Ridge Racer vs. Ridge Racer 64

[DigitalSpace]

A few weeks ago I was in an EB store and I saw a new copy of Ridge Racer for $2.99. It was a deal I couldn't refuse, and I didn't have a Ridge Racer game, so I bought it. Yesterday, I bought a loose Ridge Racer 64 for $5.

The thing is, I've heard RR 64 could be considered a "special edition" of the original, with some new stuff added. I'm also aware that RR 64 wasn't developed by Namco, but by one of Nintendo's development studios.

Should I keep both games or get rid of one of them?

Also, I included a poll asking which game DP'ers think is better.

[evilmess]

Keep both!

RR64 is the shizz! 4 player spit screen, silky smooth 60 FPS, beautiful graphics, cars aren't attached to the bottom of the screen like R4. The best RR in the series with R4 in a close second. BTW, R4 comes with a bonus edition of RR1 that runs at 60 FPS and better textures.

[Aussie2B]

Yeah, for the best bang for your buck, you can't beat R4. Two great Ridge Racer games together, and it's dirt cheap. :) Plus it's got a demo of Klonoa for us poor bastards who still haven't been able to get it for a reasonable price. :P

[jdc]

I'm a Ridge Racer fan.....I'm an N64 fan.....but I just couldn't get a handle on the physics of the N64 game. They're not "normal" Ridge driving physics. The drift cars don't drift and the grip cars don't stick.

My favorite is Ridge 5 followed by Ridge 4. Rage Racer ( the second Ridge game) is really, really good. Right now I'm laboring to get 100% completion in R: Racing Evolution (Ridge 6...sort of) in order to get Namco's usual hidden PacMan car.

Awesome series with the most kickass soundtracks, especially #4.

[Richter]

definitely go grab a copy of Rage Racer as well

[klausien]

I hate to sound like a fanboy, but I just cannot see how one could prefer RR64 over the PSX RR, especially in the 60 fps R4 Turbo mode iteration. The change in the background graphics alone in RR64 kills the aesthetic of the Namco developed original. Also, Ridge Racer is meant to be played in bumper cam mode, period.

I consider the original RR to be a near perfect arcade racing experience, and it was the first time 3D racing was truly done right at home. There is just so much nostalgia there for me. I have probably racked up more hours on that track than on any other.

I love them all though, even the loosely related R: Racing Evolution, and also dig the N64 version. Also, I second on Rage Racer. Best one beside the original.

[yoursisterspretty]

Keep 'em both. RR64 is more than just a blurry, broken-physics version of RR (PSX). I actually love them both, but nothing touches the original. RR64 feels like its a Nintendo Ridge Racer, so I guess it fits the bill...but its just lacking to that nail bitting intense flavor of the original. How many people actually have actually unlocked the Diablo car? I spent months, cussed countless times but I actually did it. I simply love the RR series.

[Nesmaster]

wont vote since i didnt play the playstation one, but RR64 is great. though it seems to be a bit choppy when not viewed in the "in car" cam

[evilmess]

How many people actually have actually unlocked the Diablo car?

I did! Way back in the day.
But let me tell you... once you beat the original RR you feel like youre the greatest racer on the planet! :D

[klausien]

I did! Way back in the day.
But let me tell you... once you beat the original RR you feel like youre the greatest racer on the planet! :D

I feel you man. Getting that damn car required 3 absolutely perfect laps through the much tougher backwards course. I played the hell out of RR to get that one. Ah, the sweet smell of victory.

[zektor]

I have been a Ridge Racer fan since my purchase of the first game on the Playstation, and while I do love the N64 version, nothing in my opinion compares to the very first game. I think it's the in-game music that does it for me...and perhaps the announcer.

"You're the greatest!"

[evilmess]

"You're the greatest!"

I swear that guy sounds like Max Headroom :)

[DigitalSpace]

Thanks for the responses. I've decided to keep both. I'll have to get to playing them soon. I have quite a backlog of games. LOL