A Sony console launch just wouldn't be complete without a Ridge Racer title, would it? Not wishing to disappoint, Bandai Namco is onto the case with the inspiringly-titled Ridge Racer 7.

As with any entry into the Ridge Racer series, it's all about pretty cars, pretty girls, speed and fun. You'll take to 22 of the world's most exhilarating (and fictitious) courses with 40 of the world's fastest (also fictitious) cars at your disposal.

The racing itself pushes you towards clean lines, p ... more >>

A Sony console launch just wouldn't be complete without a Ridge Racer title, would it? Not wishing to disappoint, Bandai Namco is onto the case with the inspiringly-titled Ridge Racer 7.

As with any entry into the Ridge Racer series, it's all about pretty cars, pretty girls, speed and fun. You'll take to 22 of the world's most exhilarating (and fictitious) courses with 40 of the world's fastest (also fictitious) cars at your disposal.

The racing itself pushes you towards clean lines, powerslides and nitrogen feeds. If you get your power slides right around hairpin bends (something we wouldn't recommend on real roads) you'll be rewarded with increased nitrogen levels sat in your engine. When you choose to release said nitrogen, you'll be rewarded with a hefty burst of speed and a nice little flame popping out of your exhaust (something else we wouldn't recommend in real life). There's a simple equation at work here: corner + powerslide = nitrogen; nitrogen + clean line = your chance to win the race.

New to the Ridge Racer franchise is the option to customise your vehicle. 375,000 visual customisations are on offer, with 7,150 tuning customisations up for grabs. If that doesn't keep even the most hardcore racing fan satisfied, well, they're going to have to go sign up for an illegal drag race in the supermarket car park. << less