PlayStation 2 Critic Reviews

If you were trying to decide on a racer before "GT4," I would say that this is the title for you if you are looking for a solid single-player game. If you're in the market for a good multiplayer racer, I would suggest "Need For Speed Underground."

I learned early that when Namco puts a racing game together, you need to treat it as if E. F. Hutton had just given financial tips; pay attention and rush out to experience it for yourself.

Looks, sounds and plays every bit as good as "Gran Turismo 3" while bringing some great new additions to the genre.

A great simulation racer that does almost everything well. The Racing Life mode is too short and the rally racing can be unforgiving. But the pressure sensitive gameplay, realistic AI, and event challenges round out a great race package that’s tough to pass.

The intimacy, the almost Zen-like relationship with the track is not here. Even so, I would be a fool to call this game anything other than great. [Jan 2004, p.60]

The notion of a story-driven racing game is definitely something I'm getting used to, and after an initial feeling of resistance, I have to say the game got to be quite fun...It's not the greatest racer ever made, but it is pretty darn good.

Touchy controls and a story mode that is over almost before it begins are the most glaring oversights to this game. However, the realistic AI, wonderfully stylish presentation, and overall fun to be had with R: Racing more than make up for any shortcomings.

Tries too hard to appeal to all types of racing fans, without ever feeling like a complete experience.

t looks fantastic! But it plays just ok.

It’s a unique racing experience that isn’t quite arcade and certainly not simulation. As long as you know what to expect going in you won’t be disappointed and you might even be a bit surprised.