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[SolidSnakex]

How did the PSP version of Ridge Racer do? If it did better than the X360 version that seems to indicate that there is still a valid market for Namco's take on racing.. if it didn't, then I'd be forced to agree with you that this style of racing game no longer has a strong appeal.

It was the best selling RR in the US since the original.

How many racing games were available for PSP when it launched. I don't think it was three. I wonder how well Ridge Racer for PSP would have sold if the mythical GT PSP was launched with PSP?

Ridge Racers launched again NFS and Wipeout. Both of which are from big series and all 3 of which sold well despite going against each other.

 

[Shogmaster]

So everyone bought it only because it looked good? Looking at the #'s over at vgcharts.org(which doesn't just show the launch sales)... let's just say I find that a bit hard to believe.

Every single one of my buddies that own the PSP owns the RR. All of them gives the graphics as the reason for the purchase.

 

[Ceb]

It was the best selling RR in the US since the original.



Ridge Racers launched again NFS and Wipeout. Both of which are from big series and all 3 of which sold well despite going against each other.

And ATV. In the EU, you also had WRC and Burnout Legends.

 

[DarienA]

Every single one of my buddies that own the PSP owns the RR. All of them gives the graphics as the reason for the purchase.

Oh well that definitely means something.... So who bought Underground Rivals? Because if everyone was buying Ridge Racers to show off it's graphical prowess... why were so many more people buying NFS?

I really just think that folks associate the Ridge Racer series with Playstation consoles, and I think that had something to do with sales... call me a crackpot, but that's my honest take on it.

 

[bud]

Every single one of my buddies that own the PSP owns the RR. All of them gives the graphics as the reason for the purchase.

how many buddies do you have?

do your buddies represent all the people who bought rr psp?

 

[NinSoX]

Namco deserved the shittiest sales in RR6 for such a shitty effort. Didn't they say they were putting all their talent for RR7 instead? Disappointing.

 

[DenogginizerOS]

Which of the PS3 screens is your favorite?

I like this one the most:

 

[Shogmaster]

how many buddies do you have?

do your buddies represent all the people who bought rr psp?

I'd say it's a pretty damn good indicator. Think back to the PSP launch. How many quality games were we talking about? RR, Lumines, WO, and what else? And all the other PSP car racers sucks graphically to the RR. And when you buy a new console, you WANT to show off the graphics that it can do.

On the X360, RR6 had plenty of car competition. That's why it didn't shall we say, corner the market.

 

[Ceb]

Namco deserved the shittiest sales in RR6 for such a shitty effort. Didn't they say they were putting all their talent for RR7 instead? Disappointing.

MS wanted the game done for launch. Namco put in a fair amount of stuff taking their deadline into account.

 

[GitarooMan]

MS wanted the game done for launch. Namco put in a fair amount of stuff taking their deadline into account.

Do you have a source for this MS wanted the game done for launch, just genuinely curious.

 

[SolidSnakex]

And ATV. In the EU, you also had WRC and Burnout Legends.

Here's what their sales looked like in the US

NFS Underground Rivals - 533k
Wipeout - 314k
Ridge Racers - 303k
ATV Blazin Trails - 260k

So the whole idea of there being too many racers for RR to get the spotlight doesn't really fly.

 

[Ceb]

Do you have a source for this MS wanted the game done for launch, just genuinely curious.

No, but you can find it in old print interviews and forum posts here and there.

 

[gkryhewy]

Or is it MS' fault for demanding that they'd finish it in time for launch?

Your continued references to this are puzzling, and I'm not sure what you're trying to say. RR6 feels just as polished as any other NAMCO-made RR game (i.e. VERY); even all of the online elements are implemented beautifully (unlike other launch games which had incomplete online components until patched).

 

[Scottlarock]

Here's what their sales looked like in the US

NFS Underground Rivals - 533k
Wipeout - 314k
Ridge Racers - 303k
ATV Blazin Trails - 260k

So the whole idea of there being too many racers for RR to get the spotlight doesn't really fly.

atv? wipeout??

 

[DCharlie]

Or is it MS' fault for demanding that they'd finish it in time for launch?

do we have quotes from devs complaining about being rushed?

 

[PepsimanVsJoe]

Namco deserved the shittiest sales in RR6 for such a shitty effort. Didn't they say they were putting all their talent for RR7 instead? Disappointing.

I made a "Someone tell me why RR6 sucks" thread and you didn't show up. Disappointing.

 

[HocusPocus]

...I have no idea what your point is.

I thought it was rather simple and clear. Perhaps I should have bitched, moaned, or complained about something and then it might have clicked for you .

 

[GitarooMan]

It will be interesting to see how RR7 does in the US versus NFS: Carbon and Motorstorm and even Full Auto 2 (assuming they all make launch).

 

[DSN2K]

doesn't look that much more then 6, but thats pretty much what I expected from a quick sequel to cash in on the PS3.

 

[SolidSnakex]

atv? wipeout??

They're PSP launch titles. Some are claiming the reason RR6 didn't sell was because NAMCO launched it against 2 other big racers on the 360, while RRs was launched against 3 other big titles and still sold well. So that idea doens't fly.

