Ridge Racer gets an eagerly anticipated update with the release of its eight-player interlink module. The game was the first to use 3D texture mapped graphics, and with the new 8-way option and further enhancements is sure to make rev heads everywhere absolutely drool with delight.
A rear view mirror enhancement has been added, so players can see who is on their tail. The soundtrack has been increased to 12 pumping, thumping, jamming tunes that really kick serious butt!
The most interesting addition is the inclusion of a real world slipstream physical model. Just like in real life, cars can sit easy in the slip of each other, then shoot past at the precise moment to win. What in effect is happening is the leader breaks up the atmosphere in front of the car, the pack then gets a free ride in the resultant tail. All this makes for a racing game that is not only heavy on action but requires an uncanny sense of timing and strategy in order to win.
The courses are the same challenging mountain passes, hairpin curves, tight tunnels and high-speed straight aways that you have come to love of Ridge Racer, but with seven of your buds occupying the other virtual cars' driver's seats, you are in for the race of a lifetime.
Ridge Racer 8-player, essential training for all aspiring Andretti's.
This review is Copyright (C) 1994 by Nathan Cochran for Game Bytes Magazine. All rights reserved.