Ridge Racer

Arcade racing shifted up a gear with the release of Namco’s 1993 racer. 

It’s the original most remember though, simply for its graphical impact at the time and frantic booming soundtrack.

Perfect for the rave generation, speed-freaks and boy-racers of the day, RR sported bold, high-coloured visuals, slick playability, and thumping techno soundtrack. Over-the-top ‘drifting’, along with simulator quality graphics made this a real arcade head turner. 

The game allows a player to select difficulty setting, auto or manual transmission and car type making it great for novice and expert gamers alike. Setting is reminiscent of other notable arcade racers (in particular Outrun), with lovely sun-soaked scenery whizzing by with a mix of race-track, coastal beach run and ravine type environments along with a selectable accompanying soundtrack. Sit-down cabinets had a robust, ‘real’ cockpit feel which added even more to the playing experience. 

Ridge Racer game controls incorporated a "drift" mechanic which allowed the driver to skid round bends whilst maintaining as much speed as possible and mastering this wasn’t too much of a problem adding to its fun arcade sensibility.  Its popularity lead to it becoming a flag-ship Playstation title and it’s gone on to become one of the most recognised modern racing franchises appearing on countless platforms. It’s the original most remember though, simply for its graphical impact at the time and frantic booming soundtrack. 

Ridge Racer Arcade Gameplay
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Ridge Racer