Namco Tightens Grip On Gamers
Newcastle Herald
Monday May 24, 1999
Title: RIDGE RACER TYPE 4
Format: Play Station
Category: Racing
Players: 1 to 4
Developers: Namco
Price: $89.95
Rating: 85%
IF it is arcade-style car racing you are after, look no further than Namco's latest release, Ridge Racer Type 4 (R4 for short).
As far as this style of racing goes, the Ridge Racer series has been far more popular than the Grand Turismo and Need For Speed series.
This pattern is set to continue.
The game's main mode is the grand prix. Gamers can choose one of four racing teams and one of four manufacturers to race with.
There are eight different tracks of varying levels of difficulty.
Conditions also play a big part and you will find yourself tearing through city streets during the day, at dusk and under the cover of darkness.
Namco has given gamers two basic types of cars to choose from: the Drift cars are meant for power sliding while the Grip cars are for more cautious drivers who need a little traction on tight, demanding corners.
Drift cars manoeuvre at a greater pace but the grip cars will keep you on the track long enough to compete if you are just starting out or simply uncoordinated.
But the graphics are the highlight.
High frame rates provide smooth and detailed gaming, which is essential in a racing simulation.
The lighting effects are spot on and the tracer lights from the brake lights look fantastic in the tunnels.
Above all, R4 is fun to play.
Unlocking the cars (more than 300 in all) will become an obsession, guaranteed! * WINNERS: Winners of the Silver Competition are Mrs M. Russ, Garden Suburb; W. Owen, Adamstown Heights; G. Mountford, Bellbird; D. Clarke, Swansea; and Mr B. Baker, Mallabula.
Prizes can be collected from The Newcastle Herald offices, 28-30 Bolton St, Newcastle.
Proof of identification may be required.
© 1999 Newcastle Herald