Nintendo Shows Ridge Racer 64

LONDON - Easily the best reason to check out Nintendo's booth at ECTS, save for the very cute German Nintendo receptionist, was undoubtedly Ridge Racer 64. Why? Because this was the first time ever that Nintendo has allowed people to see the title in motion. In fact, even at its own Space World show in Japan last week, the title was not presented.

Based on the original Ridge Racer title, which first appeared in arcades and then on the PlayStation, the game features new tracks that fit the mold of the original title. How the car moves, how the game feels, and even tinier details like sound effects all replicate the original title's style very well. It's strange that a game is being based on Ridge Racer, though, and not on one of the more recent installments in the series. For example, the recently released R4 on the PlayStation features many changes from the original racer - natural evolutions. It's almost like a step in the wrong direction to model the game after an older title. But then again, many would say that earlier installments in the Ridge Racer series are actually better than the later titles, so perhaps it's a good choice on Nintendo's part.

Graphically, the game didn't seem as good as the PlayStation version, simply because of the Nintendo 64's more blurry look due to its graphic effects. It's pretty close though. And as for other aspects, such as music or control, the game seemed to perform quite well.

Nintendo 'doesn't have a release date listed for Ridge Racer 64, but hopefully the game will see a release before year's end.