Ridge Racer 7

Lawrence (8.7 out of 10)

Series veterans certainly won’t be disappointed by this solid outing, as long as they don’t expect anything revolutionary. The single player will last gamers quite a while, and the online play only extends the experience. Well worth checking out for racing fans with a PS3.

V2.fi (85 out of 100)

Ridge Racer 7 on graafisesti niin kaunis kuin ajopelin tarvitsee olla, huimassa vauhdissa ei kaipaa edes vaurionmallinnusta. Ruudunpäivitys on luonnollisesti täydellisen sujuvaa ja täydellisen sujuvan kauneuden tekee persoonalliseksi taustalla soiva älytön pilipali-jumputi-jumputi-pop-musiikki. Vielä kerran kun mainitaan hupaisat kontrollit, päädytään lopputulokseen, että Ridge Racer 7:ssa on kaikkea mitä sunnuntaikaahailija voi tarvita? No ei ihan, inhimillisiä haasteita voisi olla kyllä enemmänkin. Peli voi olla näennäisen yksinkertainen, mutta kädettömille sitä ei ole suunnattu, vaan huippusuorituksiin kykeneville hurjapäille. Sitä en ala arvailemaan, kuinka hyvin epärealistinen arcade-henki heikäläisiin uppoaa, mutta eivätköhän ainakin elämäntapajapanilaiset tästä harrastuksen löydä.

GameZone (8.5 out of 10)

You will scream at your opponents and their tough AI, but in the end, it helps give this series longevity. In a world where racing games are getting shorter and have become easy enough to beat in a day, I’ll take the frustration of Ridge Racer 7 over the rest. It’s not cheap, it’s excruciatingly difficult. There is a difference.

Video Game Generation (8.5 out of 10)

This is the Ridge Racer fans have been waiting for since the series stopped wowing people on the original PlayStation. A true step forward for the series in every sense, Ridge Racer 7 keeps its arcade-inspired drifting roots while adding in an expansive customization option, sleek online integration, slipstreaming, more tracks, and a true next-gen luster. If you gave up on this series before, now is the time to give it a second chance.

Gaming Target (8.5 out of 10)

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. However for a new PS3 owner, it's not a bad time sink, as it's lengthy enough with single player, and its wealth of online options make it even more replayable, long as there's a community out there to hang out with. In short, it's a good secondary title to play when you're done with Resistance or...um...hmm...oh, the Motorstorm demo. I kid, I kid. It wouldn't be a PlayStation launch without a Ridge Racer though, so you might as well get into the spirit of things and play what's become the staple of the early days of a PlayStation console.

Play.tm (84 out of 100)

With non-stop speed and breakneck corner taking, this is clearly an abstract racer in the Burnout mould right? Wrong. 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.

IGN (8.2 out of 10)

While not a revolution, Ridge Racer 7 takes the long-running series forward. It keeps the larger-than-life race dynamic that fans have come to love and adds a rewarding customization option. An even bigger enhancement deals strictly with online functionality. 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.

Gamers.at (81 out of 100)

Ridge Racer gehört zum fixen Bestandteil eines Launches, wenn es sich um eine Sony-Konsole handelt. Auch zeitgleich zur PS3 startet Namco das dazugehörige Arcaderennspiel, in diesem Fall Ridge Racer 7. Das Gameplay ist dasselbe wie seit eh und je, auch die Tuning-Features sind ein interessantes neues Features. Aber leider hat es irgendwie auch das Kantenflimmern in den aktuellen Teil geschafft, genauso können die Fahrzeugmodelle nicht vollends überzeugen. Dafür kann ein umfangreicher Karriere- und Online-Modus über diese Schwächen hinwegtäuschen, so dass einem schnellen Ridge Racer-Vergnügen nichts mehr im Weg stehen dürfte.

GameSpy ( )

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. If you're a Ridge Racer fanboy who hasn't touched last year's game, add half a star to my overall score, since this experience will be all new for you. There are some new additions in regard to cars and customizability, and indeed, the graphics do look a bit more polished. Also, unlike the 360 version, this title is designed to output to 1080p right out of the box, if you've got a TV advanced enough to support it. On the other hand, for standard-def gamers, it doesn't look so hot, so they might want to consider treading with caution. However, the online experience works very well, and unlike most PS3 launch titles that we've encountered, it is not at all difficult to find anyone to play over PlayStation Network. With that in mind, gamers looking for Gran Turismo HD will be unhappy with what they find here.

