Software:Ridge Racer Revolution

From HandWiki
Short description: 1995 video game
Ridge Racer Revolution
PAL box art featuring the White Angel
Developer(s)Namco
Publisher(s)
Composer(s)Hiroshi Okubo
Nobuhide Isayama
SeriesRidge Racer
Platform(s)PlayStation
Release
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Ridge Racer Revolution[lower-alpha 1] is a racing video game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation. It is the sequel to the PlayStation version of Ridge Racer (the arcade sequel is Ridge Racer 2). Like the original Ridge Racer, the player races computer-controlled cars with the objective of winning a series of races, and supports Namco's NeGcon controller. Ridge Racer Revolution adds two hidden cars, and two-player support via the PlayStation Link cable, and took roughly the same time to develop as the first. The intention was to increase the depth and add features.

The game borrows most of its soundtrack from Ridge Racer 2. Ridge Racer Revolution was re-released in Japan for the PlayStation The Best range in June 1997, and for the Platinum Range in PAL regions the following year. The game received generally positive reviews, although some criticised its similarity to the original. Ridge Racer Revolution was followed by a sequel, Rage Racer, in 1996.

Gameplay

A race in progress

The gameplay system remains unchanged from Ridge Racer, the checkpoint and time limit system remain the same; running out of time ends the race and passing through checkpoints grants additional time,[4] although the car drifting is more like Ridge Racer 2.[5] The player drives using automatic transmission or manual transmission.[6] Ridge Racer Revolution supports Namco's NeGcon controller,[7] and adds a rear-view mirror when using the in-car view.[8] The game consists of three courses: 'Novice', 'Intermediate' (also called 'Advanced'), and 'Expert', each having different sections opened,[9][10] and incorporates modes from the original game; Race, against eleven opponents, and Time Trial, against one. Ridge Racer Revolution adds a mode: Free Run, in which there are no other cars and the player practises driving. There is no lap limit.[10] How fast the cars run depends on which speed grade is used, selectable in Free Run, and can be unlocked for Race. It is not available in Time Trial.[6] A new feature is the option to select the time of day in which the race takes place, although this is not available at the start of the game.[11] Ridge Racer Revolution features a two-player link-up mode which allows the players access to the original Ridge Racer's courses known as 'Special 1' and 'Special 2'.[12] There are two modes in two-player link-up: Race, identical to its single-player counterpart, and Versus, where only the players race against each other. Versus features a handicap option, increasing the speed of the trailing car.[12]

Like the first Ridge Racer, the player normally starts with four cars. The remaining eight are selectable on winning the mini game before the title screen (the mini game is Galaga '88 instead of the original game's Galaxian). They are mostly unchanged; their names (certain cars are named after other Namco titles) and specifications are similar to the first game.[13] After the player wins the first three circuits, reversed versions are unlocked,[14] and Time Trial features an additional opponent driving a secret car. There are three secret cars; the '13th Racing' (from the first Ridge Racer) of the Novice course, and the new '13th Racing Kid' (of the Intermediate course) and 'White Angel' (of the Expert course), the car featured on the cover art.[15] These cars are unlocked upon winning the respective course's Time Trial race.[16]

Ridge Racer Revolution features two hidden modes; 'Drift Contest', where points are earned according to how well spins are performed on certain corners,[17] and 'Pretty Racer' (also known as 'Buggy mode'), in which the cars size appears with deformed body sizes, similar to Choro-Q cars, which led to the arcade game Pocket Racer.[18][19] Mirrored tracks that function identically to the original game are accessible.[20] Like the first game, a music CD can be inserted and listened to instead of the soundtrack. Unlike the first game, only the last course played is loaded into the PlayStation's memory; to switch, the game disc needs to be reinserted before loading.[21]

Development

Ridge Racer Revolution was developed over eight months by a team of more than twenty people, most of whom joined just for Ridge Racer Revolution. The biggest difficulties were the link-up mode, rear-view mirror, and running the game at high speeds. Each member had worked on other console games, and they commented that the graphics detail showed the improvements in skill and technique. The team wanted players to enjoy a more in-depth game than the original, so rather than develop a port of Ridge Racer 2, as many features as possible were added. The early designs for the new courses were made in a 'free run' programme, and used to see how fast the cars went. The rear-view mirror was added primarily with the two player link-up mode in mind. The music was mostly taken from Ridge Racer 2, and as a result, the sound was finished more quickly than the game. Soundtrack composition for Ridge Racer 2 involved Shinji Hosoe, Nobuyoshi Sano, Ayako Saso, and Takayuki Aihara,[22][23][24] although new tracks were composed by Hiroshi Okubo and Nobuhide Isayama.[25] The team kept exploring the PlayStation's capabilities to solve the high speed problem, although were confident it was possible. The designer, Hiroyuki Onada, commented that designing an original course was a challenge, and director Kazumi Mizuno believed that graphics quality would be degraded with a split-screen multiplayer mode, so the team decided to focus on the PlayStation's link-up instead.[5]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
CVG95/100[29]
Edge7/10[30]
EGM9/10[28]
GameSpot5.9/10[26][27]
Next Generation2/5[33]
Coming Soon Magazine4.5/5[31]
Maximum5/5[32]
The Electric Playground8.5/10[34]
Absolute PlayStation9/10[14]
Gamezilla81/100[35]
Official UK PlayStation Magazine7/10[36]

