It was the first game in the series to feature a CGI animated introduction, and introduced a new "mascot", Reiko Nagase. It is the fifth installment in the Ridge Racer series and the third on the PlayStation following Ridge Racer Revolution (1995).

The Story Behind Rage Racer

The game was unveiled at the August 1996 Tokyo Game Show, at which point it had yet to be titled. It was the first game in the series to feature a CGI animated introduction, and introduced a new "mascot", Reiko Nagase. The game received a positive critical reception, with its graphics and gameplay praised, although received criticism for its crash mechanics, relatively drab visual style and shortage of tracks.

is a 1996 racing video game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation. The former had previously worked on Ridge Racer Revolution. The game introduced a new class-based Grand Prix on which the player must progress, and, in an aesthetic change, Rage Racer had darker colors and visuals.

How Rage Racer Plays

Cars from four manufacturers can be purchased, each favoring a different attribute (e.g., handling, acceleration, speed). All manufacturers offer a 'standard' car and a 'secret' car, which is locked until the top racing class has been reached. Rage Racer also offers a truck as an unlockable vehicle.

The racing is separated into five numbered classes, named 'Class 1' through to 'Class 5'. It was the first game in the series to feature a CGI animated introduction, and introduced a new "mascot", Reiko Nagase. The game introduced a new class-based Grand Prix on which the player must progress, and, in an aesthetic change, Rage Racer had darker colors and visuals.

Why Players Still Load It Up

Rage Racer was followed by a sequel, R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 in 1998. GamePro concluded that "Once you get over the game's initial lull, you will have plenty to rage about with this cool new Racer." Official UK PlayStation Magazine said that Namco had succeeded in developing their game even further, and praised the track and car count, before concluding: "The pick-up-and-play experience of the original remains, only now there is more longevity because of the incentive to progress through the classes and upgrade to the fastest cars." Alex Ward, creator of Criterion Games's Burnout series, said in a 2004 interview that he thought Rage Racer was the best title in the Ridge Racer series. He added: "Although Phanto Mile [from R4: Ridge Racer Type 4] was strong, it doesn't beat the Extreme Oval from Rage Racer".

It was the first game in the series to feature a CGI animated introduction, and introduced a new "mascot", Reiko Nagase. Its impact was limited due to being not as groundbreaking as its predecessors, but nevertheless it sold well. Next Generation re-reviewed the game three months later, saying, "Rage Racer has all the classic elements of Namco's series - the pounding techno music, cheesy but encouraging vocal soundbites, slick power slides - but it ultimately leaves you with the uneasy feeling of déjà vu.

Rage Racer — Frequently Asked Questions