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Ridge Racer

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 58 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 49 votes
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Game Info
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Genre(s): Racing, Driving
Players: 8
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: March 23, 2005
Summary
(Also known as "Ridge Racers") 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. Features reworked and enhanced car design, complete with trademark Ridge Racer series drift handling. Drive in style and rise through the ranks to unlock hidden bonuses in World Tour Mode. Featuring 24 breathtaking courses, the most in any Ridge Racer game, including old favourites Seaside Route 765, Crimsonrock Pass and Greenpeak Highlands. [Namco]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: GameSpot Hands-On GameSpy Preview IGN Hands-On Official Game Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
GameSpy
A dream come true for most racing gamers. It takes the very best elements of the home console series so far and presents an incredibly slick racing experience -- all in perfect 16:9.
Read Full Review >Modojo
It's focused, detailed, highly tweaked on gameplay, and loaded with options galore. It's got the old-school greatness of the series and a shiny new gloss rolled into one, with nothing ruined or tarnished in the process.
Read Full Review >Electric Playground
Namco blows the doors off the PSP with this beautiful arcade racer, and leaves all of the other launch titles in the dust.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
Thanks to the responsive controls, the over/understeering necessary for drifting soon becomes second nature. The d-pad and analog nub both provide for excellent handling, with neither having a clear advantage over the other.
Read Full Review >VideoGamesLife
Offering silky smooth visuals with some of the most frantic gameplay we’ve seen to date on the diminutive, yet highly capable, machine.
Read Full Review >Game Chronicles
The slick visuals and awesome sound and music rival anything you have ever played on a console.
Read Full Review >PSM Magazine
Simply put, it's the best racing game we've played since "Burnout 3," and an amazing portable achievement. [May 2005, p.78]
GameBiz
Anyone doubting the power of the handheld will be left eating their words after sampling just one lap of this unbelievably accomplished first effort from Namco.
Read Full Review >Deeko
To call Ridge Racers on the PSP a satisfying game would be a lie. The entire experience is euphoric, a game that is beyond satisfying and is quite easily one of the finest racers on a handheld to date.
Read Full Review >1UP
The verdict is clear, this is the epitome of great racing, handheld or otherwise. It's a greatest hits collection of the greatest arcade racer of all time, presented as stylishly and lovingly as possible. The words 'fast,' 'exciting' and 'beautiful' applies equally to the cars, tracks and gameplay.
Read Full Review >PSX Nation
The only requirements needed to have a blast playing Ridge Racer on PSP are (a) a pulse, (b) the skill to be competitive in a driving videogame (not everyone’s cup of tea) and (c) some historical perspective of what this series has meant to Sony in both sales and as a measuring stick of its then-new systems’ power.
Read Full Review >Warcry
With just enough simulation style presentation to wow gamers and blending in just enough arcade style gameplay to ensure that everyone can enjoy the title, Ridge Racer is a definite pick.
Read Full Review >VGPub
Packed with replayability. There are so many races that this game may take you some time to beat. Plus, this game is perhaps one of the best racing games I have played including any console racing games.
Read Full Review >IGN
Like the Takedown system in "Burnout 3," the new Nitro system in the PSP Ridge Racer takes a great game and, by maximizing one mechanic, makes it even better.
Read Full Review >Boomtown
A fantastic achievement for a first gen PSP title, it is immensely playable and arguably the best Ridge Racer on any console or hand-held to date.
Read Full Review >Sydney Morning Herald
A delightful racer perfectly suited to PSP. Even three minutes waiting for the train can be packed with thrills.
Read Full Review >Total Video Games
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.
Read Full Review >BonusStage
One major flaw slows the game down from taking the PSP checkered flag by itself. The flaw I am speaking of is a disappointing lack of course variety.
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
There's just an undeniably addictive aspect to Ridge Racer's single-player and multiplayer modes. [May 2005, p.111]
Cheat Code Central
Everything just feels so unbelievably right. The control you have over your car is so spot-on that you can literally "feel" it when you nail a drift just right or when you’re careening down a straightaway at speeds of nearly 200 MPH.
