It’s become something of a tradition for the release of a new Sony console to be accompanied by a Ridge Racer game. And what finer venue for Namco’s ever popular, drift-obsessed arcade classic than the shiny, widescreen PSP.

Namco have been hard at work giving their flagship racing title an extensive reworking to do its diminutive new home justice. So it is that you’ll find yourself trembling with excitement as your muscle car screams its way round each of the game’s 24 courses. Experienc ... more >>

It’s become something of a tradition for the release of a new Sony console to be accompanied by a Ridge Racer game. And what finer venue for Namco’s ever popular, drift-obsessed arcade classic than the shiny, widescreen PSP.

Namco have been hard at work giving their flagship racing title an extensive reworking to do its diminutive new home justice. So it is that you’ll find yourself trembling with excitement as your muscle car screams its way round each of the game’s 24 courses. Experienced Ridge Racers get a head start, too, as classic tracks from past versions of the series are resurrected in the rarefied arena of the gloriously bright PSP screen.

The heritage is further evoked with a soundtrack featuring remixes of classic Ridge Racer tunes from years gone by, as well as a selection of new tracks for your listening pleasure. In reality though, you’re unlikely to notice any of this as you belt your way round the track in any of the staggering 54 vehicles at your disposal. Of course, you’ll have to unlock many of them first, just as you’ll unlock tracks and bonuses as you play through the World Tour Mode, which offers a new ultra-difficult MAX tour mode to boot.

A new feature makes the game encourage you to drift more than ever. Hairy sideways action will be rewarded with the filling of a nitrous gauge, allowing you to boost away from the opposition even faster.

Ridge Racer’s roots lie in the arcade scene and this philosophy is realised on console like never before, with the provision of wireless racing for up to eight people owning a Ridge Racer UMD. This is the fastest, most versatile and one of the best looking Ridge Racer outings yet. And you can hold it in the palm of your hand! << less