Ridge Racer 7 Critic Reviews

There is real depth in this series, though most won't see it, and while the game isn't a massive step up over the 360 version, it is different enough -- and finally online with a Sony system -- that it bears at least a look.

Fans who played through Ridge Racer 6 will have to decide if six new tracks, a new soundtrack, slipstreaming, and car customization makes the game worth buying "again." Regardless, there's no denying that Ridge Racer 7 is a solid, fun arcade racer.

Simulation hardliners need not apply, but pound-for-pound, this game makes a very good case for itself as the top title of the PS3 launch.

With solid visuals, excellent arcade drifting action, car customization, and promising online, Ridge Racer should hold up well against competitors like "Need for Speed Carbon" and the rest.

It’s not cheap, it’s excruciatingly difficult. There is a difference.

Ridge Racer 7 is certainly not a system seller, not when the game is readily available on other platforms, especially a 360 version that's somewhat similar and only $20 these days.

Give Ridge Racer 7 a test drive and find out why it's one of the most underrated PS3 games at launch.

What makes Ridge Racer unique is that, even though the entire race is driven at top speed, it requires total concentration, control and pin-point precision to capture the chequered flag. Your performance has to be consistent throughout.

While the title has the necessary great graphics and unreal drifting mechanics, the new option of improving and customizing your machine sets Ridge Racer 7 apart from all the others that came before it.

Would-be drivers will feel like members of a global race community, complete with constantly updating race statistics and personal achievements. A nice selection of tracks, tunes and rides round out this very solid package.

The only problem for Ridge Racer is the audio which is less than stellar, but in the end Ridge Racer 7 makes an impressive debut on the PlayStation 3 and is worth a look even if it is just to drool over.

Its legacy will be the same as all the previous games in the series; a solid launch racing game that will tide you over while you wait for “the next big title.”

Unfortunately, in order to unlock cars and tracks, I have to run through a somewhat boring single player game. I say boring because it's too easy.

Ridge Racer 7 introduces some great new additions that make this the most significant update Namco's arcade-style racing series has seen in years.

While all these improvements are welcome, they can’t totally obscure the fact that this is - at the end of the day - exactly the same Ridge Racer we’ve been playing for years.

A serious franchise update. The game fails to impress on just about every level, and ironically enough, manages to stay fun and entertaining thanks to a fully realized online battle mode and the all-important vehicle alterations.

All around, if there's anything to ding Ridge Racer 7 for, it's the sense that it's less a sequel and more of a decimal point. Call it Ridge Racer 6.5 or Ridge Racer 6: Director's Cut, it's pretty much the same thing, minus the achievement points (grrrr).

The Ridge Racer series has always seemed to provide games more suited to the casual arcade crowd than serious racing devotees, and despite its jump in graphics quality and new twists, this latest installment isn't likely to convert many to its streamlined feel.

All the elements of some quality multiplayer are there to be had, but without a useful means of communication, it can be a crapshoot at times.

There are far worse choices than the stimulating Ridge Racer 7.