The PS2 can kick some serious graphics butt - Ridge Racer V is an excellent example of this. The graphics are good enough to simply sit back and watch. The developers evidently realized this, since you can do exactly that in the Music Player mode. In this mode, you're treated to the pumping, heavy beats of the excellent soundtrack, accompanied by computer controlled in-game graphics of cars racing around the track. I have actually sat for more than an hour in front of my television, watching the delicious graphics while listening to the fantastic soundtrack. (It seems the only reason this gets old at all is due to the obnoxious D.J. who chats with Pac Man (!?) in between the songs...) The actual game is just as beautiful, but it's a bit harder to notice the details, as you're busy actually driving your car.

The gameplay is addictive in Ridge Racer V, assuming you can handle the difficulty. As far as racing games go, the controls are pretty much standard fare. You control the gas, the brake, and steer the car. Whether you win or lose depends on how well you manage the curves while avoiding other cars and the walls of the track. This may sound simple, but the cars in RRV can have widely varying handling, from one that turns quick and power slides decently, to a fast heavy car that won't turn no matter how much you beg it. Finding a car that fits your driving style will help quite a bit, but no matter how you slice it, this game is a demanding driving game. Beginners beware.

There are three difficulty levels in Ridge Racer V. The easiest level is called ‘Easy,’ although it really isn't very easy. The other two merely go upwards from there. There's a lot to be said for choosing the correct car in RRV, as it can greatly affect how easy it is to play, although this will depend on your personal driving style and abilities. You can also race against a friend in the (pretty entertaining) Versus mode. When racing in Versus mode, you only have to worry about driving better than your friend. (Well, that and choosing a car that will actually turn.) Versus mode is a good way to have some fun while getting used to the handling of some of the more difficult cars.

The physics are nice in Ridge Racer V. The handling is debatable on some of the cars, but this is, to some degree, a matter of choice. One inarguable point is the beauty of the graphics. From the excellent reflections to the particle effect sparks when the cars scrape the asphalt, to the stunning tracks themselves, this game is beautiful. Ridge Racer V may not change the way you live, but it can certainly challenge the way you play racing games. If you're up to the challenge, give it a shot. Only the strong will survive...