection of muscle cars.

Credits are awarded in various modes and can be used to purchase 80 cars?including GT, Rally, and even vintage classic wheels. Vibrant and detailed graphics bring these machines to life, and the unfaltering frame rate creates an atmospheric feeling of traveling at high speeds. In solo play, the A.I. puts up a decent challenge, depending on your driving skill and difficulty setting. Up to two can go head-to-head via split-screen, but online play is strangely absent.

Rated ?R?
The audio is the weakest feature. Smoky jazz tunes don?t exactly strike a racing mood, and the constant bickering of your pit crew is only overshadowed by revving engines that sound like angry insects caught in a defective lawnmower. The controls vary depending on the car you drive but have an overall responsiveness that?s essential for a racer. Racing fans will enjoy taking this one for a spin.

Comments [0]

post a comment

Post a Comment