Ridge Racer

 PlayStation Vita
Metascore
44

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 39
  3. Negative: 20 out of 39
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. GamingXP
    Feb 16, 2012
    71
    It's decent, yet I'm somewhat disappointed. It doesn't really use the PS Vita features, might as well have been a PSP game. That, and why does only online play really count?
  2. GamesRadar+
    Feb 22, 2012
    70
    I know I sound mad when I say the lack of content doesn't kill it, but it truly doesn't. I can tell I'm going to be coming back to this for months, even without the extra tracks. This is a surprisingly fun game and I'm glad it exists. Good ol' Ridge Racer.
  3. 4P.de
    Feb 20, 2012
    62
    Thankfully the shaky framerate and the meager content with focus on DLC and track recycling are not exemplary for Vita games. Ridge Racer disappoints on the new platform, although soundtrack and car handling are top notch.
  5. Games.cz
    Mar 18, 2012
    60
    An arcade style racing game that's been hardcore and entertaining runs the risk of losing its reputation by a rather absurd distribution model. If it really lacks something? In fact, it lacks new tracks and a career mode.
  6. Games Master UK
    Feb 15, 2012
    60
    Disturbing lack of content impedes the score, but what is here is streamlined, speedy fun. [March 2012, p.75]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. ZTGD
    Apr 13, 2012
    58
    Ridge Racer for the PS Vita is the epitome of disappointment. With a serious lack of options and content, racing fans will be let down at every turn by Namco's latest offering. The game is good for a quick pick up, and only then, the appeal wears off after one or two races.
  8. Vandal
    Mar 29, 2012
    55
    It would have been wise to delay the game for some months in order to create enough content, as what is included in the game is just too limited. Requiring permanent connection to make the most of the game is also a poor decision.
  9. NZGamer
    Mar 11, 2012
    55
    If it was released for free, as a platform to hook people on paid-for DLC, Ridge Racer would be pretty cool. As it stands, at full retail price, it's one of the most preposterously ridiculous and - frankly - offensive attempts at separating a gamer from their money that we've ever seen.
  10. 3DJuegos
    Feb 27, 2012
    54
    Ridge Racer disappoints on Vita, although car handling are top notch.
  11. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    May 7, 2012
    50
    The problem here is the convoluted content and pricing structure: 30 bucks delivers a measly three tracks and five cars. [June 2012, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. PlayStation Universe
    Apr 18, 2012
    50
    What could be isn't in this portable Ridge Racer, and what is should be in a better game.
  13. Game Informer
    Mar 19, 2012
    50
    If you're going to ask people to buy your content it's a good idea to make it compelling in the first place, and Ridge Racer doesn't do that.
  14. UGO
    Mar 15, 2012
    50
    Ridge Racer is more of a proof of concept than full title; the game has a slim amount of content and its best aspects require an online connection, meaning if you're taking your racing on the go, you're going to be disappointed.
  15. Push Square
    Mar 6, 2012
    50
    Ridge Racer is devoid of content and modes as standard. It plays well, handles as you'd want it to and is as fun an arcade racer as ever, but there's just not enough here to hold interest for more than a few hours – unless you want to wait for all the downloadable content to arrive and reluctantly tip more money into it.
  16. Eurogamer Germany
    Mar 2, 2012
    50
    If you´re not that into international teams, online- or score-racing, than better stay on the tracks of the 3DS or PSP.
  17. games(TM)
    Feb 28, 2012
    50
    An anemic release, even for a budget title. [Issue#119, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. TheSixthAxis
    Feb 22, 2012
    50
    I wouldn't necessarily be too concerned about the track and car count, but I would have liked to have seen a more substantial single player.
  19. XGN
    Feb 21, 2012
    50
    In essence, Ridge Racer Vita is a pretty fun racer with some interesting concepts. It is sold for a far too high price and with far too little content however, seriously holding back the game's potential.
  20. Everyeye.it
    Feb 21, 2012
    50
    Five cars and three tracks. It makes no sense to buy now Ridge Racer for PS Life. The advice is to wait for the DLC and thought to its purchase.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best PS Vita Game of 2012
28
#28 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2012
35
#35 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
3.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 63
  3. Negative: 40 out of 63
  1. SCS_85
    Mar 20, 2012
    8
    When you get the game it only has 3 tracks on the cart, but the game comes with a downloadable code to give you 3 more tracks(though only twoWhen you get the game it only has 3 tracks on the cart, but the game comes with a downloadable code to give you 3 more tracks(though only two of those are available right now), which brings the total number of tracks to 6. Or 12 if you count the fact that you can reverse each track.