 

[DenogginizerOS]

How well have the Ridge Racer's done in Japan? What percentage of people who bought an X360 in Japan bought Ridge Racer 6?

Thanks SSX for the NPD numbers on PSP.

 

[NinSoX]

I made a "Someone tell me why RR6 sucks" thread and you didn't show up. Disappointing.

Because I don't spend 24 hours a day here? Genius.

 

[DarienA]

They're PSP launch titles. Some are claiming the reason RR6 didn't sell was because NAMCO launched it against 2 other big racers on the 360, while RRs was launched against 3 other big titles and still sold well. So that idea doens't fly.

Exactly... Underground Rivals looks worse than Ridge Racers, yet it sold more... not only that but it wasn't just at launch that it sold more, it continued to, and then Most Wanted turned around and sold more than UR.

How well have the Ridge Racer's done in Japan? What percentage of people who bought an X360 in Japan bought Ridge Racer 6?

Thanks SSX for the NPD numbers on PSP.

http://www.vgcharts.org/japcomp.php?name1=Ridge+Racer+6&name2=Ridge+Racers

 

[DenogginizerOS]

They're PSP launch titles. Some are claiming the reason RR6 didn't sell was because NAMCO launched it against 2 other big racers on the 360, while RRs was launched against 3 other big titles and still sold well. So that idea doens't fly.

I was just tossing out a theory. Why do you think RR6 did not sell well at the X360 launch? Have you played it?

 

[PepsimanVsJoe]

Because I don't spend 24 hours a day here? Genius.

You could have at least bothered to explain why RR6 sucks.

 

[gkryhewy]

I was just tossing out a theory. Why do you think RR6 did not sell well at the X360 launch? Have you played it?

I think it was extremely under-promoted. The demo was too little, too late, and Namco didn't even have a real web site for the game.

 

[gkryhewy]

You could have at least bothered to explain why RR6 sucks.

That would require him to be something other than a one line troll, wouldn't it?

 

[DenogginizerOS]

I think it was extremely under-promoted. The demo was too little, too late, and Namco didn't even have a real web site for the game.

I seem to remember the reviews for the game were pretty vanilla as well.

 

[NinSoX]

You could have at least bothered to explain why RR6 sucks.

Boring tracks, cars that don't interest me, jaggy mess, screen tearing. I just felt PGR3 was the better value around launch. It didn't help that Namco (or was it the fanboys?) claimed that they were putting their more talented team to work on RR7.

 

[Ceb]

do we have quotes from devs complaining about being rushed?

If you have access to back issues of "RESET".

 

[DCharlie]

They're PSP launch titles. Some are claiming the reason RR6 didn't sell was because NAMCO launched it against 2 other big racers on the 360, while RRs was launched against 3 other big titles and still sold well. So that idea doens't fly.

people were too busy playing COD2 to care - seeing as you've already established that that was the system seller

 

[gkryhewy]

I seem to remember the reviews for the game were pretty vanilla as well.

That's true - they sort of centered on the "it's ridge racer, it's more of the same" angle, which is true - if you're not a ridge racer fan, you won't like this game.

 

[PepsimanVsJoe]

Boring tracks, cars that don't interest me, jaggy mess, screen tearing. I just felt PGR3 was the better value around launch. It didn't help that Namco (or was it the fanboys?) claimed that they were putting their more talented team to work on RR7.

Alright that works for me, and after extensive play-time I agree with most of the stuff(sad part is I still think it's the best RR). I also doubt the whole "more talented team" argument.

 

[DenogginizerOS]

What would we ALL like to see from Ridge Racer 7, regardless of what platform it is on?

I would like to have slightly wider tracks to hold more cars online. I would like more customization as far as colors of cars and being able to have my own emblem. I would like more tracks and I would love to see a few shorter, curvier tracks that could make for some intense drift racing.

 

[gkryhewy]

Boring tracks, cars that don't interest me, jaggy mess, screen tearing. I just felt PGR3 was the better value around launch. It didn't help that Namco (or was it the fanboys?) claimed that they were putting their more talented team to work on RR7.

1. Some tracks are boring, but the city tracks (aside from crossbay tunnel) own.
2. Jaggy mess? Screen tearing? What resolution are you playing at? It's glorious at 720p with no tearing or slowdown.
3. I don't buy the 'saving it for RR7' nonsense, because the game was rock solid, and clearly RR7 is more of the same.

 

[gkryhewy]

I would like to have slightly wider tracks to hold more cars online.

Next time we play online, let's limit it to 6-8 players.

 

[DenogginizerOS]

That's true - they sort of centered on the "it's ridge racer, it's more of the same" angle, which is true - if you're not a ridge racer fan, you won't like this game.

Which is interesting because I was not a huge RR fan prior to playing RR6 recently. I always loved arcade racers, but the Burnout series has been my favorite of late. However, my drifting skills quickly came back playing RR6 the other night and now I have decided to begin the task of getting 100% completion. I even bought the nice Bradygames strategy guide from overstock.com to try and gain any insight into the tracks to help speed along the process. :lol

 

[DCharlie]

What would we ALL like to see from Ridge Racer 7, regardless of what platform it is on?

return to RRV (or prior) not 'stick to the road' drifting.

totally different environments (looks like a few tracks from RR6 are making an appearance, surely MS are thrilled about that?)

team driving GP mode

... i dunno!

