Ridge Racer
SCORE: 67
I have loved Ridge Racer video games for
such a long time. Which is why this review is particularly difficult for
me. Normally I come away from a Ridge Racer video game excited. That was
not my reaction with the PS Vita version of Ridge Racer. I really do not
comprehend what the goal was with this hand held game. There are too few
vehicles, cars, and that main menu screen.
The Nintendo 3DS version of Ridge Racer is the best hand held version
out on the market today. I hate to say it, but its true. I had some real
high hopes for Ridge Racer on the PS Vita. Especially after seeing the
screenshots, and videos. We covered this game for many, many months. We
thought it was going to be the next big thing in the Ridge Racer
franchise.
Behind the boxes of our menu selections is an attractive woman laying
down. Why? This does nothing to enhance Ridge Racer. Instead it takes
away. I don't want to see that every single time I go to a menu screen.
Look I know too many racing games lean on attractive women like a
crutch. We play Ridge Racer for the racing, not to lust after some
model.
The music in Ridge Racer is pumping techno. I enjoyed most of the music
in Ridge Racer. I will make a note that I did not catch all of the
lyrics. So it is possible there are some lyrical issues. I did not
notice anything offensive while playing Ridge Racer in terms of the
music. The racing sounds are fantastic. Nothing like drifting around
U-turn corners, and then hitting that nitro.
There are three race tracks, and five cars in Ridge Racer. We can level
up if we keep playing those three tracks over and over again. Ridge
Racer includes online modes. In fact that is about all there is. There
are a few offline modes but they are not what Ridge Racer highlights. I
expect DLC packs to be released in the future. I am guessing they won't
be free though.
Ridge Racer is entirely too difficult. I suppose since there are only
three tracks, the player is not allowed a learning curve. Playing Ridge
Racer for the first time is like watching professional race cars while
you are on a bicycle. I made one mistake and everyone else was gone. For
my own sanity I finished races. I wanted to prove it could be done.
I really wish I had liked Ridge Racer better. All I learned how to do
was lose. And lose badly. Family Friendly Gaming was provided a
reviewable copy so I am personally not out any money. I wish Ridge Racer
was better. The graphics on the cars, and race tracks is fantastic. The
presentation is slick and stylish. Ridge Racer was rushed out of the
gate. Hopefully a sequel will build upon the positives, and leave the
negatives behind.
- Paul
Graphics: 66%
Sound: 80%
Replay/Extras: 58%
Gameplay: 60%
Family Friendly Factor: 72%
System: PS Vita
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Rating: ‘E10+’ -
Everyone 10+
{Mild Suggestive Themes}
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