Ree@ng's Game ReeView # 03 - RIDGE RACER

A racing game with loads of high-speed action.

As mentioned in my first review, this was the first PSP game I played. Glad to have got it free with my PSP purchased. Back then even if I didn’t get this for free, I would have bought it as my first game choice. This Ridge Racer was the first PSP installment. RR has actually appeared in other gaming platforms. As first timer playing the game with a hot new handheld entertainment system, I felt like I was in a different world altogether. There I was driving, drifting and sidesliding or powersliding as they called it on the track. The graphics and the overall environments were fantastic… you can race through a wide range of environments. These include seaside, countryside, even mountains and the city…really cool stuffs, very impressive.

You can choose to play using the analog disc or the D pad. From my experience using the D pad is easier. You also got the gas, brake and nitro booster buttons. And switch to race as a first-person or a third-person perspective by hitting another button.

As you progress you are able to unlock other ‘power’and faster cars. Racing in this game is really fun. For someone who doesn’t even possess a driving license, you have nothing to lose. You will turn ‘professional’ driver just instantly…haha! You can in fact master the art of drifting and do it well too! As long as there are no collisions, moving around the corners are easy by engaging the so-called powersliding while trying not to hit the brakes too often.

There is an onscreen indicator / meter showing how much boosters you have stored. You can unleash these to speed up and pass other opposing cars especially just before reaching the finishing line. At times, you may find other cars waiting for you to pass them before they too come charging at you. Occasionally you are also challenged by your opponents. They will start blocking your way. Other than that, the race is quite easy. These too depend on which mode you are in…as RR has few different modes. You can choose to try the one-off race, or race around in a slightly tougher and more challenging world tour mode.

You can save the game after each race. You need not complete each series at one go. If you are successful in clearing each series, new cars and tracks are unlock. Boost a bit of your ego! Happy! RR comes with a super good soundtrack…a handful of different playlists to select from. Power Giler!

This is a great racing game to play – for me - simply because it is full of high-speed action. And loads of them…well that is what any racing game should deliver right!