PlayStation Portable : Ridge Racer

• Developer : Namco
• Publisher : Namco
• Series : Ridge Racer
• Version : -
• Release date : December 12, 2004
• Genre : Racing game
• Mode : Single-player, Multiplayer (1-8)
• Media/distribution : UMD

Game Info :

Ridge Racer for the PSP is an arcade racing video game developed by Namco. It is named after the eponymous Ridge Racer video game series to which it belongs.

It seems every time a new Sony videogame system is released, Namco decides to release another Ridge Racer game. I remember playing the Ridge Racer for the first PlayStation for hours when the system was released. Well, now with the introduction of the PSP, Namco has treated us with another Ridge Racer game. But just as the first Ridge Racer for the PSOne was so revolutionary, Ridge Racer for the PSP raises the bar for portable racing games.

This version of Ridge Racer can almost be considered a greatest hit version of the previous Ridge Racer games. Tracks from the earlier games are included along with some new tracks. A total of 54 cars are available but most of them must be unlocked in order to be played. The modes of gameplay included range from the Single Race mode, Time Attack mode, Wireless Battle mode and the World Tour mode. The World Tour mode is where the meat and potatoes of the game rest.

Screen Shot (Click on any picture to view full size)

This version of Ridge Racer can almost be considered a greatest hit version of the previous Ridge Racer games. Tracks from the earlier games are included along with some new tracks. A total of 54 cars are available but most of them must be unlocked in order to be played. The modes of gameplay included range from the Single Race mode, Time Attack mode, Wireless Battle mode and the World Tour mode. The World Tour mode is where the meat and potatoes of the game rest.

The World Tour mode offers a ton of different races that must be finished in order to unlock the other tracks and cars in the game. The World Tour mode starts off on the Basic Tour setting, which is composed of nine different challenges that must be completed in order to advance to the next setting of the World Tour mode. Each challenge is composed of a different number of races. For example the first part of the Basic Tour has three races, while the second part only has two races. In order to advance in the Tour mode you will need to finish at a certain ranking. As you finish the Basic Tour setting you will advance to the higher levels, with each level having another set of races that must be completed. A Dual challenge race is included where you compete against one car to determine who’s the best. Fortunately the game doesn’t lock you into one race forever. So if you get stuck on one race you can still race another track and then come back later to try and finish the other race.

Now for the Gran Turismo racing fans out there you might be wondering if the game includes a simulation mode. Well, I’m happy to report that it doesn’t. But wait a second, why should I say I’m happy to report it doesn’t have a simulation mode? Because the Ridge Racer series has been all about having fun with a racing game. Ridge Racer for the PSP is just a fun game to play. It doesn’t have a ton of different tuning options for each car, or a license test to complete in order to race a certain track. This game is all about picking up the PSP and having a fun, enjoyable time PLAYING the game. This is an arcade-style racing game that spends its time letting you race your car.

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