Publisher: Namco
Platform: Xbox, PS2, GameCube
R: Racing Evolution is the long-awaited next installment to the Ridge Racer series. Believably, Namco is trying to go for more realistic cars and physics, while bringing a new look to the series. This look is the lovely Rena, who wears her racing suit open just enough to expose her most valuable racing assets.
Nonetheless, there's enough real world cars to get you interested in playing the game for a few hours. Interestingly enough, there's also a "pressure" system in which you can intimidate other drivers on the course into making mistakes that could cost them the race. The story in and of itself, leaves much to be desired. Perhaps it's tough to make a storyline without some soap opera elements in it.
The unfortunate aspect of R: Racing Evolution is that it attempts to capture some of what Pro Race Driver succinctly portrayed, but falls short in its delivery. It's great to race in several different types of circuits (drag, rally, road courses, etc.), but when the physics all feels the same and the engines sound similar despite being of various displacements and configurations, it's tough to get overly enthusiastic about the title.
Needless to say, R: Racing Evolution is a decent title, albeit not overly memorable. This is one you would graciously accept as a gift or pick out of the bargain bin if you're looking to obtain a complete collection of racing games.