14 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
Excellent Release Game!
Date of Review: Jun 4, 2005
The Bottom Line: Definitely a buy for a first-time gamer. While there are a few cons, the pros definitely outweigh them. The graphics fully utilize the capability of the PSP hardware.
Ridge Racer is an excellent release game for the PSP. The graphics are stunning and really take advantage of the PSP's capabilities. The game-play will keep you hooked for hours, often draining a fully charged battery. I have had the game for over two months, and still play it for thrills. I consider myself a novice when it comes to gaming, but this game is extremely easy to learn. It took me less than 5 minutes to start and learn the basic controls and maximize my experience.
The software engineers at Ridge Racer was very successful at maximizing the experience by providing excellent graphics, providing the essential data on the small screen during game-play, and allowing for variable difficulties when engaging in a tour. Vehicles and courses are life-like and is definitely improved on previous game consoles. The background music, while simple, entertains the player while racer; however, the voice over will get annoying over time.
The load times and graphical interface are very good. Load times for tours are quite fast when in comparison to other PSP titles and the game is very easy to navigate around.
One of the cons for the game is that it is fairly easy to beat. I have successfully completed the Pro and EX tours without much difficulty and have already beat two MAX tours. The variety of vehicles is very nice, each with its own distinctive characteristics. The prizes, however, are a bit disappointing. You get clips of Ridge Racer introduction and ending videos; most are quite mundane.
Nonetheless, this game is certainly a keeper. It is a game that can be played over and over again even after beating all the tours. I would highly recommend it to all who enjoy fast-paced car racing games!