The game was a bestseller in the UK.[37] It was the top-selling game on the UK multi-format chart in May 1996.[38]

The additional features and improvements over the original in particular were given high praise. Coming Soon Magazine praised its multiplayer mode, saying it "will furnish many hours of competitive fun!", and in their conclusion remarked that the game "is an excellent racing game that will yield much excitement and challenges".[31] A reviewer from Absolute PlayStation concurred with this by praising its playability, its "greatly" improved artificial Intelligence, and the two-player link-up feature.[14] Both of Electronic Gaming Monthly's sports reviewers thought that Ridge Racer Revolution is better than the original, due to the cleaner graphics and improved handling on the cars, which it was believed makes them easier to control.[28] David Hodgson of Maximum acknowledged the similarity to the original Ridge Racer but gave it a strong recommendation, arguing that removal of the slowdown and track updating of the original, the unlockables, and the two-player mode make it worth buying. His conclusion was that the game is "an instantly playable arcade racer that oozes options and playability".[32]

The Electric Playground's reviewer complimented the additions and improvements, including the "much improved" graphics and the scene changes, about which it was commented that it was a "serious improvement". It was commented that the colours are "sharp and pretty", and the link-up multiplayer mode was lauded, although the remixed music tracks were criticised because they "pale greatly in comparison to the original tracks".[34] The new tracks were complimented as "always challenging and fun to race" by Gamezilla's Mark Skorupa, who also praised Free Run, saying it's a "great way to learn the tracks".[35] Major Mike of GamePro believed the game surpassed the first and upheld the Ridge Racer tradition,[39] and Computer and Video Games Magazine's reviewer commented that the game is "Everything Ridge Racer maniacs could have wanted from a sequel".[29]

Hugh Sterbakov of GameSpot was more critical. He called it "a clone of the original", and criticised the lack of split-screen multiplayer.[26][27] Another critical reviewer was from Edge; he described the game as "virtually indistinguishable" from the first Ridge Racer, and commented that Ridge Racer Revolution does not fulfil the expectations evoked by the original. It was also stated that it is simply a "jazzed-up" Ridge Racer 2, and the visuals were criticised as "antiquated". Despite these criticisms, the handling was praised, and the gameplay was described as "varied".[30] A reviewer for Next Generation contended that the original Ridge Racer was rushed in order to make it out for the PlayStation launch, and that whereas rival Sega had done an exceptional job of fixing their own launch day rush job with Virtua Fighter Remix, "Namco has simply released a disc with a new track, using the same flawed game engine". He particularly felt that the price was much too high for what was essentially an expansion pack, and concluded that anyone who bought the game would be "a half-step away from being conned".[33] Will Groves of the Official UK PlayStation Magazine described the game as "a poor sequel", but liked the range of options provided. He described the game itself as "great", but further criticised it for not being fun, as he thought the feel is aggressive.[36]

