After launching the Playstation NAMCO returns in style with the definitive PSP racer...

NAMCO helped to launch the Playstation to an unsuspecting world back in 1995, so it’s perhaps a little unsurprising to find Sony once again enlisting the assistance of the Japanese developer to launch their new foray – the Sony PSP.

Ridge Racers is best described as a compilation of previous classics, however that would be selling the title short; it’s most certainly a highlight of the PSP with its slick CG interface and presentation, more importantly it’s a welcoming return to form after the dreadful debacle that proved to be Ridge Racer DS.

Thankfully Ridge Racers also returns to what we all love about the series and suggests that last year’s woeful R: Racing Evolution was just the ill-advised experiment that it seemed to be. Here it’s a return to completely unbelievable power-slides and intense speed as the series moves back to its arcade roots, performing a 360 spin on the final line just to highlight the fact Ridge Racer is well and truly back.

Taking cars and tracks from the entire Ridge Racer series (including Rave Racer) and expanding upon a handful for PSP exclusives, a lot of thought has gone into the design of Ridge Racers “World Tour” mode catering for both battery-draining mammoth sessions and a five-minute fix alike. Taking place across a series of increasingly more difficult stages each featuring an assortment of different tracks; players unlock new cars and tracks as they progress along with a handful of hidden bonuses.

As stated before the actual racing experience doesn’t just border on the insane, it pulls a few donuts and leaves tyre marks as it screeches off into the horizon; those looking for a more simulated experience would be advised to look at the PSP’s other racing alternatives if that’s what’s required, however very few of them can offer the level of fun and encompassing experience that Ridge Racers creates.

The game naturally possesses an appeal to the RR fanatic however also serves as an excellent introductory point for anybody that has yet to play a Ridge Racer game. Although the game utilises a lot of “old” content NAMCO has introduced a handful of new aspects to reinvigorate the experience. The most significant is the introduction of Nitrous which are stored up as the player power-slides around corners and can be activated when a bar is charged for an intense speed boost.

Naturally the game also makes full use of the PSP’s Wi-Fi capabilities allowing up to eight players to engage in intense competition via the Ad-Hoc connectivity; you simple can’t ask for anything more…

Visually the game is exquisite, there’s not a better word to describe a game that proves to be an iconic indicator of what the PSP is all about. NAMCO have done well to bring the series into the 21st century, from the slick, clinical, futuristic CG introductory sequence welcoming players to the “World of Ridge Racer” through to actually seeing the game running on the beautifully crisp PSP screen, Ridge Racers is an absolute joy to behold and almost as much fun to play. Every aspect of the visuals has been revamped to 60fps and boy is it noticeable; environmental mapping ensures the actual car models boast a similar quality to the environments, while motion-blur and light trails cap off a truly astounding title in the visual stakes…

Hook up the headphones and it’s also apparent that Ridge Racers continues the level of quality into the sound department. Classic tunes from the series have been remixed for the title alongside new tracks, encompassing a rich range of styles that are ideally suited to the overall experience.

Criticisms are few and far between; being pernickety the entire first stage of the World Tour mode is probably too easier an introduction for even newcomers to the series, if you can’t complete this stage in first position on every race with your eyes closed then there’s probably something wrong with your gaming skills. Thankfully however the challenge soon picks up and with over

Ridge Racers is a feat on your eyes, ears and fingers; an early trend-setter for the PSP and an indicator of the level of quality, style and panache expected from PSP titles.

If the game was released on the Playstation2 it would garnish good reviews, however the combination of the brilliantly designed World Tour mode, Wi-Fi connectivity and the PSP hardware itself creates an experience that proves to be a killer-app if you’re considering a purchase of Sony’s new handheld.