Ridge Racer DS Review (no fat)

Game Description

With the Nintendo DS systems still selling like hotcakes, Ridge Racer returns as a high-speed arcade racing game on the Nintendo DS platform.

Ridge Racer DS Gameplay

The key features of the Nintendo DS system enable Namco to offer a variety difficulty levels using a very distinctive means; utilization of the touch-screen on the lower portion of the game console.

Easy mode, which is played using the D-pad, offers players the feel of the N64 (and the opportunity to ride the wall!)

Hard mode is appropriately titled, as the use of the overly sensitive touch pad/stylus can make cautious navigation a daunting task. Use of the DS Thumb Strap definitely adds an ease that the stylus does not offer, and, with some practice this will surely become method of choice, just as Nintendo intended.

In Ridge Racer DS a large steering wheel is displayed and the stylus is used to move the wheel to the left or right. Both difficulty levels will require a decent time investment to gain a level of skill using this control. The wrist strap can be used as an alternative to the pen stylus and it doubles as a convenient means of carrying your Nintendo DS system. Costing less than $5US, the wrist strap can be considered an affordable accessory for the system.

Use of both the stylus and wrist-strip means you can use the touch-screen for steering. However, you still require the D-pad to control acceleration and breaks. This combination makes for a somewhat awkward control arrangement. Although a novel approach to video control, the touch pad method will likely be found cumbersome before the end of the game.

Like most other racing titles, the most of the enjoyment stems from the sometimes-futile attempts to avoid contact with other cars and retaining walls, and learning the skills to do so. Of course, one word for the hard-core Ridge Racer fans: powerslide. For the rest of you, play and learn.

Ridge Racer DS Game Modes

Other than the control options, not much is different about this release of Ridge Racer. Quick Race, Grand Prix and Time Attack modes are all offered, and, of course, cars are unlocked by Grand Prix and Challenge victories. After successful completion of assigned races and car challenges, additional gameplay options are unlocked, with opponents’ skill and speed levels increasing as the game progresses.

Ridge Racer DS Tracks

Ridge Racer DS contains 20 different tracks built from three major environments. The environments include classic Ridge Racer cityscape, a scenic course from Ridge Racer Revolution and Southwestern desert.

Ridge Racer DS Cars

Each car has its own defining characteristics, each with its own strengths and weaknesses in areas such as speed, acceleration and handling. As with everything else in life, there is no perfect car possessing 100% of each ideal quality, forcing players to select the lesser of the evils according to preference and what works best with the current track.

Ridge Racer DS Multiplayer Gameplay

Because of the special features that the Nintendo DS offers, this version is the first to offer multiplayer functionality with only a single card, allowing for spontaneous games on the go.

Using the multiplayer option with only one card makes for great slapdash racing, but forfeits the pleasure of music and speech, so you are limited to one track only. This was a great marketing ploy by the manufacturer; enabling players to whet their appetites for the game, sure to boost sales.

Utilizing the touch screen technology of the Nintendo DS, Namco has produced yet another means for gamers to enjoy the arcade classic, Ridge Racer. Revisiting the ‘powerslide’, the Nintendo DS boasts the warm familiarity of its 64-bit predecessors to provide arcade racing at its portable best.

Ridge Racer DS Graphics

After an introductory movie and appearance from our old pal Rena (RR Evolution), the menu stays parked on the bottom screen, allowing for nothing but racing action on the top. As with most racing games you have a choice of views, one from the drivers prospective and another from a car-cam. Again, this point all boils down to preference.

Ridge Racer DS Sound

While mechanical sounds are limited to signature Ridge Racer reverb, the DS offers up an impressive reproduction of the original audio. The speakers do not distinguish between left and right very well, but with headphones, the effects are much more accurate and serve to enhance the game.

Game music can be chosen before the race begins. If a player does not want to hear the default song, the Nintendo DS can be set to randomly select a track to accompany the race.

Ridge Racer DS Final Thoughts

Ridge Racer DS provides for pure racing fun, be it single player or multiplayer the emphasis lays squarely on speed and thrill rather than visual candies. A collectable... even with the slight hiccups with the controls.

Ridge Racer DS - Cost

Ridge Racer DS currently retails for $26.95 at the time of writing.