Ridge Racer V (PS2) - 9. Standard Time Trials [P2] [Hard]
Channel: Louis B
Date: 05/09/2021

Ridge Racer was PlayStation's first game, a remarkable benchmark of what Sony's machine was capable of in 1994 with bold 3D graphics, smooth performance and tight controls, all things that would reflect the reputation of those parties involved in it's development going forward into the new millennium. With Ridge Racer V, once again the very first PlayStation 2 game to hit store shelves, it is fitting that this tradition would continue. If anything, it is proof of exactly what heights Namco, Sony and PlayStation had reached, to be on the frontier of what gaming hardware had to offer. 

Make no mistake either, Ridge Racer V is a spectacle to behold. It truly is hard to believe that something of this calibre was possible on hardware of the time as no other machine could pull off the fluidity of its visuals, experimenting with advanced techniques like depth of field, very much unlike much else at the time. The slick looking UI and bombastic announcer still give Ridge Racer a level of flamboyance that few other racers could ever match.

Ofcourse, Ridge Racer V's mechanics were as refined and fine-tuned as the cars featured in the game itself. Each vehicle had steering and drifting mechanics unique to one another, the tracks themselves were reworked effectively to provide an appropriately lofty challenge with each turn. The enemy AI, though a touch aggressive, had been delicately balanced to never feel like they were getting too much help in catching up with the player, infact, this would be an important point as Ridge Racer V featured 1 vs. 1 duels for unlocking new cars.

In many ways, Ridge Racer V would be the last "classic" Ridge Racer as it lacked nitrous boosts otherwise found in later entries. Ridge Racer V also relied on time trials for its longevity, and aiming for the speediest finishes on each of tracks featured in the game, including reverse races. Perhaps this is a minor side-note, but the most infuriating track has to be the Oval, which not only ends the game as the final Tyrant GP but is crucifying tough to complete with a best time on Standard Time Trial as well. Despite this, when contrasted to R4: Ridge Racer Type 4, this PlayStation 2 entry just feels a little light on content.

Even so, having replayed both the NA and JP variants in full, I am happy to report that Ridge Racer V is still a great joy to experience and a reminder of what enjoyment a fast paced, arcade racer can bring when so many of it's alternatives are content with being as authentic and simulation based as possible. Maybe sometimes less is more.


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A NECESSARY EVIL:
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Any copyrighted footage I use is covered under fair use laws, or more specifically those listed under Section 30(1) of the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1989 and under section 107 of US Copyright Act 1976. This video exists purely for the purpose of research and criticism. I do not make a profit from any uploaded content, nor do I intend to. Thank you for watching.