 Review By: Jared Black |
Developer: | Namco Bandai |
| Publisher: | Namco Bandai | |
| Genre: | Racing | |
| ESRB: | Everyone | |
| # Of Players: | 1-4 (2-14 online) | |
| Online Play: | Yes | |
| Accessories: | PlayStation Network (online play, worldwide leaderboards), Hard Drive (5GB install), HDTV (480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p) | |
| Buy Now: |   |
The game also makes use of the controller’s motion capabilities, allowing steering to be handled simply by tilting the controller back and forth, as well as changing gears to be done by tilting the controller either forwards or backwards. Honestly, I never found these controls to be that intuitive personally, and much too sensitive to be anything more than a gimmick. I’m assuming Namco didn’t either, which is why they chose to have the game default to the more traditional setup. A much better use of the console’s new technology (over the PS2 anyway) is the ability to install 5GB of the game’s files on your hard drive, which everyone (even 20GB owners) should have free at this point. Doing so greatly reduces load times transitioning between menus, and you even get to play a perfect port of Xevious while you wait.
Graphically, despite some blabbering from other online outlets about missing boats and such in the ported tracks, Ridge Racer 7 is a definite step up from Ridge Racer 6. Car models were a highlight in that game, and they look even better now with better real-time reflection, lighting, and more complex and customizable car models. The environments have also been improved considerably, with much sharper textures in the foreground and more animations and objects in the background to make even the ported tracks feel somewhat fresh. There is also better blurring to achieve a greater sense of speed, some amazing reflection effects in the new tracks (driving through a smooth surfaced cave behind a sunlit waterfall is awe-inspiring in HD), and a host of other graphic tricks that show a true step forward from before. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also one of the few PS3 games to run in full 1080p.
The music selection is in the typical Ridge Racer mold, with a soundtrack full of dance and techno beats sure to please fans of poor (yet oddly catchy) music everywhere. While the announcer in the last game that I ranted about in my review does return, thankfully he only plays a minor role (and doesn’t say “nitrous” every three seconds) along with a new female announcer. Together the duo forms a much less annoying team than before, although they still don’t contribute much to the experience. The sound effects are just there and don’t stand out, which is unfortunate since the game’s gas guzzling cars could’ve used some rumbling sound effects to match their raw power.
Bottom Line:
This is the Ridge Racer fans have been waiting for since the series stopped wowing people on the original PlayStation. A true step forward for the series in every sense, Ridge Racer 7 keeps its arcade-inspired drifting roots while adding in an expansive customization option, sleek online integration, slipstreaming, more tracks, and a true next-gen luster.
If you gave up on this series before, now is the time to give it a second chance.
| Pros: | Cons: | Final Score: |
|---|---|---|
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| 8.5 |
Posted: 2006-11-21 13:12:34 PST