Play Magazine
You'll be astounded by how much game there is here. [May 2005, p.67]
AceGamez
A wonderful feel good game, as the gameplay is simultaneously exhilarating and relaxing.
Read Full Review >Gaming Nexus
After playing Ridge Racer we can never look at portable racing games the same away again.
Read Full Review >Armchair Empire
With its impressive graphic and new Nitrous boost feature, RR positions itself as the best game in the series and it provides a great example of the quality of games we can expect from the PSP.
Read Full Review >Console Gameworld
Minus a slightly slow difficulty progression, Ridge Racer is a great bit of fun to play through. With great control, amazing graphics, and a kick-ass soundtrack, it is by far the most enjoyable of the launch titles.
Read Full Review >Thunderbolt
While the wireless feature is one of the best things in Ridge Racer, the very best feature of Ridge Racer comes in the form of its gorgeous graphics engine... Ridge Racer looks freaking amazing.
Read Full Review >Gamers Europe
It's simplicity is it's beauty, and it's a testament to Namco's skill that they've managed to make basic arcade racing so fun and so damn addictive. It doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, the AI isn't great (indeed, in places it's seriously poor) and there is no real selling point - apart from the overriding fact that it's pure, unadulterated arcade fun. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review >GamePro
Everything racing fans could want: solid graphics, tight controls, expansive courses, unlockable secret vehicles, and (of course) the multiplayer option.
Read Full Review >NTSC-uk
The sheer thrill of being able to play better-than-arcade versions of the Rave Racer tracks (probably some of the best in the series) in the palm of your hand is almost worth the price of admission alone... The best Ridge Racer game to date? Without a doubt. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review >Eurogamer
If I had to put a score on it, it would very likely be an eight edging towards a nine, and, in this hypothetical scenario, I'd probably also spend tonight lying awake - not excited about tomorrow (Merry Christmas, by the way), but haunted by the suspicion that I was being too harsh. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
The drift mechanics have been completely restored, resulting in a racing game that offers 100 percent adrenaline-fueled, arcade-style fun. [May 2005, p.92]
GameZone
The incredible graphics, tight controls and excellent music/sound effects are more than enough to warrant having this game.
Read Full Review >Play.tm
In the end it's this lack of additional play modes that lets Ridge Racers down a bit, but that shouldn't detract from the fact that what is offered is extremely entertaining, remarkably solid and technically incredible.
Read Full Review >WHAM! Gaming
The graphics are some of the best offered in the first run of games, and it’s just plain fun. The only mark against it is the pitiful AI that doesn’t seem to notice you at all if you’re good enough with the nitrous and that power-slide.
Read Full Review >eToychest
It exudes a sense of style that perfectly accentuates the game's over-the-top racing maxim. Still, players and fans who are hoping for something new or different are apt to be disappointed. Beneath the gorgeous exterior lies a game that, while fun, is a bit archaic.
Read Full Review >Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
The best Japanese PSP launch title and a fine showcase for the handheld's capabilities. It's fast, looks great and is packed with classic Ridge tracks. And the lag-free eight-player WiFi races are breathtaking. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review >Weekly Famitsu
8 / 8 / 9 / 9 - 34 gold [Dec 2004]
PALGN
One of the flagship titles for the PSP, and it shows the system off beautifully, the graphics and the gameplay combining to make this the greatest Ridge Racer title yet.
Read Full Review >Game Power Australia
With loads of classes, cars, tournaments and many bonus extras to unlock, Ridge Racer provides a long lasting challenge that even experienced players won’t 100% complete in a hurry. If straight-up arcade drift racing is your idea of fun, Ridge is an essential purchase.
Read Full Review >PSX Extreme
For fans of the series, there’s no question – you need this game. For someone looking for a solid racing game, this looks to be your best option for quite a while, so give it a look; just don’t expect a whole lot of variety.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Does a fine job of showing off the system's technical prowess while simultaneously providing more of the same smooth Ridge Racer gameplay that still holds up after all these years.
