Ridge Racer

About

Ridge Racer is a fast-paced racing game for PlayStation Portable that brings the drifting-centric action of the long-running series to portable screens. You race against opponents on classic tracks from the 1990s, using tight turns and slides to gain speed boosts and bonuses. The game includes single-player events like World Tour and Time Trial plus local wireless multiplayer with up to eight players connecting via ad hoc networks. Drifting remains the key to success whether you're aiming for high scores or trying to outmaneuver rivals. The game stands out for its tight multiplayer options which let friends race without needing a central console setup. A full-motion video intro featuring series staple Reiko Nagase adds a nostalgic touch for longtime fans. While it lacks new content beyond remixed tracks and cars from older titles the focus on competitive drifting and easy-to-pick-up controls makes it a solid pick for arcade racing fans.

Storyline

The core aspect of the entire Ridge Racer series is drift racing, that is traditional lap racing against opponents with the added twist of intentionally oversteering and sliding the car through sharp corners and turns, known as "drifting", which earns the player several bonuses during a race. Game modes are World Tour, Single race, Time Trial, and Wireless Battle, which supports up to 8 player multiplayer over the PSP's ad hoc, Wi-Fi network capability (see PSP Wireless Networking for further information). The game also features a Full Motion Video opening, that shows series mascot Reiko Nagase.