Machine Guides

Game History

Ridge Racer is a racing video game developed and published by Namco for arcades in 1993, serving as the first installment in Namco's Ridge Racer series. The game was originally released on the Namco System 22 arcade system board and was notable for being the first arcade video game with 3D texture-mapped graphics, utilizing Gouraud shading techniques.

The game's development took approximately eight months and was based on Japanese car enthusiasts' trend of racing on mountain roads while drifting around corners. Ridge Racer began as a prototype called SimDrive, which debuted at the JAMMA arcade show in 1992 before being reworked into the final game. It served as a spiritual successor to Namco's earlier Winning Run (1988) and Eunos Roadster Driving Simulator (1990), a Mazda MX-5 driving simulation arcade game that Namco developed with Mazda.

Upon its release, Namco described Ridge Racer as "the most realistic driving game ever" and advertised it as the first coin-operated video game with texture mapping. The game made its North American debut at the 1993 American Amusement Machine Association (AMAA) show. A special three-screen version was also released for arcades to provide a peripheral vision effect, using multiple Namco System 22 boards to drive the additional monitors in the sit-down cabinet version.

How to Play

Objectives

The main goal of Ridge Racer is to win races by finishing in first place across multiple tracks. You compete against AI-controlled opponents on various courses while mastering drifting techniques. The game emphasizes high-speed racing and cornering skills rather than realistic simulation.

Controls

• Steering Wheel: Turn the wheel left or right to steer your car
• Gas Pedal: Press to accelerate and increase speed
• Brake Pedal: Press to slow down, brake, or reverse
• Gear Shift: Use to shift between automatic and manual transmission modes

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your racing career.

• Car Selection: Choose your vehicle from available options, each with different performance characteristics.

• Track Selection: Select your racing course from the available tracks, each with unique layouts and challenges.

• Race Competition: Compete against multiple AI-controlled opponents in races to achieve the best finishing position.

• Time Trials: Complete laps within time limits to qualify for races and advance through the competition.

• Position Racing: Battle for position against opponents, using strategic overtaking and defensive driving techniques.

• Lap Completion: Complete multiple laps around each track to finish the race.

• Victory Conditions: Win races by finishing in first place to unlock new tracks and vehicles.

• Progression System: Advance through increasingly difficult races and tracks as you prove your racing skills.