Ridge Racers / JAP

Ridge Racers is a fast-paced arcade racing game that was released in 2004 for the launch of the PSP and brought the traditional Ridge Racer series into the handheld era. Developed by Namco, Ridge Racers combines the classic high-speed drift gameplay of the series with impressive technology that showed what Sony's new handheld was capable of.

The focus of Ridge Racers is clearly on fast driving fun, stylish drifting and a fluid, responsive driving experience. Realism takes a back seat here - Ridge Racers is pure arcade frenzy. The vehicles in Ridge Racers stick to the bends as if they were on rails, and with a little practice, drifting becomes second nature. If you like spectacular drifts, banked corners and high-speed racing, you'll get your money's worth in Ridge Racers.

Ridge Racers offers an extensive selection of tracks, vehicles and game modes. The nitro boost mechanism is particularly striking: drifting charges your nitro bar - and as soon as it is full, you can activate a huge speed boost. This tactical component adds extra depth to the racing action in Ridge Racers.

Technically, Ridge Racers was a real flagship title at the PSP launch. The graphics of Ridge Racers are razor-sharp, run smoothly at 60 frames per second and offer detailed cars, reflections and stylish lighting effects. The soundtrack of Ridge Racers - a mixture of driving beats, techno and electronic music - also fits perfectly with the futuristic flair of the game.

In addition to a motivating single-player mode, Ridge Racers also has a multiplayer mode via ad-hoc connection, in which up to eight players can compete against each other.

Ridge Racers is a successful arcade racer that perfectly transfers the strengths of the Ridge Racer series to the PSP. Rapid speed, spectacular drifts, great technology and a rousing soundtrack make Ridge Racers one of the best racing games on the handheld. Perfect for fans of stylish racing action without the realism ballast - just get in, step on the gas and fly through the bends!