Collector’s Log #8: Ridge Racer!

I could talk about the continuing trickle of sports games for the PlayStation 2 that keep coming in, as I shore up and upgrade my library. My Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf series is now complete, thanks to recent arrivals of Tiger 06 and 07. WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009 came in, meaning that I only need 2008 for a complete set. NHL 2K9 now fills up my NHL 2K set.

But that’s not why a lot of you are here. Where’s the good stuff? Okay, okay. I hear you. So let’s start with a bang:

I happened to find the jewel case, black label variant of Ridge Racer for the original PlayStation while visiting Retro World Games. I’ve never seen this in the wild and instantly snapped it up. I love the printed artwork on the disc— it’s a standout. I don’t know if I’ll pop in and play this version (as I usually default to the Greatest Hits copy), but it’s really cool to finally have all of these variants now. This was the game that sold me on PlayStation way back in the Spring of 1995, and it’s a game that will always have a special place in my heart.

A few other recent arrivals of note are pictured above.

• I’ve never played Breakdown before, but I’ve heard/seen people talk about it… so I figured I’d grab it. Original Xbox games will again be a collecting focus in the coming weeks and months, for reasons I’ll get to shortly.
• The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction is a game I’ve had my eye on for some time now, but hadn’t seen a complete and good condition copy in the wild until this past week. I’ve only played this briefly via the PlayStation 2 version, so I’ll be curious to see the differences with Xbox.
• Fullmetal Alchemist is an upgrade to a disc-only copy I have. It’s been a minute since I’ve tried out this Action RPG. Admittedly, it’s the Square-Enix logo that drew me in initially. I know very little about the source material.
• Jet Li: Rise to Honor is a game I’ve been meaning to pick up for awhile. If memory serves, it’s a game that uses the analog sticks for attacks. I think the critical response was pretty mixed at the time, but this is years ago now. The memory isn’t quite what it used to be. So… I’ll have to find out for myself.

It’s also worth noting that I fulfilled a goal for 2026 and procured an original Xbox that is being “recapped” for longevity. I am just waiting for the console to be serviced, then I’ll be picking it up and replacing my current Xbox with it. The machine I’m using now is definitely on its way out, with delays reading discs and a quick-to-close DVD tray, so replacing it was a top priority as I’d like to cover the platform more as it celebrates its 25th anniversary later this year.

I did get my current Xbox running long enough to play some Links 2004 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2X, at least.

There’s a few more things on the way that I’ll talk about in the next installment.