R: Racing Evolution
Xbox- Publisher: Namco
- Release Date: Dec 9, 2003
- Also On: PlayStation 2
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Official Xbox MagazineCar models and framerates are superb, and some of the courses look great, but overally, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd turned on your PS2. [Jan 2004, p.60]
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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.
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Play MagazineThe 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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Solid play mechanics, combined with an in-depth story mode (complete with cinemas) and other play facets, give R a solid edge over the competition.
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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.
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A unique racing experience that isn’t quite arcade and certainly not simulation. As long as you know what to expect going in you won’t be disappointed and you might even be a bit surprised.
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I think Namco delivered a solid game, my additions would be the custom soundtrack feature and XBL capabilites.
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Without a doubt the best of the Ridge Racer series, and its name suits it well as it has evolved to modern gaming.
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TotalGames.netA decent game then, but one let down by a lack of direction in a crowded genre.
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It looks fantastic! But it plays just ok. There's nothing in the gameplay that jumps out at me and says "play me for months".
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A fairly entertaining game for the duration of the racing life mode, mostly because of the impressive pre-rendered sequences, but if you’re looking for a racing game with the simulation style goodness of "MotoGP," or the frenetic action of "Ridge Racer," you’d be well advised to look elsewhere.
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It tries to offer a few unique features that sets it apart and they are good but it does not propel the title in the same league of recent racing titles.
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Once you complete the game you will feel as if it had been slapped together with quickset glue and the storyline, whilst adding to the game, is the biggest disappointment of all, primarily because of the way it ends.
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A fun time, in spite (or because) of its ludicrous story and cutscenes, which you won't find in any other serious racer.
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In the end though you have to consider that when it's good its very very good and when its bad... its just a bit rough, never terrible.
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Control is stiff and the sensation of speed comparatively slow. And it's certainly not as fast and arcade-cool as "Ridge Racer."
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At the end R:Racing is not a terrible game, but nor is it even a good game, it should probably come with a sticker on the front saying Rental only, and then only if you’re desperate for a new racing game.
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It attempts to deliver some simulation-styled thrills, but the driving physics and options simply aren't up to snuff when compared to other, better games. On the other side, the addition of brake assist turns the game into an overly simplified affair that reduces the gameplay to holding down the gas pedal and steering.
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A huge disappointment. The game certainly isn’t up to Namco’s standards, and although it can be occasionally enjoyable, there are numerous racing games which tear strips of R.
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A feature-lite driving simulator that neither offends nor excels in any particular area of design, and one that doesn't elicit a sense of excitement, rather a feeling of déjà vu.
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The result is a title that offers a physics and driving engine that isn’t up to scratch, whilst the actual racing action is turned into a monotonous experience that requires very little skill.
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Graphically R Racing looks poor, especially the track detail.
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The action on the track is mediocre, especially once you realize you'll have to wrestle with the touchy control on the same tracks in the same cars over and over. [Jan 2004, p.124]
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Xbox Nation MagazineCombine this undistinguished feel with the game's pedestrian graphics and lack of Xbox Live or system-link support and you have one of the most disappointing big franchise games in recent memory. [Mar 2004, p.90]
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games(TM)Its attempt at being a jack-of-all-trades could seem quite appealing to gamers who casually approach the driving genre. Connoisseurs, on the other hand, will own the highest quality examples of each trade that do the job better, leaving R: Racing Evolution feeling mostly redundant. [Mar 2004, p.98]
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Cheat Code CentralThe average gamer will probably lose interest in a couple of hours.
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With no online play, no real stats to care about and some very shoddy racing mechanics, the graphics are the only thing that make this game stand out.
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An average game. It's got a lot of good ideas that we've seen before, but isn't able to pull it all together. Still, it's got a decent story and extras that will continue to challenge after Racing Life is done.
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The on-track action can only be described as skatey, as your tires never seem to grip the road. With a bit of practice, you can compensate for this, but the game just never feels right because of it.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 2 out of 2
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Mixed: 0 out of 2
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Negative: 0 out of 2
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LdMay 15, 2004
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MarkB.Dec 9, 2003Another excellent game from Namco. Very good.