Games Master (80 out of 100)

Where this seventh instalment really shines is its surprising depth. It's more Gran Turismo than Ridge, eclipsing the paltry options offered by it's Xbox 360 sibling and providing you with reasons to persevere past those first few hours. So honk your horns in for a minor Ridge Racer revolution. It might not be quite a next-gen racing epiphany of MotorStorm proportions, but it still has a good deal to offer its legion of fans.

Deaf Gamers (8 out of 10)

If you're a fan of the Ridge Racer series then Ridge Racer 7 is definitely a game you're going to want to pick up. However if you've played Ridge Racer 6 on the Xbox 360 then you might be a little disappointed at how much of the content has been recycled for this game. That said however, the two new additions of slipstreaming and being able to modify your vehicles really does add something fresh to the Ridge Racer experience that no fan of the series would want to miss out on. As long as you're not looking for a simulation and don't mind the unique drift mechanics of the Ridge Racer series then you're sure to enjoy what Ridge Racer 7 has to offer.

GameSpot (8 out of 10)

Ridge Racer 7 is a great entry in the long-running series, which is good news, especially given that it's the first racing game available for the PS3. The gameplay changes made here are probably the most dramatic that the series has seen since Ridge Racer Type 4, though the repetition of tracks may be a bummer for some series fans who've probably played a mess of Ridge Racer 6. But if you're a fan of the series and you haven't played it lately, you'll be in for a real treat. And even those without much of any exposure to Ridge Racer may be drawn in by this game's sleek style.

PSX Extreme (8 out of 10)

Overall, Ridge Racer 7 is not the be-all and end-all of arcade racers. But it is, without any shadow of a doubt, 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. The bottom line is, if you have no intention of playing this game online, you had better be a giant Ridge fan, or you'll likely be disappointed. But if you're open to the online idea, you must give it serious consideration. The game without online is good, but doesn't deserve any higher than a mid-7. The game with online? Much better.

EL33TONLINE ( )

Ridge Racer 7 is a highly accomplished racer, maintaining that sense of speed we have come to expect from the series while moving it forward with customisable cars and adjustable nitrous systems. It’s Ridge Racer, only better, and at 1080p in 60 frames per second any arcade racing fan is bound to be pleased with the game.

GamesCollection (8 out of 10)

Velocità stratosferiche, derapate infinite, luci al neon accecanti, musica techno a tutto volume… Ridge Racer più che con i normali simulatori di guida, sembra competere con Wipeout. Ma è per questo che lo amiamo, per la sua sfacciataggine, che con molta classe non scade mai nell’esagerazione mantenendo il suo oramai storico stile. L'IA altalenante e la modalità principale non proprio sconvolgente non impediscono al titolo Namco di ergersi come ottimo prodotto arcade e di farsi notare nella vasta rosa del genere automobilistico. D'altronde, come si sa, Ridge Racer non cerca la competizione con un Need for Speed o con un Burnout, bensì se ne sta tranquillamente nel suo angolo e si prende la sua fetta di appassionati che, come ogni volta, non vengono traditi dalle aspettative e da ciò che cercano in questo gioco: il divertimento.

Sydney Morning Herald (4 out of 5)

It's hard not to fall in love with Ridge Racer all over again now that it's looking so good. Online play will compel you to race on past the use-by date too.

GamePro (US) (4 out of 5)

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. As long as realism isn't tops on your list of demands, Ridge Racer 7 is a great first foray into the next generation of racing.

GamingHeaven / DriverHeaven (79 out of 100)

Who to recommend the game to? If you require your racing games to have crashes stay away from this one. Those looking for a realistic experience should also keep their distance. Perfectionists and people who like every corner to count might want to give the game a try though. Just be sure to play enough to be able to look past the lackluster physics and sterile feel the game has. You won’t regret it.

IGN UK (7.9 out of 10)

If you’re a Ridge Racer fan there’s no denying you’ll love its debut on PS3, but for everything the game gets right you can’t help but feel it’s a bit of a missed opportunity. Rather than heralding the arrival of Sony’s next-gen machine by pushing the boat out and creating something really rather special, Namco has taken Ridge Racer 6 as a foundation and tweaked it into a new game – so much so that if you own already RR6 on Xbox 360 there’s little else here to warrant a purchase.

