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[isamu]

Both Rave Racer tracks are in RRs. The difference is that the city track is now set to nighttime. Also the two brand new tracks in RRs are both BASED on the Rave Racer tracks (not to be mistaken for the Rave Racer tracks themselves which are also included as mentioned). So you have TWO city tracks and TWO mountain tracks. 2 of them being updated but completely 1:1 reproductions of the Rave Racer tracks while the other 2 being crazy new versions of the same idea (crazy city highways and awesome backgrounds, and crazy mountain road with tons of winding shit and a tunnel) but completely original. This is proof that not only do WE love Rave Racer, the PSP team LOVES RAVE RACER TOO!

The sad part is that those tracks will likely not be in the next console version, which makes it even more painful that this is on a stupid handheld. Dammit duckroll....

 

[duckroll]

The sad part is that those tracks will likely not be in the next console version, which makes it even more painful that this is on a stupid handheld. Dammit duckroll....

The only sad part of this entire tale right now is that you don't have a PSP.

Come on, JOIN THE DARK SIDE! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO BE WITH US! :lol

 

[Amir0x]

The sad part is that those tracks will likely not be in the next console version, which makes it even more painful that this is on a stupid handheld. Dammit duckroll....

If you're such a RR fan and you're so pissed about it - just get the damn handheld. Christ. It's not that difficult. It's not like the game is any less awesome.

 

[isamu]

If you're such a RR fan and you're so pissed about it - just get the damn handheld. Christ. It's not that difficult. It's not like the game is any less awesome.

You are WRONG sir! So you're saying that the game would NOT be more awesome if it was on the PS2 and we were allowed to play it on our big screen TVs with the Driving Force Pro wheel and online play? Namco knows how bad I wanted this on the PS2 and that I'm the resident RR slut here at GAF so they did this on purpose just to spite me!

I gotta GameStop right down the block from me! I could literally just walk down there right now and get a PSP w/RR and it wouldn't even fade my budget. But why buy one when I'm about to get a laptop? Would you get a psp if you could get a killer laptop? Didn't think so.

Besides...the REAL Rave Racer via Viva Nonno>>>>>Ridge Racers

 

[xexex]

Both Rave Racer tracks are in RRs. The difference is that the city track is now set to nighttime. Also the two brand new tracks in RRs are both BASED on the Rave Racer tracks (not to be mistaken for the Rave Racer tracks themselves which are also included as mentioned). So you have TWO city tracks and TWO mountain tracks. 2 of them being updated but completely 1:1 reproductions of the Rave Racer tracks while the other 2 being crazy new versions of the same idea (crazy city highways and awesome backgrounds, and crazy mountain road with tons of winding shit and a tunnel) but completely original. This is proof that not only do WE love Rave Racer, the PSP team LOVES RAVE RACER TOO!

oh man, I just shot my load! thanks to this post, there's white sticky stuff all over my floor, hahaha. just kidding, but really that is awesome awesome awesome. I must have PSP now

but I do agree with Isamu that it is painful not to have this on PS2.

well, all one can do is hope that a true next-generation Ridge Racer is coming for PSP that has hugely updated (but 1:1 reproductions of the layout) versions of the Rave Racer City & Mountain tracks, as well as 'crazy' new renditions, like the PSP has, but completely nextgen.

I always wanted a Rave Racer 2.

hey, slightly off-topic: have you guys ever seen the pre-rendered introduction of HBO - the one with the driving/flying through the countryside, suburbs and into a city ? it used to be on everyday or several times a week, at least when I had HBO last which was like a year ago. anyway, that pre-rendered countryside-suburbs-city is what I would like to see as far as graphics for next-gen driving games, including a PS3 Ridge Racer

 

[duckroll]

isamu: There'll be a Ridge Racer at PS3 launch and you know it. Namco is *the* Playstation launch support crew. Why are you so worried?

xexex: Clean that shit off your flood and wash your hands before getting the PSP. Oh and don't you mean PS2 somewhere in that post? Unless you want another RR on the PSP that is... :lol

I do agree that if it was on a console with racing wheel support and progressive scan, widescreen, blahblahblah it would be BETTER, sure. But at the same time I don't question when an awesome new portable gets an awesome launch game. Tons of things can be BETTER on another system, but with that arguement I gotta wonder why people don't feel that all games should be on the X-Box.

 

[dskillzhtown]

Is there a soundtrack to this game out there? OMG, I am loving the songs.

 

[Bog]

I am the QUINTISSENTIAL RR whore in this forum

Apparently you're not.

 

[SolidSnakex]

Is there a soundtrack to this game out there? OMG, I am loving the songs.

Comes out April 27th.

 

[isamu]

Apparently you're not.

wunna bet?

