Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ridge Racer 64 expertly adapts the fast-paced, drift-heavy action that defined its arcade and PlayStation predecessors to the Nintendo 64 platform. From the moment you grab the controller, you’ll appreciate how responsive the steering is, making it easy to initiate controlled slides around tight corners. Building momentum through drift chains isn’t just a flashy trick—it’s essential for maintaining speed and getting that edge over your opponents on both single-player circuits and split-screen duels.

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One of the game’s most appealing features is its pick-up-and-play philosophy. There’s little setup and no convoluted menus to navigate; you select a car, pick a track variation, and you’re off. Yet beneath that immediate accessibility lies surprising depth: mastering each of the three base tracks in all three variations challenges you to memorize every turn, straightaway, and drift zone. As you progress, you’ll find yourself pushing the limits of your chosen vehicle, experimenting with how different cars’ weight, acceleration, and top speed impact your racing lines.

Ridge Racer 64 also shines in its multiplayer offering. Whether you’re duking it out with friends in split-screen mode or testing your times against AI opponents, the competition remains fierce. Beat-the-clock Time Trials let you hone your skills solo, while head-to-head races deliver adrenaline-pumping moments as two racers jostle for position on narrow bends. The balance between AI challenge and human rivalry ensures that every match feels fresh and rewarding.

Graphics

On the Nintendo 64 hardware, Ridge Racer 64 impresses with smooth frame rates and vibrant track environments. The developer has managed to maintain a steady pace even when four cars are vying for position on-screen, which is crucial for keeping the action fluid and responsive. Textures are relatively sharp, and although the draw distance isn’t infinite, pop-in is minimal—rarely does it detract from the sense of speed that the series is known for.

The palette of colors is bold and saturated, giving each of the nine track variations a distinct visual identity. Daytime courses are bathed in bright sunlight, cityscapes glint with neon reflections at dusk, and night circuits feature dynamic lighting from streetlamps and oncoming headlights. Car models, while not as intricately detailed as on more powerful consoles, still exhibit clean lines and distinctive liveries that make it easy to differentiate between the 25 available vehicles at a glance.

Special effects such as tire smoke, skid marks, and brief bursts of nitrous flame add to the spectacle without overtaxing the system. While you might notice a slight reduction in texture resolution compared to the PlayStation version, the trade-off is a more consistent performance and a pleasantly clear viewport. Overall, Ridge Racer 64’s graphics deliver an engaging arcade feel that complements the breakneck gameplay.

Story

As is typical for arcade-style racing titles, Ridge Racer 64 offers minimal narrative context, focusing instead on pure driving thrills. There’s no overarching plot or cutscene-driven drama; your primary motivation is simply to conquer each circuit and climb the leaderboard. This streamlined approach keeps you immersed in the heart of the action without unnecessary interruptions.

However, the game does provide a sense of progression through its visible unlocking system. Win races, outperform the clock, and you’ll gain access to faster cars and unlock track shortcuts, creating a tangible reward loop that keeps you invested. Each new vehicle comes with its own stats in power, acceleration, and handling, giving you reason to experiment and find the perfect match for your driving style.

Although Ridge Racer 64 doesn’t weave an elaborate story, the subtle narrative of “underdog racer rising through the ranks” is implicit every time you boot up a session. Beating the AI in increasingly difficult races or besting a friend in split-screen multiplayer feels like personal victories, lending an emotional thrust to an otherwise straightforward racing format.

Overall Experience

Ridge Racer 64 makes a compelling case as the first title in the franchise to hit a Nintendo console. It retains all the hallmarks of the series—drift-centric mechanics, accessible pick-up-and-play design, and a compelling multiplayer offering—while tailoring the experience to the strengths of the N64. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer seeking an arcade racing fix, you’ll find plenty to love in this compact package.

The limited track count—just three base courses with three variations each—might seem modest, but the depth of drift mechanics and the thrill of mastering every bend ensures high replay value. Add to that the roster of 25 distinct vehicles and both solo and split-screen multiplayer modes, and you have a game that punches well above its weight class for a cartridge-based racer.

In the end, Ridge Racer 64 delivers an exhilarating ride that balances simplicity and depth, offering both immediate accessibility and skill-based challenges. It may not aim for simulation-level realism, but its arcade heritage shines through with every skid, jump, and finish-line dash. For Nintendo 64 owners craving fast-paced racing action, this title remains a standout choice.

Retro Replay Score

8/10