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Gentleben's PSX/Computer Review Page
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PSX: Racing: Monaco Grand Prix and Ridge Racer 4
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If you are lucky enough (?) to see the new Ridge Racer 4, from Japan, you are likely to be disappointed. The hype was that it was going to be the next Gran Turismo but there are several drawbacks to the game. Until the US version bcomes avaliable you will have to put up with the Japanese writing with only some english thrown in. This isn't a big deal however you have to listen (read) the rantings of some driver or pitboss before you can start the races. The basis is that the championships are divided into 3 groups. You must come in 3rd place or better in the first group (2 races) in order to advance to the next bracket. You will be rewarded with an upgraded car for the second bracket. There you must place 2nd or better to advance. Here is gets a bit rough, as the cars are better and your "upgraded" car has a tendoncy to spin/slide in the corners, making it easier for the AI cars to pass or stay ahead. If you are lucky enough to get past that group you wind up in the advanced races (3). Here you must win every race to get other cars, tracks, extras? They do give you several "redo's" to place where you must, to advance, and there are some nice looking cars ( even though they aren't registered you can still tell what they were supose to be). The scenery is much better than the old Ridge Racers and the cars look good but the controls are a problem. What I mean is that they control like the old arcade games where the car has a stick in the back and it just slid over the background, and wasn't really part of the picture. RR4 feels the same way, the view never lets you see the whole car from any distance, like NFS4, and the car steers stiff. I was really let down after all the hype about this one. All I can do is hope the US version fixes some of this or, in my opinion, you should pass on this one in favor of NFS3 or NFS4 and you would be much happier.
The second game was the Monaco Grand Prix. This has some simple graphics, and OK scenery. Don't expect the graphics of NFS4 or Gran Turismo but they are passable. The frame rate is good and there are few if any lapses. The playability is good, as you can play in arcade, championship, or season modes. You have a small selection of teams (6 I think) to start and only 4 tracks but they are alot of fun to play. This one lets you cut off the other cars, even bumping them off the track, and speeding up to 200mph. You will start at the back of the pack but you can move up quickly. This game is worth a look for a rainy day or if you have friends over, but don't expect to be totally engrossed in it, as you attention span will wander.
As you may have noticed I think very highly of the NFS series. The graphics, scenery, controls, are all great. NFS3 had all the "new" technology and was a real trend setter. NFS4 looks great but there aren't really any suprises. I love the fact that I can win other cars, in Hot Pursuit, like a Corvette Police car, a Porsche Police car, and a Diablo Police car. I like the fact that you can set spike strips, but I get upset with the game always telling me that there are no other cars avaliable so they can't set up road blocks until your time is almost gone. I still think NFS4 is well worth the time and I love to come back to it and race so I think playability is great. The only setback is that other than a hotrod, and a Phantom, and a helicopter that flys like a car, you can't get to the other cars ( I'm dying to get the McLaran)and tracks. At least NFS3 had codes to get all the cars and most of the tracks. If anyone know of the codes to get the cars and tracks for NFS4 I would like you to mail me with it.
Another late entry is Sports Car GT. It has nice scenery and some good looking cars, again, not as good as Gran Turismo. It has a limited amount of cars and tracks to start but you can purchase less expensive cars and use the remaining money to upgrade it. This allows you to compete, and sometime win, the races. It has alot of replayability as I am still trying to figure out how to get the other tracks and upgraded cars.
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Other PSX Games
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If you are into racing, or rather crashing, I would suggest Rogue Trip. This game was made by the same programmers who made Twisted Metal 1 and 2. They sold the rights and set off to make their own games. Twisted Metal 3 isn't nearly as good as TM2, and no where near the fun of Rogue Trip. Here you can destroy the capitol, "Elvis" land, and may others. You can pick up tourists and race to the "Photo OP's" for extra points and money. There are several hidden areas to et alot of money and ammo. This would be my choice for an afternoon of carefree mayhem.
If you like the water better than the race track try Dead in the Water. It is a Twisted Metal for boats of every kind. You can race, or destroy a strange array of ships and ship masters. They include "Bay Watch Babes", Cops, Generals, Pirates, Hillbilly families, and more. There ships include torpedo boats, pirate ships, and overgrown rafts. You can pick up ammo and "specials" along the way. It is alot of fun and I recommend it highly.
Now for a blast from the past... With all the fighting games that have come out lately it is easy to forget the classics. With K-1, which is a dog, and Contender, another dog, you could have forgotten MK3, MK4, and Dead or Alive. The concerns of the "blood" on the MK series is justified, however it can be turned off, but it still has alot of violence. The game Dead or Alive has none of this "bloodletting". It does have some quirks, especially pertaining to the female fighters and there appearance. They is NO blood, decapitating, burnt to a crisp fighters. All the moves are well done and very techical, real looking moves. Fighters are knocked out not killed. Give this a try and I think you will be pleasantly supprised.
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Computer games
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Again my tastes run to the racing games. I really like the NFS3 on the computer. The graphics are excellant! I have a 16 mb Banshee card and I can see the scenery, I'm passing through, reflected in the cars finish. Being one of the cops is great fun and very vivid.
One of the never games is Viper Racing. It was hyped up but with it's frame rate and the fact that it is nearly impossible to keep up with the AI cars. It isn't what it was cracked up to be. The cars are impossible to control as everytime you accelerate they spin out and when accelerating you can't make the turns. So in order to corner you must back off the gas and the other cars just flat run away from you. If I had this to do over again I would pass.
If you are into "cult" type games check out Rhianna Rouge, from Black Dragon. You can take a plain, mild secretary and turn her into a sexy, sleek heroine. The main character is a former Playmate and the game consists of alot of video motion. Very pleasing to the eye. If you are 18 or over give it a try.
If you are into Hunting games, but just aren't satisfied with deer, turkeys, pigs, or ducks give Carnivores a try. Here you get to stalk and shoot (kill or tranquilize) dinosaurs. You get to use a shotgun, bow, or sniper rifle. Even the African hunting game can't compare with the dinos you get to hunt. Alot of fun... check it out.
For those who work on their computers, and enjoy it less,should loo for programs like Comedy Classics. Here you can add wallpapers, screensavers, and sounds from the commedians of the past. They have chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, the Stooges, the Marx Bros.,Abbot and Costello, and others from the silver screen. Many are doing their most popular skits.
There are always the clasic board games, like Sorry and Trivial Pursuit to keep you busy but with the new graphics they are alot funnier and better playing.
As new games are played I will give you the low down on them. Mail me with any suggestions or comments with the mail address below.
Until then thanks for watching and come back often.....
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