Ridge Racer 3D Review

For over 15 years, Namco's familiar formula of drifts, powerslides, & massive boosts has proven to be a mostly winning combo. & Ridge Racer 3D does small to deviate from that well-trodden path. Yes, it adds a new dynamic, but doesn't explore the new medium for much beyond the same kind of gimmickry that you often see film critics decry in 3D Hollywood fare.

At its core is a sound Ridge Racer game that feels roughly on par with 2005's PSP launch title. It is not as magical as that game, but it evokes the same the same streamlined & well-adapted spirit. & adaptation is the operative term. RR3D carries sure strategic gameplay elements seen in RR titles that have come since RR PSP, such as RR7's reliance on slipstreaming to gain a lead on opposing cars.

RR3D falls short when it comes to multiplayer. There's no online features to speak of, & even the StreetPass feature merely lets you collect other players' ghost information & rank them on your personal leaderboard. It is a blown chance to show off what 3DS could do for a game like this, for a series which has had some sound online content in its more recent console iterations.

Mechanically, the 3DS analog slider complements gameplay better than the PSP's small nub. It is bigger & more ergonomically sound for this style of game. But RR3D's namesake feature, while sometimes helpful, is mostly gimmicky. Most of the 3D effects are much less about providing a new spin on familiar gameplay & more for show & presentation (i.e. confetti-like paint chips flying off as you collide, dust kicking up in the work of drifts, leaves hitting the screen). Other effects, such as shadows, feel super-pronounced. A small 3D goes a long way though. In case you go through the game with the slider fully cranked, you will probably must take a minute & cease racing so that your eyes don't strain much.

At its best, Ridge Racer 3D conjures up fond memories of 2005-era drifting & powersliding through exotic locales. At its worst, it squanders opportunities to provide over a few flying paint chips & ghost information races. Still, while it could have added up to a greater sum, its parts are still sound.