As one may know, if you're in search for the ultimate realistic racer then you have chosen the wrong game. Ridge racer is all about arcade racing at break neck speeds, not to mention the classic drifting around bends... nostalgia, all to the tune of smashing techno music.

Ridge Racer 64 (RR64) is no different, other than it distills what racing is all about. Cut out flashy intro's and get straight to the chase.

RR64 is a remake of some sorts, of the older RR games on the PS1 with updated graphics.

With the typical formula, you start off with the slower cars, racing to beat rivals, just so you can unlock each and every car that the game as to offer. This makes a huge difference to the current day racing games, where its all about saving the cash to buy the next car.

Graphically, the game does a good job at conveying speed, and believe me when I say this game is just a little slower than F-Zero X! While not being highly detailed, they have a particular satisfying look, and at the speed you will be travelling you will be hard pushed to look anywhere else on the screen other than infront.

Unique touches, like any other RR game, is the light trails which look simply awesome. Also the N64 brings the motion blur effect in replays, and if you are racing at night/evening, this has a really artistic effect which will impress you.

Musically, this game is top notch. Perhaps it is my preference, but the in game techno music is fitting and of high quality! Personal favourites are 'Speed nation' for furious racing, and 'Manual Override' for that cool vibe. RR64 will go down as one of a very few racing games to have excellent non commercial in game music!

The controls have been beautifully mapped onto the N64 controller, and will pose no problem to any player.

However there are some things you might want to consider:

1. While it is claimed that the game offers 9 tracks, these are variations of each of the 3 main tracks i.e. one level with 3 maps which have a common stretch of road.

2. The game is too short and seasoned gamers can finish the game within a few hours.

The above should not put you off, as RR64 is racing in its pure form. Pretty graphics, awe inspiring sense of speed, awesome sound track, addictive gameplay and HIGH RE PLAYABILITY.

Don't overlook this Gem of a game
Highly Recommended 9/10