Playstation Front (78 out of 100)

Ja, unser Testbericht klingt nicht sonderlich positiv, aber letztlich ist der siebte Teil der „Ridge Racer“-Serie auch nicht der vielleicht erhoffte Sprung in die nächste Generation geworden. Wer Teil sechs auf der 360 bereits einige Stunden gespielt hat kann sich getrost den neuen Ableger sparen, denn dafür liefert Namco zu wenige frische Inhalte ab. Hat man hingegen seit einigen Jahren kein RR mehr angerührt bekommt man genug Neues geboten. Die Grafik ist wie gewohnt brauchbar aber keinesfalls gut genug um etwa mit staunendem Blick vor der Konsole zu sitzen, dass gleiche gilt für das altbekannte Spielprinzip. „Ridge Racer 7“ macht wie auch die Vorgänger weiterhin Spaß, bietet dabei allerdings nur wenige echte Neuheiten an, darunter Tuning im geringen Maße und die Windschatten-Fahrt. Hinzu kommt, dass nicht jeder Spieler mit dem Drift-Raser-Stil glücklich wird oder gar mit der Musik- und Soundsprecherkulisse des Titels.

GamesFire (75 out of 100)

Wer ein Freund von Arcade-Rennspielen ist, der wird mit Ridge Racer 7 viel Freude haben. Wer hingegen bereits Ridge Racer 6 für die Xbox 360 besitzt oder viel Wert auf Realismus und originale Lizenzen legt, der wird mit diesem Rennspiel nicht glücklich. Zwar funktioniert die Steuerung einwandfrei, dafür legen die Entwickler das Augenmerk beim Gameplay fast nur auf die Drifts. Die Grafik kann sich sehen lassen, der Sound hingegen passt so ganz und gar nicht zum Gesamtbild. Kurzum: wer sich nach diesem Test noch immer unsicher ist, ob er sich Ridge Racer 7 kaufen soll, der ist mit der Demo über das PlayStation Network gut beraten.

Jeuxvideo.com (15 out of 20)

Qu'on se le dise, la série n'est pas prête de changer. Bien installée dans un rythme de croisière d'un titre de temps en temps, elle ne profite pas des années qui s'écoulent pour revisiter le genre. Ceux qui y ont toujours pris du plaisir lâcheront difficilement la manette, les autres ne verront qu'un titre de plus à ranger du côté des bonnes distractions.

The Video Game Critic (B)

The brand new "slip-stream" feature didn't do much for me, and it gives new meaning to the term "rubber-band physics". A few of the techno tunes sound like a broken record, but thankfully the commentary has been spiced up with a woman's voice (in addition to the black dude). Whether you're playing alone, split-screen, or on-line, the game will keep you racing and upgrading for weeks on end. Xevious is available as a nice bonus game. The loading screen situation is the same as the Xbox 360, which is to say, not very good. Ridge Racer 7 should have probably be called Ridge Racer 6.1 (or maybe even 5.9), but if you're look for pure racing satisfaction, this is a no-brainer.

Computer Bild Spiele (2.44 out of 6)

Ridge Racer 7 ist optisch sicher kein Kracher, doch Spielprinzip und hohe Geschwindigkeiten fesseln von der ersten Minute an. Sie können es lieben oder hassen, aber dieses Ridge Racer ist einfach "gut".

Gamesmania.de (71 out of 100)

Auch auf der Playstation3 bleibt Ridge Racer seinem arcadelastigen Gameplay treu. Neue Fans wird das spektakuläre, aber gewöhnungsbedürftige Kurvendriften so wohl kaum ansprechen, doch Kenner der Serie fühlen sich sofort wieder heimisch. Etwas enttäuschend ist die geringe Eigenständigkeit des siebten Teiles, fast alles kennt man bereits aus dem Vorgänger für die Xbox360. Wer diesen besitzt kann sich den Kauf von Ridge Racer 7 auf jeden Fall sparen, Arcadefans machen mit dem neuen Teil auf der PS3 aber wenig verkehrt, solange sie nicht eine topmoderne Grafik erwarten und mit dem hohen Schwierigkeitsgrad umgehen zu wissen. Für Teil 8 wünsche ich mir für die Serie dann aber doch mal etwas größere Veränderungen und viel mehr neue Strecken.

4Players.de (70 out of 100)

Dabei hätte so viel Potenzial in Ridge Racer 7 gesteckt, um den Vorgänger zu übertreffen: Features wie Windschatten und Tuning sind eine echte Bereicherung und auch der Onlinemodus weiß trotz weniger Spielmodi zu gefallen. Auch wurden die leicht sterilen Strecken insgesamt gut designt und das Fahrgefühl mit den ansehnlichen Fantasie-Boliden ist nach wie vor top – sofern ihr wie gehabt mit dem Analogstick lenkt und die Bewegungssensoren höchstens zum Schalten benutzt. Im direkten Performance-Vergleich mit dem Xbox 360-Vorgänger muss man sich jedoch leider eingestehen, dass Ridge Racer 7 trotz der neuen Ideen und überzeugenden Neuzugängen bei den Kursen einen technischen Rückschritt darstellt. Das hat die PS3 nicht verdient!

