How RIDGE RACER Redefined Racing Games: From Arcade to PlayStation (Vol. 1)

An in-depth retrospective look at Ridge Racer, the legendary racing game series from Namco, delving into the pivotal moments that defined the franchise during the 1990s.

As part of an upcoming documentary series, this video examines the Arcade roots of the original Ridge Racer released in 1993 along with the story behind its conception, its monumental release, updates, and the resounding success that paved the way for its transition to the PlayStation console.

The PS1 version of Ridge Racer would be released as one of the console's launch titles in 1994 and become one of its first hit games, captivating players globally not only with its addictive gameplay and graphics but also with its memorable soundtrack.

Afterward, three more PlayStation games would be made for the series but Namco's road to success wouldn't be without its twists and turns. They would eventually face the challenges of creating an Arcade-style racing experience built for the Home console audience. And while other racing franchises like Gran Turismo and Need for Speed were venturing more toward realism and simulation, Ridge Racer would seek to carve its own unique identity.

All trademarks, logos, music and namesakes belong to Bandai Namco Entertainment or unless stated towards their respective holders.

~ SPECIAL THANKS ~
A Special Thanks goes out to all of the dedicated Development Teams, Composers, and Staff who brought these timeless Ridge Racer games to life!

Plus a big shoutout to these articles, photos, videos & websites for helping in the making of this video (Google Doc):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13...

~ FEATURED MUSIC IN ORDER ~
「Lucid Rhythms」- Tetsukazu Nakanishi (RRT4)
「Ridge Racer (Power Remix)」- Shinji Hosoe (RR)
「It's A New Record」- Hiroshi Okubo (RRR)
「Welcome Racer」- Hiroshi Okubo (RR)
「Speedster (I Like A.T mix)」- Hiroshi Okubo (RR)
「Maximum Zone」- Takayuki Aihara (RR2/RRR)
「Attract」- Super Sweep (RR, PS1)
「Rhythm Shift」- Super Sweep (RR, PS1)
「High Score Screen」- Super Sweep (RR, PS1)
「Linx On」- Megaten (RVR)
「We're Ready And Waiting For You」- SamplingMasters MEGA (RRR)
「Over The Highway」- SamplingMasters MEGA (RR2/RRR)
「Water Front (Ambient Mix)」- J99 (RVR)
「FMV Opening」- Tetsukazu Nakanishi & Hiroshi Okubo (RGR)
「Silver Stream」- Tetsukazu Nakanishi & Hiroshi Okubo (RGR)
「Introduction」- Tetsukazu Nakanishi & Hiroshi Okubo (RGR)
「Rage Racer」- Tetsukazu Nakanishi & Hiroshi Okubo (RGR)
「Urban Fragments」- Kohta Takahashi (RRT4)
「Pearl Blue Soul」- Hiroshi Okubo (RRT4)
「Turn The Page」- Hiroshi Okubo (RRT4)
「Motor Species」- Tetsukazu Nakanishi (RRT4)
「Euphoria」- Tetsukazu Nakanishi (RRV)

~ ABOUT ME ~
Hey yo I'm Daz, from New Zealand. I'm a variety streamer who loves to play TEKKEN, FINAL FANTASY & Retro games. Join my adventures or misadventures through video games, travel & music!

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Video produced & edited by DazStanford

~ TIMESTAMPS ~
0:00 Intro
0:24 Prologue
3:00 Origins of Ridge Racer
5:07 Ridge Racer - Arcade (1993)
8:44 Ridge Racer 2 (1994)
9:43 A Groundbreaking Partnership
10:39 Ridge Racer - PS1 (1994)
13:56 Ridge Racer Revolution (1995)
18:12 Crossroads
18:52 Rage Racer (1996)
23:56 A New Contender
25:01 Ridge Racer Type 4 (1998)
30:54 Epilogue & Legacy