 

[dark10x]

Boring tracks, cars that don't interest me, jaggy mess, screen tearing. I just felt PGR3 was the better value around launch. It didn't help that Namco (or was it the fanboys?) claimed that they were putting their more talented team to work on RR7.

What what what?!?!?!?!

There was NO screen tearing in RR6 and it ran at 60 f*cking frames per second (which is a rare thing indeed on 360). A jaggy mess? How could you say that in the face of PGR3, which has shit image quality next to RR6. RR6 is crystal clear on a good display.

I would have liked PGR3 more if it wasn't so filled with constant load screens. Seriously, I can't stand playing it anymore because there are too many load screens that last too long. If the events were all much longer (like RR6), it wouldn't be a big deal, but starting a race, REstarting a race, and returning to the damn menu all take far too long.

The quality of the tracks is a subjective matter, but I can't deny that some of the tracks were of much lower quality than others. That ugly tunnel track set at night, for instance, was always a drag for some reason. Everytime I'd see it show up, I'd switch to another event until every event left (in order to progress) required me to race it.

 

[drohne]

totally different environments (looks like a few tracks from RR6 are making an appearance, surely MS are thrilled about that?)

what makes you think so? there's an rr6 track with a bunch of pipes and oil tanks -- southbay docks, iirc -- but even from these few shots i can tell it isn't the same one. when the first shots of rr6 came out, i thought it was using old tracks...i was actually just seeing misleading similarities in scenery. i would guess that rr7 will be fully original -- namco are saving their laziness for the psp, it would seem. :x

 

[dark10x]

Looking at some of those again, I believe that we've seen media from this already. Back when it was first shown off, they had some screenshots taken from the city during the day (no cars on screen) that appeared to be realtime. I would say that they were, in the end, as they look very much like what we see here. These shots are simply too small for us to appreciate the smaller details.

 

[bud]

I'd say it's a pretty damn good indicator. Think back to the PSP launch. How many quality games were we talking about? RR, Lumines, WO, and what else? And all the other PSP car racers sucks graphically to the RR. And when you buy a new console, you WANT to show off the graphics that it can do.

On the X360, RR6 had plenty of car competition. That's why it didn't shall we say, corner the market.

wipeout

 

[jett]

Looking at some of those again, I believe that we've seen media from this already. Back when it was first shown off, they had some screenshots taken from the city during the day (no cars on screen) that appeared to be realtime. I would say that they were, in the end, as they look very much like what we see here. These shots are simply too small for us to appreciate the smaller details.

Not really, the pics they released before are different, and from different areas. And they look better too. They have a different look to them too, different from teh hazy shit introduced in RR6.

 

[Lord Error]

Looks pretty good, and knowing that it most likely will be locked 60FPS and use AF (like it did on X360) makes me think of it even higher. Not all screens look great, but it looks at least that they've improved lighting from RR6, which IMO was where it needed improvement the most.

It's almost if they are using HDR now, or something close to it. Even screens that don't show any dramatic lighting, like this one,

or these:

still look like they have very good and realistic lighting.

 

[BuckRobotron]

Another way to look at RRPSP doing well relative to platform competition is reviews. It scored 88% on Gamerankings versus NFS PSP being 74%. It was the title I recommended to my brother who picked up a PSP due to how the game was often praised for showing off the system best. And it remains the only game he ever bought (Gameflys everything).

OTOH, RR6 360 was at the tail end of the overall reviews at 75%, NFSMW at 83%, PGR3 88%.

Now these aren't direct to sales, but certainly had a strong influence especially given that games for both new systems cost more than their competition. With RR6 being up against a significantly better-reviewed PGR3 and a very well-done NFSMW (which would win the popularity race regardless), combined with what was also a weak promotion.

It is still annoying that they couldn't even bother with a decent Web site with such simple things as official wallpaper.

 

[Mrbob]

Properly used HDR can make a huge difference.

One of the most impressive aspects of HL2 is how the HDR lighting adds life to the world. It is truly amazing.

 

[DarienA]

Another way to look at RRPSP doing well relative to platform competition is reviews. It scored 88% on Gamerankings versus NFS PSP being 74%. It was the title I recommended to my brother who picked up a PSP due to how the game was often praised for showing off the system best. And it remains the only game he ever bought (Gameflys everything).

Uh NFS outsold RR.

 

[momolicious]

the cars front plate says mitsurugi, from soul calibur~!

 

[BuckRobotron]

Uh NFS outsold RR.

Read the full message.

Now these aren't direct to sales, but certainly had a strong influence especially given that games for both new systems cost more than their competition. With RR6 being up against a significantly better-reviewed PGR3 and a very well-done NFSMW (which would win the popularity race regardless), combined with what was also a weak promotion.

 

[ELS-01X]

A sign of things to come with Lair?

You're comparing Namco to F5? :lol