Copyright © 1999 Namco Ltd.

On March 4, 2000, Sony released their new Playstation 2 in Japan. With that come claims of "millions of polygons on screen at once," and "power that is generations ahead of what's out there today." It would seem Namco has stepped up to substantiate these claims. Just like five years ago, when Namco accompanied the launch of the original Playstation with RIDGE RACER, on the day the PS2 launched they released the fifth installment in their racing series, aptly titled RIDGE RACER V. Like their previous works, Namco has delivered a solid, class A racing game, with high production values that serve as a graphical benchmark for the PS2.
However, most people would rather know, "How good is it really?" The answer is "Essentially RIDGE RACER with much prettier graphics." Despite its lack of innovations, one can't help but be impressed by the visual splendor that encompasses everything about RIDGE RACER V. Just fire up the game and watch the opening sequence, which is all done in real time (meaning it's not pre-rendered). It says volumes about the Playstation 2's potential, and what kind of a visual treat you're in for. Seeing Namco's new race queen Fukami Ai rendered on the fly with millions of polygons will have you in awe. She looks better than most FMV CG movies.
Then there are the cars, with real time reflections instead of environment mapping. This means the car surfaces actually reflect the environments around them. They also have headlights that actually turn on and off in tunnels, and brakes that become red hot when you brake heavily. Add to this one of the most natural looking real-time lit sunsets, and you have ungodly visual power.
Yet despite the visual glory, after a few hours of playing the lack of innovation becomes apparent. As mentioned earlier, this game is essentially "RIDGE RACER" all over again. They even put in the original RIDGE RACER track in this game. In fact, RIDGE RACER V features very few original tracks. All the tracks are just variations on two central tracks, with different sections opened up (similar to what they did in previous RR iterations). And while it was fun getting the secret cars, I can't help but feel disappointed that there isn't anything new to the game.
For better or worse, the controls are essentially the same as previous incarnations: arcade style power sliding madness. You go into hairpin turns at 200+ miles per hour and power slide through it, and come shooting out of the turn just as fast as when you go in! GRAN TURISMO this is not. If you like realistic races you'd best wait for GT2000.
Lastly, the audio design has undergone a bit of a radical change, with a DJ giving initial instructions and commenting throughout the races, much like a live radio broadcast. Meanwhile the music has deteriorated. Gone are the memorable acid jazz/trance music from R4 (RIDGE RACER TYPE 4). In their place we get the worst set of RIDGE RACER tracks to date, a pseudo mix of alternative infused techno garbage, with only 2 tracks standing out, one being a new remix of "Rare Hero" from the original RIDGE RACER.
What RIDGE RACER V ultimately delivers is a slick, glossy, and graphical game that shows off what the Playstation 2 can do, but fails to advance the genre any further. RIDGE RACER die-hards will gobble this up and revel in the "upgrade" to this series, but those looking for a new, innovative game will wonder what's so special about this upgrade. RIDGE RACER V is fun, but not worth buying the PS2 just for it.

Rating: 8.4 / 10

Sony Playstation 2
Driving
1 or 2 Players
SLPS 20001
¥5800
Available now in Japan
Where to buy