Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2759 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2006-06-02
• Platform: Sony PSP

Amazon.co.uk Review
Sony clearly regards the Ridge Racer series as their lucky mascot -- this is the third time it has launched alongside one of their new consoles. And although Ridge Racer V on the PS2 may have been a disappointment, this new version for the PSP represents a triumphant return to form.

In fact, the Ridge Racer series has been so mistreated in recent years, with the unwarranted drift towards simulation -- cumulating in the dire R: Racing -- that it’s something of a shock to be reminded how much fun the game used to be. Like WipEout Pure and Burnout Legends, this is something of a "best of" recap of all the previous Ridge Racers, with a generous total of 24 different tracks including the classic Seaside Route 765, Crimsonrock Pass and Greenpeak Highlands (you’ll know them when you see them).

Although there is a new nitro boost feature and an absolute mountain of gameplay modes and unlockables, the game really doesn't need gimmicks -- not when it's this much fun.

The trademark drift handling means a practiced player can make it round almost any course without a moment’s let up in speed.

It’s a hugely entertaining and rewarding system that’s been tweaked and balanced to perfection -- and it gets even better when you show it off in the eight person multiplayer mode. Apart from some trying loading times, Ridge Racer does almost everything right and for once a sense of déjà vu is more than welcome. -- Harrison Dent

Manufacturer's Description
Featuring the best loved race courses from arcade classic Rave Racer and the entire Ridge Racer series, 24 circuits of breakneck speed and exhilaration stand between you and racing glory. Beat the clock in Time Attack Mode or test your racing skills against up to 8 players in WiFi compatible Wireless Battle Mode.

Customer Reviews

Ridge Racer PSP
Perhaps the reason this series has a "love it or hate it" reaction with gamers is the fact that the entire series is not a realistic driving simulation (with loads of car customisation etc) and instead it has an arcade feel to it, right down to the steering and drifting.

That said, Ridge Racer PSP is fantastic fun to play as an arcade racer while you're going down to the shops. Cars zoom along the tracks and drift spectacularly around the courses. Drift loads and you get nitro/turbo boosts. Despite all the visual polish I was surprised at the smooth gameplay on the PSP, so I was very impressed. Winning races in the lower, slower leagues opens up new cars,courses and rounds, so the game itself has a very good learning curve for old and newer gamers alike, with easy controls and game rules.

If you like Need For Speed titles or Gran Tourismo titles, perhaps it would be best to steer for something a little more realistic, other gamers looking for a quick racy thrill might be well chuffed to get a hold of this slice of driving fun now it's so cheap.

Arcade racing at it's best !!!!
The Ridge Racer Series has been going for a long time ' but this is by far the best version of all.
Classic arcade racing.

Warning : THIS GAME IS NOT FOR SIMULATION FANS :

Why you shouldn't buy this great game...
This game is tremendous fun and sees a selection of old courses from the Ridge universe get a next gen (compare to the originals) make over. I'd rate it 5 stars however a short while after this was released Namco made RIDGE RACER 2 for the PSP which is more of the same... literally, here's what they did:

Main Intro - Changed (Although you can unlock the original)
Title screen - Identical (+2)
Menus - Identical
Game Intro - Identical
Cars - Identical (but more)
Tracks - Identical (but more)
Tours - Identical (but more)
Ending - Identical (but you can unlock many extra videos)

Honestly anyone buying this after playing Ridge Racer 2 is going to be gutted. However anyone considering buying this should just skip it and get Ridge Racer 2 for the PSP.

This game see the return of MANY of the tracks from
Ridge Racer
Ridge Racer Revolution
Rage Racer
Rave Racer
Ridge Racer Type 4
Ridge Racer V (Some, but only the ones from the first Ridge Racer)

HOWEVER RR2 sees the return of ALL of them (except RRV)

There are excellent multiplayer modes (via wireless options), classic RR physics (sideways cornering) and some interesting remixes of familiar tunes covering a complete RR history (up to RRV).

Overall an excellent game at an excellent price... as long as you buy RIDGE RACER 2!!!