 

[dark10x]

I would totally prefer a console version as well, isamu, but you've seriously got to play Ridge Racers. Even without the full setup, I KNOW you'd absolutely love this. I couldn't get enough yesterday and can't wait to jump back in. It just f*cking owns!

 

[xexex]

it will be DIFFICULT waiting for a refined PSP itteration, a price drop, better battery life. I cannot really justify purchasing a $320 handheld with a game plus tax. even though I could afford it, I really shouldnt blow the cash. not when it's pretty much a given it will drop in price faster than PS2, since this is new territory for Sony, and they don't command any sort of market dominance yet in this sector.

 

[Mrbob]

How much battery life do you need? I get about 6 and a half hours with Wipeout Pure. HOPEFULLY I can find Ridge Racers tonight and pick it up and I'll test out the battery with it.

 

[xexex]

battery life is actually not my main concern. my main concern is, still the butten thing, which I understand is not totally resolved yet, and other improvements that will probably come with a revision of the hardware. lower price, more games, more applications, better support, etc.

that said, I could easily cave in and just get one on Monday, or any time between now and a new revision.

 

[dark10x]

battery life is actually not my main concern. my main concern is, still the butten thing, which I understand is not totally resolved yet, and other improvements that will probably come with a revision of the hardware. lower price, more games, more applications, better support, etc.

that said, I could easily cave in and just get one on Monday, or any time between now and a new revision.

It's not? My buttons and d-pad feels perfect. In fact, the default gas button in Twisted Metal is the square button...which must be double tapped for a boost. Never had a problem...

 

[WhippinSean]

wunna bet?

Sure, 10 bucks says you're not...

 

[COCKLES]

With tracks from every Ridge Racer game (except V, although perhaps the track(s) from V are unlockable?), the car selection and "feel" of Rage Racer (without a doubt the pinnacle of the series), the music stylings of Rage Racer and RRType 4 combined in one sleek package is just phenomenal. I can't imagine owning a PSP and not owning this game.

I'm in a difficult position. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to play Ridge Racers. But I *DONT* really want to get a PSP - partly because I doubt I'll use it all that much as well as it's fragility and size (already have Archos Gmini 400 for my DIVX on-go fun).

Namco, release it for consoles!

+1 fpr Shadex for the Rage love. Only disappointment in the Soundtrack dept is WTF?! where are the Rage tracks like mathmabeat?!

 

[ourumov]

Isamu do yourself a favour and get a PSP...It's always the same...

I have a feeling of already having seen this....With F-Zero GX, with Outrun 2...But you bought the fucking PGR 2 !!! (even though you ended hamering it into pieces)

 

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

I broke down and went out and bought a PSP this morning along with Ridge Racer and Untold Legends and Ridge Racer is insanely addicting. I've never been the biggest racing fan and it's been awhile since I've played a RR game but this one has made a believer out of me. God I love this game.

Now if I could only find a way to return Untold Legends for something else....

 

[Brandon F]

+1 for Shadex for the Rage love. Only disappointment in the Soundtrack dept is WTF?! where are the Rage tracks like mathmabeat?!

Yes, Rage soundtrack is sorely misrepresented here. The sheer variety is fantastic and aside from a few of the original songs, most of what you hear fits swimmingly, but just 1 Rage track is criminal.

Also a bit disapointed that half of the 24 tracks you race are just reversed versions of the first twelve. I half assumed that a few completely original locales would make an entrance at some point(ar at least more R5 re-appearances), but I suppose not...

 

[Dracos]

Well I'm not a racing game fan and have never gotten into Ridge Racer, but I can't stop playing the one on PSP. I dunno why it's so addicting, but I love it. It controls great. It looks great. It sounds great. I barely touch any other game except Luminies.

 

[Shadax]

+1 fpr Shadex for the Rage love. Only disappointment in the Soundtrack dept is WTF?! where are the Rage tracks like mathmabeat?!

+1 COCKLES for remembering Mathemabeat! :lol And where is the opening tracks' BGM from Rage Racer? That song really got the blood pumping...my old Rage Racer CD was scratched to hell from all the playing it got in my car CD player (remember, it had Red Book audio--a feature sorely missed in today's games!).

 

[dskillzhtown]

Comes out April 27th.

Sweet! Thanks. I will be picking this up.

 

[Pedigree Chum]

Ok, I hesitantly bought this game today. Holy fuck this game fucking ROCKS! Seriously, I haven't even touched TM yet, cause I got a serious itchin for some powerslid'n. Mmmm.

 

[jenov4]

I'm also totally addicted to this game right now. Haven't felt this way about RR since the original's on the PS1.

 

[isamu]

Well I just found out the IRS is witholding my refund check until further notice That would've given me enough to get a PSP, fuckload of games AAAND my laptop.

Now I just have enough for the laptop. It's $4,000 and it's bleeding edge top of the line. I have to have it. I know PSP and RR fucking rocks to kingdom come, but it aint a mobile desktop I can take to work, surf the net and play millions of games on.

