PlayStation

Rage Racer

Although the courses seem less colorful and more realistic, they are still fantastic in design and great fun to race on. There are a nice variety of cars available (including a number of old-time models), each with its own distinctive look and feel. The simulation aspects give the game more replay value, but Rage Racer still maintains that arcade sensibility that makes the series so popular.

Once you get over the game's initial lull, you will have plenty to rage about with this cool new Racer.

Here comes another racing game! Does this one have the horsepower to outdistance the competition? Are the physics 100% realistic? Is it fun? And most importantly - Who is that beautiful young woman in Namco's ad for Rage Racer -and- is she in the game? Well, buckle up as we speed down to the Finish Line in search of the answers.

This series is one of the best racing series on the market. Rage Racer adds some depth to a game that needed it. The addition of the oval track was nice but I would still like to see about 8 tracks to choose from—but that is just me being greedy for more. I think that if Namco can keep refining the controls, they should have a near-perfect game on their hands.

Namco’s latest demonstration of its unfailing commitment to Sony revives the sense of wonder first inspired by its seminal 32bit conversion, Ridge Racer, by presenting a driving environment that’s as impressive as anything yet seen on the PlayStation and involving the player in a campaign that could take weeks to master.

There are loads of racing games out there, with more being announced every day. Rage Racer is a very good racing game, and anyone who even remotely enjoyed either of the first two Ridge Racer games will go crazy over it. It's got a lot of gameplay spread out over the two different tracks, and there are hours upon hours to be spent attempting to earn every single car. Rage Racer is an outstanding sequel, but let's hope Namco addresses the collision problems in their next racer.

However, if you're just looking for high speed thrills, Rage Racer isn't a bad choice. Aside from the minor graphical and design flaws, this is a solid racing game. The scenery is great (you can even drive by signs depicting the logo you created!) and the music is pumping. Not a bad game for arcade style racing fans. You realism buffs, however, may want to check out Formula 1 and save this one for the Friday night rental.

Rage Racer is the perfect sequel for Ridge Racer fans, but the game is somewhat lacking features to appeal to lovers of simulation racers.

This is really Rage Racer's biggest shortcoming. After two previous PlayStation versions, you'd think Namco would want to move on to something else. Apparently not. If you really, really love Ridge Racer, and want to play it yet again, by all means get Rage Racer. It's not a bad game, we've just seen it all before (and before that even).