Ridge Racer was also able to run at a high resolution of 640 x 480, at a full 60 frames per second.
The original Ridge Racer (1993) was the first video game to feature texture-mapped 3D polygons, which was an important breakthrough for 3D polygon graphics in video games, predating Sega's Daytona USA. The early Ridge Racer titles, which were originally released on the then powerful Namco System 22 arcade hardware, were known for introducing several major advances in 3D polygon graphics. Pac-man is the most commonly seen others include Soul Calibur, Katamari Damacy, Rally-X, Dig Dug, Galaxian, et al. Namco Bandai injects its other franchises and properties into many RR games by way of decals, brand names, livery styles, and even vehicle designs. The slot car form allows for physics-defying feats such as spinning 360s during tight turns, while the no-brakes methodology of achieving it allows for a heightened sense of speed, More than any other aspect, the drift mechanics have contributed to the arcade-style racing feel that fans of the series enjoy. The drifting mechanic RR has made famous is a snap-to-rail method, reminiscent of slot car toy sets, usually this is handled by the player moving the directional pad (and later left analog stick) while not accelerating which is markebly different from how most racers work which usually require players press the brake pad. These signature design aspects exist in the majority of RR titles produced to date.
The Ridge Racer franchise is known for several recurring gameplay mechanics and themes.