Get the Drift- Ridge Racer 3D Review

Predictably, recent release Ridge Racer 3D doesn’t deviate far from series norms, beyond giving players a new perspective on the competitions. The franchise’s core mechanic remains the drift- a cornering maneuver which allows players to sling their cars around curves without losing speed. Whereas the technique is customary in most driving games, Ridge Racer pares the strategic loss of traction to its bare essentials- barely penalizing players who twist their vehicle perpendicular to the roadway. For gamers weaned on the complexities of modern racers, Ridge Racer‘s blissfully simplistic driving physics might seem like a antiquated holdover from a distant era. Yet for the rest of us, Ridge Racer 3D transports players to a period when cockpit quarter-munchers delivered a euphoric rush of driving-induced adrenaline. 

Beyond a robust Gran Prix campaign, comprised of succession of four races competitions, there’s  an option for single races. Quick Tour seems idyllic for commuters- players designate a period of time, and the title fills in the duration with a suitably-timed number of challenges. Although gamers seeking to push past human opponents won’t be able to play Ridge Racer 3D online, the title can accommodate two to four local participants. Each racer is identified with a large icon which floats above their car- which can be set to display a Mii or even a snapshot, adding a bit of personality to the proceedings. Additionally, the game’s StreetPass functionality allows 3DS to swap ghost data with a passerby. 

After each race, players are rewarded with an amount of currency contingent upon their performance. Beyond purchasing new cars, players can purchase a number of simplified after-market upgrades which allow gamers to tailor their nitrous system or raise their top speeds. Struggling participants can even buy a single-race item, which can send your car rocketing off the line or equipped with a full tank of boost. Additionally, players are given a full range of no-cost options ranging from types of transmission (automatic or manual), to an optional control scheme which gives racers complete control of their drifts. 

Along with Super Street Fighter IV 3D edition, Ridge Racer is one of the showcase software titles which aptly demonstrates the hardware’s capabilities. With the 3D slider turned all the way up, the game’s cars and environments show an striking around of depth, and are punctuated by the sporadic low-flying plane or burst of confetti. Recalling previous iterations of the series, Ridge Racer‘s sound is woefully grating. Between the game’s repetitive announcer and the game’s droning blip-core soundtrack, a tweak of the game’s aural mix is nearly mandatory. Although the game’s framerate starts off strong, once players unlock the more exotic vehicles,  sporadic stutters are introduced.