Gorgeous. That is the first word that will immediately jump into players' minds when they start up Namco's Ridge Racer for the PSP. The game looks the part of a sexy diva who is just aching to get under your thumbs. It truly glistens on Sony's new handheld, and, if nothing else, is a fantastic showpiece for how the PSP can handle presentation. The cars and environments compliment each other beautifully, and everything adds up to a virtual feast for the eyes. The game also moves along at an exhilarating clip, with a silky smooth frame rate that makes it hard to believe the game is actually running on a handheld system.As great as the game looks, its musical treatment is equal to the task. From new tracks to classic and remixed Ridge Racer themes, many players will find themselves swept up in the game's synthesized style. Yes, it is safe to say that Ridge Racer will sell more PSP systems at launch than any other game on the shelf, based purely on presentation.

It doesn't hurt that Ridge Racer is also a blast to play. Like previous entries in the series, this game is all about blazing speeds, powerslides, and over-the-top racing. For players looking for a racer that is unapologetic about its arcade roots, Ridge Racer delivers on all of its promises. Fans of arcade racers will immediately feel at home here, and those new to the experience aren't likely to have many problems slipping into the groove. Like any arcade racer, the controls are more or less dummy-proof, and they handle like a dream. As expected, the buttons control gas, brake, and nitrous boost. Drifting around corners fills up the nitrous, which can be released for a quick boost of speed. If mastering the powerslide and drift were important to the series before, they are now integral to the experience. Players also have the ability to shift between the third and first-person at the press of a button.

Despite the monstrous production values, it is possible that many will find fault in Ridge Racer's strict adherence to formula in its old age. Save for the change of platform and amazing visuals, this is the same Ridge Racer that people were playing a decade ago. Aside from a few minor tweaks here and there, not much has changed, and to come so far with so little innovation may be considered by some to be the franchise's Achilles heel. For better or worse, this is the same old Ridge Racer with a new shiny coat of paint-and some truly abhorrent AI.

The quasi-intelligence displayed by the computer-controlled racers in Ridge Racer is not only predictable, it is laughable to boot. Racers follow a predetermined path like obedient children, never once displaying a hint of the intellect God gave a common ant. The only time a hint of perception is seen is when the occasional AI-controlled opponent will activate a nitro canister to avoid being passed, but even this quickly becomes such a predictable maneuver that players will know what is coming long before the inevitable action takes place. This does not, thankfully, take much away from the fun of the game, but it does detract significantly from Ridge Racer's overall challenge.

Other series and genre staples make an appearance here, including a wide variety of game modes. From single races to an all out world-tour-complete with unlockable cars and new tracks-Ridge Racer gives players many options for play. However, the lion's share of these cars are a mixed bag, and many of the unlockable tracks are merely variations on those already available. As such, the excitement from earning a new ride is somewhat deflated. However, no matter what complaints are levied against the single player game, these are more than made up for by Ridge Racer's support of 8-player WiFi races. These multiplayer races offer a level of challenge and unpredictability that simply cannot be matched by racing against the computer.

Simply put, the Ridge Racer of today is what the series has always been about. It exudes a sense of style that perfectly accentuates the game's over-the-top racing maxim. Still, players and fans who are hoping for something new or different are apt to be disappointed. Beneath the gorgeous exterior lies a game that, while fun, is a bit archaic. Any players looking for a fast, fun, and exciting experience should give Ridge Racer a chance, as it is a terrific ride even if the destination is very familiar.

Mar 24, 2005 | 0 comments
Jason Dobson