Main Menus From Ridge Racer (and other Namco games) Appreciation
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I'd imagine most people on this board haven't played the game, but Ridge Racer Slipstream (iOS/Android, and no longer available) had really fun menus.
Something I appreciate is that the menus in this game aren't just all on-screen at once. You don't just interact with a menu by tapping it, you also scroll up and down. It feels tactile—almost like they tried to replicate the design of a console game menu on a smartphone. Very cool.
Something I appreciate is that the menus in this game aren't just all on-screen at once. You don't just interact with a menu by tapping it, you also scroll up and down. It feels tactile—almost like they tried to replicate the design of a console game menu on a smartphone. Very cool.
I really miss Ridge Racer. I wasn't a fan of the series until Rage Racer and Type 4, but after those, I was convinced.
Namco never topped the stylish vibes of R4, and probably never will.
Look how slick and smooth this is, while remaining functional every step of the way, perfectly executed with a uniquely identifiable color scheme! R4 was ahead of the curve when it came to UI design in video games.
RRV has some nice menus too but some of the design bits are kind of random compared to all-encompassing aesthetic.
Look how slick and smooth this is, while remaining functional every step of the way, perfectly executed with a uniquely identifiable color scheme! R4 was ahead of the curve when it came to UI design in video games.
RRV has some nice menus too but some of the design bits are kind of random compared to all-encompassing aesthetic.
I can't seem to find a .gif of it in motion, but even the Vita Ridge Racer menu was kinda cool with the Angel/Devil toggle that had different scrolling Reiko artwork in the background.
I just miss Ridge Racer in general, that Switch game being cancelled was a real shame. And then that poll by the director or something about which one people would like to see remade being overwhelmingly won by RRT4.
I just miss Ridge Racer in general, that Switch game being cancelled was a real shame. And then that poll by the director or something about which one people would like to see remade being overwhelmingly won by RRT4.
Rage too is a delight. This was the start of Namco using a notable art direction with a European flavour that set it apart from the typical blue sky arcade racers at the time and the menus matched the brooding aesthetic. The foundation was set for Type 4 for changing things up with a variety of Japanese/American locations and some stunning use of colour that to this day I feel is some of the best art direction in an arcade racer ever.
Coming from RR it felt like Namco went full galaxy brain.
V is such a dope aesthetic too, I think Type 4 is probably the more cohesive but V is charming as hell and has some wonderful transitions.
Coming from RR it felt like Namco went full galaxy brain.
V is such a dope aesthetic too, I think Type 4 is probably the more cohesive but V is charming as hell and has some wonderful transitions.
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Does Smash Ultimate count? It was developed by Bamco, but Michiko Sakurai did the menus.
Also fun fact, if you're wondering, yes, Michiko Sakurai is Masahiro's wife!
Also fun fact, if you're wondering, yes, Michiko Sakurai is Masahiro's wife!
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R4 and Ace Combat 2 are my personal favourites from Namco's PSX output. The AC2 mission briefings and machine select screens are sublime. R4 is drenched in a slick, consistent style in every menu.
This reminds me a lot of the menus in Sakurai's games.
Edit: Michiko Sakurai's stuff!
R4's UI and overall design package is on a level above damn near everything I have ever played, even now. To say they nailed it with that game's aesthetic is an understatement.
The only thing I can think of that even approaches it in style is Persona 5. That's not even getting into the music, which I also think Namco has yet to top.
The only thing I can think of that even approaches it in style is Persona 5. That's not even getting into the music, which I also think Namco has yet to top.
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Yes! What I had In mind when I mentioned it in the OP lol. Armored Core can be good too but this AC is better I think.Ace Combat's briefings are still super slick.
I forget what was going on in my life but I missed most of the PS2. I had one but didn't play much, so I never played RR5. But I've got the soundtracks. This tune is one of the best.
Yeah, I have a bunch of the RR OSTs, they're amazing to listen to outside of the game and using them in other racing games that let you use custom soundtracks was the best.
RRV might be the best in the series, it's worth playing if you get the chance.
Bumping this thread because I recently started looking at UI designs and was infatuated by Ridge Racer Type 4's UI.
The loading screen transitions alone are so simple yet elegant to me.
The loading screen transitions alone are so simple yet elegant to me.
