Ridge Racer 7

"Fast Racing, and nice visuals"

Let me first poit out, the online features make this game the rating I gave it. If you don't have your ps3 hooked up online, then I would probably steer you to another racing title.

At the first track, you realize the controls are NOT similar to the NFS series, nor GT. Its a very unique control feeling, but after a few races, it will grow on you. Just like the first time you tried an FPS for the console. The visuals are a nice display of Next Gen graphics. Nothing will make you go crazy, but they are definitely worth noting. The cars look fresh, clean, and fast.

You progress through the main game by racing events of one race or maybe 3-4 races to tally up points against the computer. You earn points by winning events, and unlock cars, parts to upgrade, and more races. Very simple, and includes plenty of races, with about 10-15 hours of play, you can be expected to hit only about 20-30 percent of the total game-depending on how many time trails you do etc.

The online mode is hand in and hand. You can do time trials, and rank yourself online based on the class you are in. You can battle people online, single races, pair races, team races. All of which give you points, awards, and unlockables. This will keep you busy well after you finish the single player game mode.

Each car, has visual, and performance upgrades you can change and tweak. Not quite the detail of gran turismo, but enough variation, its one step ahead of the shallow feel of NFS.

The one aspect in the game which stands out to me above other racing games, is you don't need to ever really "slow down" you merely hit your e-brake, and slide around any corner, which in turn, gives you more boost, similar to power sliding in mario kart, but you store the boost you gain. I like this part of the game because its what makes this game different than any other racer. It is also important to note because, this is the unique point of this game. Its very fantasy-like car racing, and personally, I like it.

Overall, Ridge Racer, gives anyone who likes racing games, what they always wanted, tight controls, great online play, and stunning visuals. If you are competitive, like racing, pick this title up. Be sure to also have a HD set to see all of its eye candy with.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/07