    In April 2012 there will be another set of DLC which will include 3 more tracks, 5 cars and some extra songs and that will cost about 7 bucks.

    Yes there is a lot of DLC in this game but a lot of it is free or reasonably priced.

    There are about 56 free music tracks up for download on PlayStation Network(bringing the total of free music tracks in the game to over 60), this game has more music than any other Ridge Racer game.

    The most important part of the game for me is the gameplay and it is great there and the CPU is challenging; the online mode is pretty fun as well(though its tough at first as some people have much higher car stats).

    After extensive playtime(about 20 hours on game clock) I still highly recommend this game if you want a portable Ridge Racer game that you can take online, I've now leveled up to the highest level and maxed out my vehicles stats and the game is still very fun and challenging.    … Full Review »
  2. theshonen8899
    Mar 13, 2012
    3
    I bought this against my better judgment so I'm going to try my best to make a well-informed and detailed review. As you probably alreadyI bought this against my better judgment so I'm going to try my best to make a well-informed and detailed review. As you probably already know, this game is a terrible value, even with the added DLC. For $30 you get 5 cars and 3 courses. If you buy the digital version (which is $25) by April 30th, you get an extra 5 cars and 3 courses. This DLC pack on it's own is $7.50, so to get the same value you will need to wait until the physical copy is ~$17. If you have the extra memory space and must have this game, you should probably buy it now.

    So how is the game itself? Well if it was strong foundation it would have made this $30 investment somewhat more palatable. However, the core game is pretty weak in all respects. First off, there is no single-player campaign. You have either Spot Race (typical 8 car race) or Time Race, and that's it for single-player. This is particularly disappointing given how well done the PSP Ridge Racer was, with many tours that were well paced. Luckily the Vita features Trophies, which gives you a good incentive to keep playing single player. This doesn't replace the campaign by any means, but it's still fun to chase trophies.

    It's a good thing then that the online is pretty robust. You get your standard online racer, but also a mode called Ghost racing, where you try to beat a "ghost"'s fastest time on the track. This offers an online facet without the problems of lag.

    The cars themselves are very detailed and look great. However, the courses are a huge problem. Having play the original Ridge Racer Portable on the Vita immediately before playing this, I see very little difference in the courses' graphics. The courses simply look like anti-aliased versions of the PSP Ridge Racer courses. Moreover, many (if not all) are the same exact courses from Ridge Racer 7. This makes the game's already paltry amount of courses even more mundane.

    Overall, if you are a Ridge Racer fan and own a Vita, you will probably buy this and enjoy it. But ultimately that doesn't change the fact that you'll be angry about spending $30 for this. I would have been much, much happier if they had simply released a remastered, HD version of Ridge Racer Portable 2 (which sadly never came to the States). I really love Ridge Racer but purchasing this game just left a horrible aftertaste in my mouth. Here's to hoping they've learned a harsh lesson with the critical reception and build a much better successor.    … Full Review »
  3. fongy
    Mar 29, 2012
    10
    Look, I'm not going to pretend it's the fullest, best racer ever released...
    BUT
    For me, it's the best racing experience on the Vita (not inc.    Look, I'm not going to pretend it's the fullest, best racer ever released...
    BUT
    For me, it's the best racing experience on the Vita (not inc. Wipeout - different style)
    For your £17 - you have on your memory card at all times (very handy) 12 tracks (6 back and forward) a host of cars and more downloadable tunes that you can shake a stick at..
    Arcade racing is fun, but the real drive here(!) is going against real opponent ghosts and online lobbies...
    I've played people across the globe with zero lag and tried to best people's ghosts and not to mention the surprise you get when you received the devil's gift!
    Honestly, it plays a million times better than asphalt and all the dross that lingers in the 40s / 50s on metacritic... it's cheap, it handles perfectly the graphics are pretty damned good too...
    Sometimes reviews are wrong - this is one of those times... worth every penny...    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »