Ridge Racer 3D Review (3DS)

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Ridge Racer makes its debut on the 3DS as the first 3-D racing game available on the new handheld system. It does a decent job of giving racing games a good name, but it misses on a few aspects, specifically on the repetitiveness front.

Gameplay

Ridge Racer is like any typical racing game. You hit one button to go, one to brake, and one to go faster. It’s one reason why this game is not that bad; it sticks to its roots.

The racing itself is self-explanatory, but drifting in this game is slightly different because it has presumably been dumbed down for the target audience. All you need to do is simply let go of the accelerator (B) and then start turning. After that, you press B once again, and voila, you’re now drifting. I will admit that it makes for more entertaining races than having to deal with crashing into walls all the time, but it takes out the strategy and skills that racing lovers have come to master. There is also an option to set drifting to one button, but it’s more of a hassle than anything else.

Nitrous, now a must in racing games, has been transformed into what might be the only form of strategy you’ll need in Ridge Racer. Before each race when you select your vehicle, there will be three options of nitrous: Standard, Normal U and Normal B.

Standard gives you three nitrous gauges and the option to use one, two or all three of them at the same time. The more you use in one nitrous punch, the longer your boost will last. Normal U is basically the same as standard, but the boost doesn’t last as long; however, your nitrous meter will recharge quicker. Lastly, Normal B is similar to Normal U, but the nitrous charge varies while you are drifting.

Presentation

This game is obviously a handheld so the graphics can’t touch anything from the console world, but the environments still look stunning. It may be a bit blocky when racing through city areas, but the design and architecture of each level looks to be very well thought out.

The car models are also well structured. Everything from the paint designs to the decals to the body kits make the cars look great.

The 3-D Effect

The more and more I played through Ridge Racer 3D, the more and more I fell in love with the 3-D itself. This game really shows why this handheld should succeed.

In addition to the impressive graphics in this game, the 3-D effect brings the racing to life. The angles you see on each turn of every race look real. The car you are driving looks as legitimate as the cars Paul Walker and Vin Diesel pretend to drive.

In other words, if you have a 3DS, you better at least check out the visuals in this game.

Game Modes

Ridge Racer has an array of game modes, but don’t mistake them for depth like I did. It will take you a long time to get through the modes and give each one a shot, but in the end they all feel the same. This is where the repetitiveness comes into play and hurts a solid title.

There is the Grand Prix mode where you race multiple races and your accumulated results are totaled together to find the ultimate champions. Quick Tour is the most interesting of the modes as it pits you against seven other racers. You must perform well enough to advance and continue playing.

There is also a typical exhibition race, as well as another type of exhibition race where every car is the same. The final two modes are Time Attack and StreetPass Duel. Time Attack is a self-explanatory mode, but the "duel" is just you going against a ghost -- no online multiplayer to be found here.

So the game modes are there, and it can take plenty of time to check out all six of them, but they just get old too quickly.

One final note worth mentioning is that when you compete in these game modes you will earn points. These points can be used to purchase new vehicles -- there are not many -- vehicle upgrades and pre-race bonuses such as a full nitrous meter.

Multiplayer

Versus mode is what you make of it. Seriously, that is the best way to describe it. It does not support online play, but it does allow you and friends to play from one cartridge. Basically, it is fun for the first couple races against your cronies, but once again boredom will eventually rule here.

Final Thoughts

This game has a little bit of everything. The gameplay is solid, but it’s just a little too easy. The graphics are great, and the 3-D effect only makes it better. The game modes are there, but they just have no long-term appeal.

But when it comes down to it, the game is still a racer, and it is still fun. So if you are into the original Ridge Racer games and newer titles like Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, pick this one up -- even if only for the beautiful third dimension.


Learning Curve – There’s a curve, but after a race or three you will be fine.

Control Scheme – It’s like we’re playing the Atari again.

Visuals – They look great, and the 3-D effect really adds to the game.

Audio – Keep your iPod on.

Score: 5.5 (Average)