Rage Racer
A darker, class-based entry in the Ridge Racer series.
Namco brought the fifth Ridge Racer to PlayStation in 1996, making it the third entry on the console after Ridge Racer Revolution. This installment debuted a CGI opening and introduced Reiko Nagase as the series' new mascot.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Namco
- Publisher
- Namco (JP)
- Namco Hometek (NA)
- Sony Computer Entertainment (EU)
- Composer
- Tetsukazu Nakanishi; Hiroshi Okubo
- Series
- Ridge Racer
- Platforms
- PlayStation
- Released
- December 3, 1996 (JP)
- May 13, 1997 (NA)
- June 13, 1997 (EU)
- Genre
- Racing
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Rage Racer adopts a darker, more realistic color scheme inspired by the arcade game Rave Racer. It introduces a credits system: players earn credits by winning races and use them to buy and upgrade cars. Four manufacturers offer standard and secret cars, each favoring a different attribute such as handling or speed; a truck is also unlockable. Standard cars can be upgraded in several stages. Racing is divided into five numbered classes, with the player needing a top-three finish within three attempts to advance. Completing the Normal GP unlocks the Extra GP, which races the same courses in reverse, and awards 999,999,999 credits.
Development
Nobuhisa Mikoda, the game designer and project director, stated that Rage Racer was somewhat off series and aimed to pursue enjoyment in shift controlling. The game introduced mascot girl Reiko Nagase in its CGI opening. The soundtrack was composed by Tetsukazu Nakanishi and Hiroshi Okubo, marking the start of Namco's new primary sound team after former members moved to other companies. The game was unveiled at the August 1996 Tokyo Game Show without a title.
Reception
Critical reception for Rage Racer was positive but mild. Reviewers praised the more photo-realistic visuals, though some found them drab and lacking color. Criticisms often centered on insufficient improvement over previous series entries. A Next Generation critic noted the game lacked depth and replay value due to too few tracks. IGN stated it was not a bad game but felt familiar. Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot criticized the unrealistic crash mechanics but called it an outstanding sequel. Next Generation re-reviewed the game three months later, citing déjà vu. Electronic Gaming Monthly reviewers Kraig Kujawa and Dean Hager described it as a dramatic improvement over the original Ridge Racer. GamePro concluded that after an initial lull, the game offered plenty to enjoy. Official UK PlayStation Magazine praised the track and car count and the increased longevity from class progression and car upgrades. Alex Ward, creator of the Burnout series, considered Rage Racer the best Ridge Racer title, citing the Extreme Oval track. The game was a runner-up for Racing Game of the Year at Electronic Gaming Monthly's 1997 Editors' Choice Awards, losing to Diddy Kong Racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Rage Racer?
Rage Racer was directed by Motomi Katayama.
Who designed Rage Racer?
Rage Racer was designed by Motomi Katayama and Yasuhito Nagaoka.
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