Sorry...the PSP will wait juuuust another three weeks or so. Gotta have Doom 3, Half Life II, Trackmania, GTR and my emulators baby!

Plus I still get to play Rage Racer via epsxe and Rave Racer via Viva Nonno to keep me warm and fuzzy until PSP RR.

 

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

Anyone know how many World Tours are in the game? I've gotten to Tour 13 and noticed that the Pro Tour tops out at 23. Is there another circut beyond that?

 

[djtiesto]

Hmm, brother talked to his friend who works at Funco - I hear the game is sold out all over around here... but his friend said the game kicked ass, and played a lot like Outrun 2. I wanna try it but I'm not really too big into racers (futuristic racers like F-Zero or Wipeout being the exception)... hopefully he'll get it, knowing him he will since he'll buy anything that he hears is remotely good even though he makes like 1/10th as much money as I do :lol

 

[isamu]

Thats a good point dskillzhtown

 

[xexex]

Well I just found out the IRS is witholding my refund check until further notice That would've given me enough to get a PSP, fuckload of games AAAND my laptop.

Now I just have enough for the laptop. It's $4,000 and it's bleeding edge top of the line. I have to have it. I know PSP and RR fucking rocks to kingdom come, but it aint a mobile desktop I can take to work, surf the net and play millions of games on.

Sorry...the PSP will wait juuuust another three weeks or so. Gotta have Doom 3, Half Life II, Trackmania, GTR and my emulators baby!

Plus I still get to play Rage Racer via epsxe and Rave Racer via Viva Nonno to keep me warm and fuzzy until PSP RR.

cool, Isamu. what GPU does that laptop have ?

 

[isamu]

I can get it with either a nVidia GeForce 6800 Go or an ATi X800. I'm leaning towards the GeForce 6800 Go, unless there's a reason to get the X800

 

[Mrbob]

Ok I just picked up this game after all the glowing recommendations. My first Ridge Racer to play (Sans the original PSOne version i played ONCE)!!

 

[duckroll]

Anyone know how many World Tours are in the game? I've gotten to Tour 13 and noticed that the Pro Tour tops out at 23. Is there another circut beyond that?

After you clear a few Pro Tours, you unlock the EX Tours. Not sure if they changed anything for the US version, but in the Japanese version you unlock the ending credits FMV when you beat all the normal Pro Tours (I think that's about 18 or so). EX goes up to about 35 I believe (lazy to turn it on and check now) with the last few EX tours unlocking the various opening movies of the previous Ridge games. Pro tours 19-23 are all Special Car races where you either duel a special car one on one to unlock it or for 22-23 use the special cars you have unlocked to do crazy races with only special class cars.

 

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

After you clear a few Pro Tours, you unlock the EX Tours. Not sure if they changed anything for the US version, but in the Japanese version you unlock the ending credits FMV when you beat all the normal Pro Tours (I think that's about 18 or so). EX goes up to about 35 I believe (lazy to turn it on and check now) with the last few EX tours unlocking the various opening movies of the previous Ridge games. Pro tours 19-23 are all Special Car races where you either duel a special car one on one to unlock it or for 22-23 use the special cars you have unlocked to do crazy races with only special class cars.

Thanks!

The Pro Tours have been kicking my butt....I always seem to end up in second place. I can only imagine how I'll do when I unlock the EX Tour.

 

[dskillzhtown]

Comes out April 27th.

Is the soundtrack only available at import shops?

 

[djtiesto]

Alrighty, my brother got this game, and I've played it. I like it, though we both can't agree whether this or Wipeout is better... I'm leaning towards Wipeout a bit more cuz I like the visuals and music a bit better, though Ridge Racer has slightly nicer mechanics. This is the first Ridge Racer I've played since... well some kid I knew bought the PSX and Ridge Racer at US launch back in '95. The drifting is cool though it seems a bit easy to pull off (I'm not really a big racer fan honestly, and I never was very good at those games). My big complaint is that it seems like a lot of the tracks are similar - like, you start out in a downtown, then are driving through a forest, then a tunnel, then the hills, then over a signature bridge. Maybe I just didn't play enough of the game (played 4 or so tracks and they all seemed to follow this pattern). Music is pretty good too, I'm liking that "nightmare" song.

I'll be getting this one before my ferry trip to Connecticut this weekend.