Read Full Review >netjak
I was hopelessly addicted from the first race. Unless you hate racing games or the Ridge Racer series, I'd highly recommend this one.
Read Full Review >Worth Playing
Driving the cars has a slight learning curve, mostly with figuring out how to drift through the corners; drifting is really important to this game, with the nitrous boost tied to it.
Read Full Review >Jolt Online Gaming UK
Overall Ridge Racer has proven to be a decent, though not essential purchase for the system, and one that you at least probably won’t go wrong with.
Read Full Review >G4 TV
Far and away the best racing game on the system, combining slick looks, beautiful sound, and content overload to create a title that every PSP owner should take a look at.
Read Full Review >3DAvenue
Ridge Racer PSP is everything about the system that is cool. Quick gameplay, fun racing, top soundtrack and it exploits the power of the system quite well.
Read Full Review >Times Online
The game’s greatest strength, along with its smoothness and superbly rendered backdrops, is its appeal to both newcomers and hardened hands.
Read Full Review >Gamer.tv
Visually, this is right up to PS2 standards. Truly stunning to behold on the PSP's crystal clear screen. Throw in a wireless multiplayer mode and you've got an essential launch title for Sony's babystation. This is the best Ridge Racer we've seen in some time. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review >Edge Magazine
Racers has an appealing lack of pretension that suggests it has nothing to prove other than that Ridge Racer is a delight to play. And it is, with no call for caveat – for a handheld, for a ‘remake’, for a launch title. It's simply one of the best pure arcade racers to date. [JPN Import; Feb 2005, p.68]
games(TM)
Ridge Racers emerges as the consummate package as far as PSP launch titles go – true, it cribs from every other game in the series instead of offering real originality, but that’s a small price to pay for the amount of quality that’s packed into the game. [Feb 2005, p.116]
Operation Sports
However, the series is starting to act like geriatric "classic" rockers who take the same "Greatest Hits" out on the road year after year. It's got its play list down pat, but there's nothing new there.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
We'd have liked some more multiplayer and customization options, but the highly exaggerated drifts combined with responsive controls make the game exceptional fun.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
It will never have the depth of a "Gran Turismo," but then again, it’s not supposed to. 400 horsepower of arcade style fun isn’t a bad way to ring in your new PSP.
Read Full Review >Sports Gaming Network
The game is a work of art visually; you won’t believe you’re playing on a handheld. Unfortunately, the gameplay isn’t up to the same level as the graphics. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review >Game Informer
Looks great, and moves pretty damn fast, but it does little more than meet the average requirements of any car game... Despite the new-fangled PSP, this game remains stuck in the arcade era. [May 2005, p.138]
Adrenaline Vault
While for me not quite as addictive overall as another recent PSP racer, "Wipeout Pure," Ridge Racer is more than worth the money. If you are a fan of the series or if you just love arcade racing, you certainly cannot afford to pass this one up.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 49 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Dion S. gave it a9:
I love the speed feeling you get from it, and the grafic is fantastic, it runs with out any problems and the music if great. The game is one of the best PSP games you can get, beautiful is the word for the game and gameplay.
David B. gave it a10:
This is what the PSP was maded for!
Nick gave it a10:
Outstanding accomplishment on the PSP and to think its nearly 2 years old. The graphics are stunning but its the gameplay that makes this an outstanding game beating all its rivals. Fantastic a must buy for any racing fan that owns a PSP.
Ryan P. gave it a9:
This is my first PSP game i bought... This game is so cool at first its kinda easy but at higher levels the game is getting difficult. A game with good Graphics and Gameplay.
David H. gave it a9:
Stunning graphics, fast and furious gameplay. The only problem that I found is the extreme difficulty at higher level, that makes you loose interest. A must have.
Mobius gave it an8:
Great looking game with gameplay to match. Fast Fun and a great peice of software to show of the power of your PSP.
Nobby gave it a9:
This is game is way better than i expected. Excellent graphics.Good games r ines where the games programers put more time in the playability rather than kick ass graphics and i am glad to see the playability is 100% perfect.
