Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 builds on the classic arcade roots of the series while introducing new layers of depth. The core experience centers on the Real Racing Roots ’99 championship, a multilayered contest spanning three heats and seven races, culminating in a New Year’s Eve speedway showdown. Unlike a simple time trial gauntlet, each heat carries weight: scrape by in the first two and you’ll only earn modest upgrades instead of unlocking fresh machinery.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Players begin by choosing among four distinct teams – from the French Micro Mouse Mappy to America’s financially strapped Dig Racing Team – each led by colorful directors with unique backstories. This choice impacts your season narrative and available sponsor funding. On top of the main championship, R4 offers a classic Time Attack mode and introduces split-screen versus racing for the first time in the series, injecting competitive couch multiplayer into the mix.

Vehicle handling also sees a meaningful evolution. Traditional “drift” cars from Lizard and Assoluto maintain the wild, sliding cornering Ridge Racer veterans expect. Meanwhile, new “Grip” models from Age Solo and Terrazi demand precise braking and entry lines but reward consistency with smoother turns. This balance lets novices slide around tight corners for style, while experienced racers can master corner speeds and trajectories for that edge needed to unlock all 320 cars.

Graphics

Graphically, R4 leverages the original PlayStation’s capabilities to the fullest, employing gouraud-shaded polygons that give each car and track a sleek, refined look. Surfaces catch light more naturally, from the curves of a hood to the banked walls of the speedway. The result is a noticeable leap over its predecessors, with environments that feel both crisp and vibrant at full speed.

Track design is equally impressive, showcasing varied locales – sunlit city streets, neon-lit tunnels, and that climactic speedway under fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Textures maintain clarity even when you’re tearing past at 200 miles per hour, and draw-in is minimal, preserving the sense of velocity without jarring pop-ins. The PlayStation hardware pushes a steady frame rate that keeps gameplay smooth, with occasional dips only in the most crowded moments.

Car models themselves stand out as well. You can admire reflections along polished panels and subtle color shifts as you drift through shadows and spotlights. Even the extra Ridge Racer disk, bundled in some editions, benefits from higher resolution, making a nostalgic re-visit to the series’ origin feel fresh and visually punchy.

Story

While R4 is primarily a racing game, it weaves a light but engaging narrative through its team-based championship. Sophie Chevalier’s quest to win for her ailing grandfather injects genuine heart, while Shinji Yazaki’s desire to make waves with the fledgling Pac Racing Team offers a classic underdog storyline. Each team director’s personality shines through brief cutscenes and pre-race banter.

Italian powerhouse Racing Team Solvalou, led by the exacting Enki Gilbert, embodies seasoned confidence, challenging players to prove they belong among the elite. Meanwhile, the Dig Racing Team’s financial woes and director Robert Chrisman’s struggles add stakes to every race: a crash could mean no new car and a season in stagnation. This interplay of character goals and mechanical performance builds unexpected emotional investment.

Though not a sprawling RPG narrative, the storyline framework gives purpose to each heat and motivates players to push for that all-important first place. The progression from race to race feels meaningful, not only for cars unlocked but for the small victories and team loyalties you cultivate along the way.

Overall Experience

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 stands out as one of the PlayStation’s finest arcade racers. Its blend of high-octane action, strategic team and car choices, and unlockable content offers deep replay value. Even after conquering Real Racing Roots ’99, Time Attack and split-screen versus modes keep you coming back to shave seconds off lap times or settle the score with friends.

The presentation, from the polished visuals to the subtle narrative touches, elevates R4 beyond mere pick-up-and-race simplicity. The gratification of unlocking each of the 320 cars—combined with witnessing your chosen team’s triumph—creates a compelling loop. And the inclusion of the original Ridge Racer on an extra disk is a thoughtful nod to fans and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re chasing drift points or mastering the newfound Grip vehicles, Ridge Racer Type 4 delivers a satisfying blend of arcade thrills and strategic depth. It captures the spirit of high-speed competition while rewarding skill and consistency, making it an essential title for any PlayStation racing aficionado.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10