
	Platform PlayStation Portable (PSP) Genre Racing Publisher Namco Developer Namco ETA March 25, 2005
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Ridge Racer

We won’t go into a whole lot of detail about the history of the Ridge Racer series here. All that really needs to be said is that it has carved out quite the reputation for itself over the last 10 years or so as one of the best arcade racers ever. That being said, it’s important to note that one of the most recent effort in the series, R6: Racing Evolution, marks a very sore point in the franchise. Basically trying to be like Gran Turismo, R6 threw everything that made Ridge Racer what it was out the window, alienating fans, receiving ridicule, and ultimately doing very poorly.

With that in mind, Namco is bringing a new installment in the series to the PSP. Will the game return to its arcade-like roots? Will it be Namco’s big “We’re soooooo sorry” / “We don’t know what we were thinking” / “Gin and game design just don’t mix!” The series has already had a new edition released on the DS, but PSP is Sony country, and home to the core Ridge Racer fans. This PSP Ridge Racer will the most important test of all in putting the shadow of R6 squarely in the past.

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Looking at what Namco has planned for Ridge Racer, it appears that they are taking heed of all the complaints leveled against R6, making good and sure this title sticks to the series' arcade roots. The game will have quite a number of cars to choose from when zipping around its two-dozen courses. On top of this, Namco is putting in a fair amount of unlockable goodies to keep players’ interest.

With Ridge Racer also taking advantage of the PSP’s WiFi abilities (and

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who isn’t, really) players will also be able to face-off head-to-head. All of this gives the sense that long time fans of Ridge Racer may feel right at home while playing this game. A far cry from R6.

Mr. Nash

(March 14, 2004)

Game Features:

- Race 54 new machines across 24 challenging courses, including 4 original tracks and classic courses from previous Ridge Racer™ games. The rubber meets the road like never before in the most in-depth racer ever created for a handheld system.

- Challenge up to 8 players in intense multiplayer races via the PSP™ handheld system's easy-setup wireless connectivity feature. (Ridge Racer™ UMD required for each player.)

- Experience glorious ultra-realistic 3D visuals brought to you on the PSP™ handheld system's dazzling widescreen LCD.

- Unlock cars, tracks and bonuses in the all-new World Tour Mode, including the MAX Tour: 7 ferociously difficult tours designed for the serious speed demon.

- Race to a pulse-pounding soundtrack featuring brand-new tracks and remixes of classic Ridge Racer™ tunes.