Simple game play, Good instructions, Child friendly
Disadvantages:
Bad Graphics, Little development, Bad handling, Overpriced
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full review
This review refers to the American version of Ridge Racer DS
***Packaging***
Well it is the same as any other Nintendo DS game. The box is sturdy with the protective cover over the inlay cover. The actual detail on the cover is lacking. It does not have the standard multiplayer compatibility icon. However it does have the equivalent in writing. There are two screenshots of the game on the back of the cover along with the usual legal information and a very short blurb.
The instructions are 26 pages long. All in English. It explains the game play simply and in suitable headings. Also describes some of the environments you can choose and gives some tips on game play. I think it is one of the best instruction booklets I have seen in DS games. (Though I'm really not sure how many people actually read them)
***Game Play***
Personally I was disappointed with the game. There are no great graphics, it is not really all that advanced or further developed as you would expect it to be for a game on a new console. However it is quite simple to get the new cars at the beginning and unlock the new tracks. This does get harder as you progress although no where near impossible. It is only for handheld gaming after all. The variety of cars is good after you have unlocked them, and you can change the colour of them as well which I thought was a nice touch (though not all that original). The handling of each car is different but overall in gameplay they are not easy to control with the buttons. To be honest I think this is just a matter of racing games not being all that suitable for the DS. Controlling the steering wheel with the touch screen was something that I found very difficult, I was playing it on a bus though. Even so it was hard to use the stylus and buttons simultaneously. It does make for interesting game play. It's something different.
***Graphics***
I do wonder if they decided to give the graphics to a monkey to design. They are not well done. I was not happy with them. But you can't have everything (or much at all with this game.)
***Soundtrack***
It's nothing special. In fact it's not even good. All the tracks sound the same and are the typical racing game tracks...nothing memorable.
***Enjoyment***
Despite everything I have said, it is ok for playing in 10-20 minute bursts. There are a few different playing modes. Grand Prix.- racing against 11 computer cars on your choice of track. Car attack - This is where you will race against one other car and if you win you will get the oppositions car unlocked. Time attack- simply just racing against your own time These are all in single player mode. And none really take that long which is what makes it enjoyable. For even more ease of use there is an option of quickrace at the selection screen, you will race against 11 computer cars on a Novice track in an S class car.
***Multiplayer***
I have only once used the multiplayer use. Which only requires one card for up to 6 players. As always it is simple to set up but takes a little while. It was fun for about 5 minutes before it became repetitive (another criticism...a lot of the tracks are the same with just bits added...gets tedious quickly) I was only playing with one other person. Not sure how it handles with more than 2 but it was fine with 2. You won't have much choice in the type of game you play in multiplayer mode...but you only really want to race against the other person anyway.
***Overall***
I wouldn't buy it. Or rather I regret buying it. It certainly isn't worth more than £5 and it will be a while before it gets down to that price. I am reviewing the American version and so hopefully the UK version when released may be different and a bit better. But I really doubt it. It's an easily forgettable game and will only provide a few minutes entertainment, but this can be good at times.
Namco Namco Hometek Inc. 4555 Great America Parkway Suite 201 Santa Clara, CA 95054
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Ridge Racer DS Nintendo DS
Ridge Racer DS is an arcade style racing game that features an innovative Touch Screen
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steering control and wireless multiplayer gaming for up to 6 players with a single Game Card. The game features 20 Grand Prix tracks and a choice of 32 different veh...