 

[WasabiKing]

Is the soundtrack only available at import shops?

so far, yes... I pre-ordered mine through play-asia, along with the Koei case

 

[isamu]

Is it true that that the PSP WILL NOT let you play your own mp3s off the memory stick while playing Ridge Racers? Why did Namco abandon this feature? This is a common feature on all RR games on the Psx and even on RRV for the PS2. There is no excuse why they didn't allow us to play our own tunes on the PSP while playing RRunch:

 

[Dilbert]

Is it true that that the PSP WILL NOT let you play your own mp3s off the memory stick while playing Ridge Racers? Why did Namco abandon this feature? This is a common feature on all RR games on the Psx and even on RRV for the PS2. There is no excuse why they didn't allow us to play our own tunes on the PSP while playing RRunch:

Are you an engineer on Sony's PSP design team? How do you know that such a capability is even possible?

 

[dskillzhtown]

so far, yes... I pre-ordered mine through play-asia, along with the Koei case

Sweet, I think I am going to do the same.

 

[Lord Error]

Are you an engineer on Sony's PSP design team? How do you know that such a capability is even possible?

It should be possible. Some upcoming games apparently support that feature.

 

[WasabiKing]

It should be possible. Some upcoming games apparently support that feature.

I guess you guys have forgotten that it's a launch title. I'd probably give people much more wiggle room with launch titles than 3rd gen games...

 

[nitewulf]

Ridge Racer PSP: Best Ridge Racer ever?

yes, yes it is.
in fact, its the best racer this gen. tied with outrun 2 for me.

 

[Odnetnin]

Bumping this up cause I now have a PSP. Awesome handheld game. Great Nostalgic Flavour + Awesome PSP visuals.



However,

what is up with the difficulty? You have to GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO LOSE. Its not very challenging so as it stands, not that into this game (play Lumines and WP way more).

To date review:

8.5
(loss of score for difficulty + shonky car model texture - I don't play incar mode).

 

[Wario64]

For people complaining about difficulty, get to the MAX TOURS. QUICKLY

Holy crap it's such bullshit. And Namco knows they made it too difficult cause the text for the cups tell you the odds of winning! :lol '1 in 200', '1 in 5000'


Has anyone beaten Max Tours yet? I have about 3 tours to go and I'm done. Some of the races are taking me up to 3 hours just to beat

 

[dskillzhtown]

For people complaining about difficulty, get to the MAX TOURS. QUICKLY

Holy crap it's such bullshit. And Namco knows they made it too difficult cause the text for the cups tell you the odds of winning! :lol '1 in 200', '1 in 5000'


Has anyone beaten Max Tours yet? I have about 3 tours to go and I'm done. Some of the races are taking me up to 3 hours just to beat

lol, I was just about to post about the latter tours. The first tour makes you think the entire game will be easy. Then you progress in the game and it gets hard very fast.

 

[Odnetnin]

For people complaining about difficulty, get to the MAX TOURS. QUICKLY

Holy crap it's such bullshit. And Namco knows they made it too difficult cause the text for the cups tell you the odds of winning! :lol '1 in 200', '1 in 5000'


Has anyone beaten Max Tours yet? I have about 3 tours to go and I'm done. Some of the races are taking me up to 3 hours just to beat

I'm 2/3rd of the way through Pro and I'm kind of bored with the game cause it lacks challenge. I hate trudging through a series of games before i feel like there's real tension

Comparatively, the aggressive ships in WP makes racing more fun.

 

[dark10x]

I'm 2/3rd of the way through Pro and I'm kind of bored with the game cause it lacks challenge. I hate trudging through a series of games before i feel like there's real tension

Comparatively, the aggressive ships in WP makes racing more fun.

Like Wario said, get to the Max Tours. You'll have your challenge...

Sadly, both WP and RR have a problem with difficulty ramping. Ridge Racer takes far to long to reach its challenging areas while Wipeout Pure becomes annoyingly tough too quickly (the framerate really does not help, as it tends to slow down only in thick combat when you need it the most).

 

[Odnetnin]

Like Wario said, get to the Max Tours. You'll have your challenge...

Sadly, both WP and RR have a problem with difficulty ramping. Ridge Racer takes far to long to reach its challenging areas while Wipeout Pure becomes annoyingly tough too quickly (the framerate really does not help, as it tends to slow down only in thick combat when you need it the most).

:S couple more races then.

I agree with what you said about the slow down in WO though. I'm evaluating the game and comparing it vs FZ the more I play. Its really apple and oranges (personal preference).. FZ doesn't have the futuretech cool/weapon play/brakes that WO but I think its the better racer.

off to find that LUMINES thread. :air kisses mizuguchi

 

[Crazymoogle]

Glad to see people are discovering the challenge of RR PSP. As someone who never lost a race in RRV, it was quite disturbing to run smack into those max tours and realize I need to just race perfectly and then make a prayer. :lol

That being said, difficulty is a bit of an odd duck for me. Too hard and yes, I'll drop the game like yesterday's news. But easy isn't that bad at certain genres. I mentioned how easy RRV was for me, but I've put in more than 2500 miles so far, and still consider it the best in the series for sheer race enjoyment (Rage wins on the money system, though).