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Fair criticism usually benefits from having extensive experience in the particular subject leading to a more knowledgeable (and less emotional) perspective. But every now and then, something like Pokémon Snap comes along that so defies normal conventions (of the videogame world) that it leaves critics baffled as to how to justifiably critique it.

When the original Ridge Racer was released on the then newborn PlayStation, it impressed me as a graphical wonder and was an excellent showcase for the system. However, I was then a Nintendo loyalist so I didn't admit my opinion of the game too loudly. In fact, I avoided the game and the PlayStation like the plague. But fortunately now in 1999, I have outgrown my devout system loyalty and it seems only fitting that I am reviewing R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 (R4) since it may be the last installation of the series on the PlayStation. The next one is expected to migrate to the yet-to-be-named next generation Sony system.

Game Description: It is speed incarnate. Its sexy sheet metal restrains a 3000 CC power plant that hits 0-190 MPH in a snap of a linguini. It is the Bisonrte—just one of the automotive marvels the scorch the streets in Ridge Racer Type 4. With over 300 new cars 45 fantastic models 8 thrilling courses a 2-player split-screen mode there is only one way to drive...fast. R4's asphalt gulping graphics and spectacular racing environments deliver racing speeds that were once deemed impossible.

Over the years, I became an extremely harsh critic of the series' lack of innovation, and when it came time to review R4, I was not a happy camper. Yet this time around, things were different. It certainly helped that it has been a long hiatus since the last incarnation, but I think it had more to do with my own personal maturity, and new-found understanding of the business world.

After playing the game a while, it's not hard to see why Nintendo transposed the Pokémon franchise to this format. Traditionally, pinball games contain various puzzles in the form of complex mouse trap-like contraptions scattered across the playing board.

The greatest accomplishment of Pokémon Pinball was that it made me forget I was playing a pinball game. I have never liked pinball games and even after playing Pokémon Pinball, I still don't like them, but I am always happy to pick up Pokémon Pinball. It must be that organic feel to the game that Chi talked about because Pokémon Pinball certainly feels more personal than the mechanical ones.

Mario Golf is such a surprise that I feared I couldn't write this review and do it justice.