Eurogamer.net (UK) (7 out of 10)

Overall though, Ridge Racer 7 still makes a good account of itself. It's better in some areas than 6, and is certainly brilliant played against real people, or just picked up and played properly with the nitrous turned off in arcade mode. But it's not really as challenging, I don't think, and hardcore fans will find more to sustain them lurking in the oceanic depths of its Xbox predecessor. On balance then, a slightly lower score. The fact that it's the best PS3 racing game in a field of one is probably poetic.

Eurogamer.de (7 out of 10)

Namcos Arcade-Raserei bleibt für mich weiterhin ein Rätsel. Während man anderen Titeln völlig zu Recht Innovationslosigkeit vorwerfen würde, sind die meisten Fans der Serie wahrscheinlich geradezu irritiert, wenn sie auf einmal - wie im vorliegenden Fall - fast gezwungen werden, ihren Wagen zu tunen. Anders werdet Ihr die härteren Rennen jedenfalls kaum für Euch entscheiden. Am eigentlichen Gameplay ändern die Entwickler gar nichts, und das ist auch irgendwie gut so. Denn durch das spartanische Drumherum macht das Spiel ganz besonders deutlich, dass es nur eines will, aber vor allem auch kann: Driftend um den Sieg kämpfen. Ich will das auch - deswegen gefällt mir Ridge Racer 7 definitiv besser als der Vorgänger. Und weil ich überzeugt bin, dass die Reihe mit jedem Teil besser wird, freue ich mich schon auf Ridge Racer 8.

Fragland.net (70 out of 100)

So, all in all, Ridge Racer 7 is probably the best console Ridge Racer title since RR4. Unfortunately for Namco, time hasn't stood still. The arcade racing genre is filled with all kinds of great games, most notably the Burnout series. The tried and true gameplay mechanics still work reasonably well, but they're not as great as they used to be. Time for some much needed innovations, Namco!

Games TM (7 out of 10)

Ridge Racer has become something of an institution since its inception in 1994. A Sony launch just wouldn't be a Sony launch without a Ridge Racer title to accompany it, and series fans won't be disappointed either. Anyone after a more progressive racing experience, however, should stick with the delectable MotorStorm.

Games TM (7 out of 10)

Essentially, what we have here is a further improved and expanded version of Xbox 360's Ridge Racer 6. And that in itself makes Ridge Racer 7 notable as a great sequel. What prevents this from receiving a higher score is simply what we've already played it six times before over before even booting it up.

Gamer.nl (7 out of 10)

Ridge Racer 7 is een game die een geheel andere stijl van rijden vereist ten opzichte van de rest van de racegames. De gameplay-mechanieken zijn dik in orde, en doordat het spel lekker uitdagend is zul je er ook echt goed in moeten worden om resultaat te boeken. De voldoening is groot als je het eenmaal onder de knie hebt, en je kunt het ook echt goed onder de knie krijgen omdat de game helemaal klopt. Jammer is wel dat de game naast deze ijzersterke mechanieken te weinig laat zien en niet bepaald als revolutionair in deze inmiddels langlopende serie beschouwd mag worden.

Diehard GameFan (6.5 out of 10)

Summary Launch titles are always tough to rate, because generally reviews compare games with those of the same generation and these have no peers. Unlike the racing games that are a part of the Wii launch, Ridge Racer 7 plays and feels a whole lot like the racing games of the last generation. However, and dispute it if you want, the main selling point of the PS3, especially at launch, is high resolution looks and graphical wow factor. More than the cross-platform games and most other PS3 launch games, Ridge Racer 7 has the graphical wow that is needed for launch and delivers the goods. Take it for what it is ”a prettier version of a classic series” and you’ll have a great time with it.

TTGamer (6 out of 10)

Ridge Racer 7 is a game that was expected with the PS3 system launch but Namco has disappointed us by not using the technology of the system beyond high definition graphics. The best way to sum up 7 is that it’s Ridge Racer, and from that you can decide whether it’s worth the cash or not. In our opinion, not this time around.

UOL Jogos ( )

"Ridge Racer 7" é, para o bem e para o mal, um legítimo sucessor da franquia. Apesar de trazer novidades bem-vindas como a "carona" no vácuo e modificações nos veículos, ainda é um game voltado basicamente para os fãs da série. É capaz de um usuário novo amar as derrapagens exageradas do game, mas as chances são de apenas estranhar esse jogo que se tornou apenas excêntrico ao longo dos anos. Quem conseguir entrar em sintonia do game, encontrará diversão, seja sozinho ou pela internet.