R: Racing Evolution

 GameCube
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 35
  3. Negative: 2 out of 35
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  1. TotalGames.net
    84
    Every member of the CUBE team was looking forward to this, and they all left the first session grumbling words like 'disaster,' 'bollocks' ad 'don't give up the day job Namco'. It's slow, dull and tedious. Don't get too depressed though, because there is a light at the end of this tunnel.
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  2. Gaming Age
    83
    A great simulation racer that does almost everything well. The Racing Life mode is too short and the rally racing can be unforgiving. But the pressure sensitive gameplay, realistic AI, and event challenges round out a great race package that’s tough to pass.
  3. Play Magazine
    83
    The intimacy, the almost Zen-like relationship with the track is not here. Even so, I would be a fool to call this game anything other than great. [Jan 2004, p.60]
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  5. Nintendo Power
    82
    Taking a more realistic approach to driving than some adrenaline-pumping racers, Evolution may seem slow at first, but the challenge increases as the game continues. [Feb 2004, p.148]
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  6. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    The word innovative is all-too-often just tossed about at any old game, but R has some genuinely clever new features.
  7. VideoGamesLife
    80
    It's just about as good as anything else on the format at the moment and with the addition of the awesome Pacman Vs. (a contender for best multiplayer game on the Cube) bundled in for free, at least Namco have given the Cube faithful the best value for money of all the versions.
  8. eToychest
    80
    Touchy controls and a story mode that is over almost before it begins are the most glaring oversights to this game. However, the realistic AI, wonderfully stylish presentation, and overall fun to be had with R: Racing more than make up for any shortcomings.
  9. Game Chronicles
    77
    I am very excited to finally see a quality racing game for the GameCube console.
  10. Gamer's Pulse
    76
    I am convinced that fans of the racing genre will enjoy this game due to its solid setup and intuitive controls.
  11. Gamezilla!
    75
    Although this latest release does attempt to freshen things up it doesn’t quite make a complete break from the arcade racing style, ending up in limbo and not performing either style at a high caliber.
  12. Into Liquid Sky
    75
    While this is technically a simulation, I still wish there was some car damage and the effects of said damage to reinforce not using other cars and rails to bounce your way through certain corners.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best GameCube Game of 2003
95
#95 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
50
#50 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. peroquelepongo
    Feb 18, 2017
    9
    I mostly wanted to give it a 8.5, the game has all the elements for a good game it has an interesting story mode and a special rival toI mostly wanted to give it a 8.5, the game has all the elements for a good game it has an interesting story mode and a special rival to compete, is a good game because it is not the same as need for speed or another common driving game… Full Review »
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