Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. 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".
  2. 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.
  3. 72
    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.
  4. 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.
  5. 70
    A fun time, in spite (or because) of its ludicrous story and cutscenes, which you won't find in any other serious racer.
  6. 69
    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.
  7. 68
    Control is stiff and the sensation of speed comparatively slow. And it's certainly not as fast and arcade-cool as "Ridge Racer."
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Graphically R Racing looks poor, especially the track detail.
  14. 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]
  15. Xbox Nation Magazine
    50
    Combine 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]
  16. games(TM)
    50
    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]
  17. Cheat Code Central
    50
    The average gamer will probably lose interest in a couple of hours.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 50
    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
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Ld
    May 15, 2004
    8
    I totally love this game, even tho it's short! i love the stylish Deep hosue and progressive house soundtracks in this game! the userI totally love this game, even tho it's short! i love the stylish Deep hosue and progressive house soundtracks in this game! the user interface design is also very stylish!! wow... well, all the arts and designs are so..... to me... House music / style isn't gay! if the ones whose controling the TV/bar culture in north America, many will love house! hahaha!! easy to control! and need to be controled! but oh well~ we need big organization! but well also need ones who oppose the big org. the one who can't accept the world!! err what the... haha oh yeah, the control of this game is a bit wierd but easy to get use to! not enhough tracks tho. but ha, i'm totally satisfied with the whole design!! Full Review »
  2. MarkB.
    Dec 9, 2003
    8
    Another excellent game from Namco. Very good.