Ridge Racer V

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2000
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. Happy Puppy
    70
    Players expecting next-generation gameplay to accompany the update in the graphics may find themselves a bit disappointed. But if mind-numbing powerslides pulled off in polygonal heaven is your thing, then RRV does indeed fire on all cylinders.
  2. PSX Nation
    70
    Innovation is a word not in the minds of Namco developers, since they're too busy keeping the races fast, competitive and fun for gamers of all age.
  3. Game Revolution
    67
    The game engine underneath is still strong, but somehow it lacks the same charm and fun as before.
  5. Core Magazine
    67
    The graphics are excellent (minus the very noticeable anti-aliasing issues) but the gameplay is analogous to driving a tank with broken treads.
  6. All Game Guide
    60
    Once you finally get underway, however, it becomes evident that the graphics suffer from the anti-aliasing problems that plagued the Japanese PS2 launch.
  7. Electric Playground
    50
    Ridge Racer V is liable to give players flashbacks to the Commodore 64 days when you could start the game loading, go off and eat lunch, and then return to play the game.
  8. Spank!
    50
    The PS2 marketing machine has done it's job. Now Sony have to back it up with quality software, not limp, glitchy sequels like this.
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PS2 Game of 2000
15
#15 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000
9
#9 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 4 out of 17
  1. Wimpher
    Apr 18, 2020
    10
    Unburied my PS2 and have it connected to my 43" 4K LGTV with component cables and let me tell you. I don't care what anyone else thinks butUnburied my PS2 and have it connected to my 43" 4K LGTV with component cables and let me tell you. I don't care what anyone else thinks but this is still the greatest arcade racer I have ever played which makes it also the best darn Ridge Racer you can get! This game still looks and plays better than I ever remembered from back when I first got the PS2 on launch.

    This game has style. Atmosphere. Graphics. 60 fps. Sound and music all top notch! Where to even begin? The best game up to this point was RR4, no doubt about it and this game just edges it out due to its sheer focused gameplay like someone else here had mentioned already in the reviews. This game just takes away the stuff that I felt wasn't necessary in RR4 (like the story segments) and just completely, heavily emphasizes the very immersive arcade driving. I cannot begin to even describe just how awesome this game feels at its blistering 60fps while looking as good as it does. You just don't have games being made like this especially on launch. This was state of the art at the time and yet a very under rated game (as this franchise has always been.)

    Honestly? The only thing I can understand anyone even remotely complaining about are course variety. Namco chose to go back to its original roots and have all the courses take place in one city. So yeah, there's not much to go by if ya want more variety in scenery. But the fact remains, these are brilliantly constructed and executed courses with a lot of thought put into it. I love how it's all designed and it just works. You see areas in the course that were previously closed off but now are opened through for another section to race on - and I just love it because this city is just so damn cool to drive in.

    Here we are, 2020, and I'm writing a review for a game released in 2000. It just goes to show you the impact this one had on me. Even to this day, there is no experience that is on this level. On the surface, you may feel like you're not getting much for your buck but when you actually pay close attention to the details and how well everything is executed here, you'll quickly realize they just don't make them like they used to. This is absolute quality on the finest level and I embrace its simplicity because of the way this game sucks you in and never lets go.

    I had to come back to this one simply because it's in my opinion, the DEFINITIVE Ridge Racer experience and no boosts or anything like that that take away from the "core" driving. The racing games made today just simply do not hold a candle to this right here and I played them all - Gran Turismo, DriveClub, Need for Speed....they all just fail to deliver that amazing, classic "Ridge Racer" feel. I always say to this to people....this game has a feeling unique to its own. Nothing else on the market feels like it and nothing ever will due to Namco giving up on this series. Ridge Racer 7 is great (but feels too "glidey" like "flying") but when it comes down to it, RRV is where it's at. Namco truly cared when developing this game.    … Full Review »
  2. MarkusZ
    Aug 5, 2023
    4
    At first i was very impressed from the graphics, which are very impressive for a launch title. When start playing i had to get used to theAt first i was very impressed from the graphics, which are very impressive for a launch title. When start playing i had to get used to the controls first. But after many hours of playing the controls felt still awkward. Taking turns is a pain, it feels like you control a boat or so. Especially when you drive a night and cant see the turns well its very frustrating. I really tried to like this game because i played other Ridge Racer games before, but sadly because of the controls i quit playing.… Full Review »
  3. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 15, 2023
    8
    One of the original PlayStation titles gets revamped for the PS2 and the result is basically the same game with a facelift. It is nice to lookOne of the original PlayStation titles gets revamped for the PS2 and the result is basically the same game with a facelift. It is nice to look at though and its straightforward, no frills approach makes a refreshing change from the constant barrage of Gran Turismo clones.… Full Review »
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