 Ridge Racer received critical acclaim . The graphics and sound in particular were praised . In the April 1994 issue of the UK magazine Computer and Video Games , Paul Rand gave high marks , remarking that it was " far and away the most realistic arcade game ever seen " on reviewing the arcade machine ( based on the full @-@ scale unit ) . In a review of its Japanese console release , GamePro called the PlayStation version " a near carbon copy of the original " and praised the graphics , soundtrack , and the entire game being loaded into the PlayStation 's RAM , eliminating mid @-@ game loading and giving the option of removing the game disc and using the PlayStation as a music CD player during gameplay . Although they criticised the graphical glitches and slowdown , the game was recommended . Next Generation applauded the conversion 's faithful recreation of the arcade version , smooth graphics , and additional cars . Although they noted the lack of variety in the different cars ' performance and the absence of a multiplayer mode as downsides , they found the game overall remarkable and commented that the fact that Ridge Racer was an early game for the PlayStation , and a rushed project at that , made it " an excellent harbinger of what 's to come " . GamePro 's review of the later North American release judged that the game surpassed competitor Daytona USA in graphics , audio , and control responsiveness , and called it " The best racing game to date for home systems " . Commenting on the realism , Game Informer remarked that Ridge Racer " does a better job of capturing the feel of high performance car racing than any existing driving game " . 
