Ridge Racer Revolution plays like a expansion pack, but atleast it's a good one while you play it
Let me tell you, the game was awesome at release, even if the differences were minor. The graphics were still slick. The frame-rate was far smoother than competitor Daytona USA on Sega Saturn, it was faster also. The cars were detailed as well as environments and little was there that disappointed. Also, unlike Daytona USA on Sega Saturn, this game suffered far less from pop-up issues, so you could see what was ahead of you much easier.
Ridge Racer Revolution also benefited from a booming soundtrack. The music was dance/electro, but it works well with Ridge Racer, although not as well as other Psone racer "Wipeout". Perhaps the only issue concerning sound had to be the announcer. The announcer added personality to Ridge Racer Revolution, but was seriously annoying.
What can I say otherwise? The game was fun but hard. The gameplay handled differently to the original Ridge Racer which felt weird (especially for me) but give the game some time and the change will feel for the better. Ridge Racer Revolution still has the arcade charm that made the original arcade epic famous, so you'll still start 12th, you'll be able to power slide corners and you'll be able to use that fast sports car you've always wanted.
The only true issue with Ridge Racer Revolution, was that the changes didn't feel great enough for the game to feel like a sequel. Ridge Racer Revolution played like a expansion pack, but at least it was a good one while you play it.
The best thing about Ridge Racer is the feeling of simply winning a race, be it short or long, it doesn't matter. The feeling is special anyway. Overall Ridge Racer Revolution was a good game. Although despite this it can only be recommended by Serious fans or perhaps people who haven't got the original.