References

  1. ↑ "The Latest All-Formats Charts". Leicester Mercury: pp. 16. April 27, 1996. https://www.newspapers.com/image/866543133/?terms=%22Ridge%20Racer%20Revolution%22&match=1. 
  2. ↑ "PlayStation/リッジレーサー レボリューション" (in ja). http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/ridgeracerr/. 
  3. ↑ "PlayStation News @ www.vidgames.com". 1998-06-11. http://www.vidgames.com/ps/misc/1996.html. 
  4. ↑ 100 Per Cent Guide, p. 4.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Maximum Invades Namco R&D Headquarters! Ridge Racer Revolution Development Team Quizzed!". Maximum: The Video Game Magazine (Emap International Limited) (3): 120, 121. January 1996. ISSN 1360-3167. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Winning Strategy Guide, p. 6.
  7. ↑ Special Extended Play, p. 71.
  8. ↑ "PlayStation/リッジレーサー レボリューション" (in ja). http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/ridgeracerr/page01.html. 
  9. ↑ Ridge Racer Revolution manual (PAL ed.). Namco. 1995. pp. 7, 9. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Special Extended Play, p. 65.
  11. ↑ Perfect Guide, p. 73.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Special Extended Play, p. 70.
  13. ↑ Perfect Guide, pp. 8-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "RIDGE RACER REVOLUTION". June 1996. http://www.absolute-playstation.com/api_review/rridge2.htm. 
  15. ↑ Winning Strategy Guide, pp. 90,91.
  16. ↑ Certain Victory Guide, pp. 8,85.
  17. ↑ 100 Per Cent Guide, pp. 68,69.
  18. ↑ Winning Strategy Guide, p. 94.
  19. ↑ The PlayStation Book. Bournemouth: Imagine Publishing Ltd. 2015. p. 171. ISBN 978-1-78546-106-4. 
  20. ↑ Perfect Guide, p. 76.
  21. ↑ Certain Victory Guide, p. 82.
  22. ↑ "Ridge Racer, 15 años a toda velocidad" (in es). 3 March 2012. https://as.com/meristation/2007/02/05/reportajes/1170658800_036860.html. 
  23. ↑ "Destructoid interview: KORG DS-10 producer Nobuyoshi Sano". November 14, 2008. https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-korg-ds-10-producer-nobuyoshi-sano-111453.phtml. 
  24. ↑ "Staff" (in ja, en). ナムコゲームサウンドエクスプレスVOL.14リッジレーサー２. 1994. p. 13. 
  25. ↑ Namco (1995). Ridge Racer Revolution. Sony PlayStation. Scene: Credits. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Sterbakov, Hugh (1 December 1996). "Ridge Racer Revolution Review". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ridge-racer-revolution-review/1900-2549035/. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Ridge Racer Revolution Reviews and Articles for PlayStation". http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198476-ridge-racer-revolution/articles.html. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Box Score: Ridge Racer Revolution". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Sendai Publishing) (81): 116. April 1996. ISSN 1058-918X. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "CVG Review Ridge Racer Revolution". Computer and Video Games (171): 65. February 1996. ISSN 0261-3697. https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_171_1996-02_EMAP_Images_GB. Retrieved 4 May 2016. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Ridge Racer Revolution". Edge (Bath: Future plc) (29): 66–68. February 1996. ISSN 1350-1593. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Ridge Racer Revolution – Sony Playstation Review". 1996. http://www.csoon.com/issue16/ridgerr.htm. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Hodgson, David (May 1996). "Maximum Reviews: Ridge Racer Revolution". Maximum: The Video Game Magazine (Emap International Limited) (6): 120. ISSN 1360-3167. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Ridge Racer Revolution". Next Generation (Imagine Media) (15): 81. March 1996. ISSN 1078-9693. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Shaw, John (18 October 1996). "Ridge Racer Revolution developed by Namco published by Namco for PlayStation". http://www.elecplay.com/sony/ridgerev.html. 
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Skorupa, Mark (1996). "Ridge Racer Revolution (PSX)". http://gamezilla.com/console/psx/rracer.asp. 
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Will Groves (1999). "Ridge Racer Revolution". Official UK PlayStation Platinum Special. Future plc. pp. 94, 95. 9771466279002. https://archive.org/details/Official_UK_Playstation_Magazine_1999_Future_Publishing_GB_platinum_special. Retrieved 22 August 2017. 
  37. ↑ "Official UK PlayStation Magazine". Playstation Official Magazine UK (Future Publishing) (8): 15. July 1996. ISSN 1752-2102. 
  38. ↑ "Freeplay". Computer and Video Games (United Kingdom: EMAP) (176 (July 1996)): 1-16 (2-3). 12 June 1996. https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_176_1996-07_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n101/mode/2up. 
  39. ↑ "Ridge Racer Revolution". GamePro (IDG) (96): 62, 63. September 1996. ISSN 1042-8658. https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_096_Volume_08_Number_09_1996-09_IDG_Publishing_US. Retrieved 3 May 2016. 

Sources

  • (in ja) リッジレーサーレボリューション （プレイステーション必勝法スペシャル）[Rijji Rēsā Reboryūshon (Pureisutēshon Hisshouhou Supesharu)]. Keibunsha. 1996. ISBN 978-4766-924-275. 
  • (in ja) １００パーセント遊ぶリッジレーサーレボリューション 伝授！最速ラップへのノウハウ （プレイステーション１００％シリーズ）[100 pāsento asobu Rijji Rēsā Reboryūshon denju! saisoku rappu e no nouhau (Pureisutēshon 100% shirīzu)]. 6 March 1996. ISBN 978-4874-652-909. 
  • (in ja) リッジレーサーレボリューション必勝攻略法 [Rijji Rēsā Reboryūshon Hisshou Kouryaku Hou]. Futabasha. 30 January 1996. ISBN 978-4575-285-420. 
  • (in ja) リッジレーサーレボリューションパーフェクトガイド [Rijji Rēsā Reboryūshon Pāfekuto Gaido]. Tokyo: アスペクト. 27 January 1996. ISBN 978-4893-664-532. 
  • "Special Extended Play The sequel to the stunning original! Ridge Racer Revolution". Maximum: The Video Game Magazine (Emap International Limited) (5). April 1996. ISSN 1360-3167. 

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Ridge Racer Revolution (リッジレーサーレボリューション, Rijji Rēsā Reboryūshon)
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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