Ridge Racer 3D

by Namco

• 3D Graphics: Dirt will fly through the screen on rough terrain; Nitrous flames will burst out of tail pipes in a brilliant show of the game's particle effects
• New Machines: Highly powered muscle machines join the traditional lineup
• All New Drift Mechanic: Enjoy the thrill of drift racing with ease using the new Drift Button; Attack and drift through tight corners without losing speed and position
• Breathtaking Environments and Courses: Drift through exciting and vibrant courses; Brand new canyons and snow-capped mountain courses as well as other favorite courses from the past
• Play with Friends: Up to 4 player high impact, competitive races using Nintendo 3DS Local Play; Choose use a registered Mii, tag, or your very own photo during a race and know exactly who you're racing against

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002I0JLPU
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches ; 2.4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: March 22, 2011
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,977 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #7 in Video Games > Nintendo 3DS > Games > Racing
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The popular racing series, Ridge Racer®, is back... AND IN 3D! View larger.

Drift into victory with high octane 3D racing battles!
The Ridge Racer® series returns to set the racing world on fire with brand new features, breathtaking stereoscopic 3D visuals, a wider variety of machines, new environments, expanded customization and updated drift mechanics. Ridge Racer® 3D will be the hottest racing game on the Nintendo 3DS.
Drift through hairpin turns at blistering speeds to edge out the rest of the pack with powerful drift-tuned cars. Using the stereoscopic 3D power of the Nintendo 3DS, players will be able to experience a level of intimacy with the on-screen races like never before. Players can now accurately judge the distance between them and the competition with 3D depth of field for some of the most intense arcade racing available.

Key Game Features

• 3D Graphics:
  • Dirt will fly through the screen on rough terrain
  • Nitrous flames will burst out of tail pipes in a brilliant show of the game's particle effects
• New Machines:
  • Highly powered muscle machines join the traditional lineup
• All New Drift Mechanic:
  • Enjoy the thrill of drift racing with ease using the new Drift Button
  • Attack and drift through tight corners without losing speed and position
• Breathtaking Environments and Courses:
  • Drift through exciting and vibrant courses
  • Brand new canyons and snow-capped mountain courses as well as other favorite courses from the past
• Play with Friends:
  • Up to 4 player high impact, competitive races using Nintendo 3DS Local Play
  • Choose use a registered Mii, tag, or your very own photo during a race and know exactly who you’re racing against
  • Playing with friends has never been more heated and fun
• StreetPass Compatible:
  • Swap Ghost Data with other players through StreetPass
  • Create your personal “My Ranking” profile by swapping course records with your friends

Additional Screenshots:

Play with up to 4 of your friends for fun, competitive racing! View larger.

Drive through fresh new scenery or past favorite courses! View larger.

Add some flair to your style with the new drift mechanic! View larger.

3D effects bring a whole new element to your racing experience! View larger.

Product Description

Drift into victory with high octane 3D racing battles! The Ridge Racer series returns to set the racing world on fire with brand new features, breathtaking stereoscopic 3D visuals, a wider variety of machines, new environments, expanded customization and updated drift mechanics. Ridge Racer 3D will be the hottest racing game on the Nintendo 3DS. Drift through hairpin turns at blistering speeds to edge out the rest of the pack with powerful drift-tuned cars. Using the stereoscopic 3D power of the Nintendo 3DS, players will be able to experience a level of intimacy with the on-screen races like never before. Players can now accurately judge the distance between them and the competition with 3D depth of field for some of the most intense arcade racing available.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A decent arcade style racer March 29, 2011

By Jaelus

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

While racing is one of my favorite genres, I had never played a Ridge Racer title before this one. I had the Asphalt DSiWare download and enjoyed it, and had been debating whether or not to go with this title or Asphalt for 3DS. I ultimately chose Ridge Racer after careful consideration, and do not regret it.

This is an arcade style racer, meaning it's designed to keep you moving along without much care for realism. You cannot crash in this game, and there is no body damage. You cannot ditch other cars on the side of the road. Hitting a wall only causes you (or your opponent) to bounce off, but it does slow you down. In that respect, it is different than Asphalt, but it is also a more serious arcade style racer, with no gimmicks. It's all about speed.

The races are designed around the drifting mechanic, and mastery of this concept is essential to not only make the turns successfully but to build nitrous. You win points during races depending on your finishing position, and these points can be saved up to unlock new cars or to buy power ups that can be used during a specific race.

There is no performance or body tweaking mechanic in this game. As you progress, you unlock the ability to buy new cars or pre-tweaked upgrade versions of cars you already have. You also unlock nitrous kits for cars you already have, which is the one performance modification you can make to your cars. Nitrous kits can change the amount of nitrous stored, speed and/or mechanism for building nitrous, and the behavior of how nitrous is used. These nitrous kits can be purchased with points, just like the new cars and upgraded cars can. While you cannot change the body type of a given car, you can change the decal patterns on the car, as well as the body colors (extensive options)....

The scenery graphics are very good, but not great. The truth is though, you don't notice this at all while you're driving. It's better to have speed than graphics detail anyway, and that's where the game shines. The races are very smooth and fast, and the 3D depth really enhances the feel. You can turn the slider all the way up and see the road at a great distance.

The touch screen is used to display your position as well as the relative position of your nearest opponent. You can tap the bottom area of the touch screen to change the camera, but unfortunately there are only two camera positions. Third person slightly behind and above the car, and first person. I would have also liked a hood view, but unfortunately it is not available. In some regards, swapping camera positions can be useful, since the 3D really lets you position and maneuver your car well versus opponent cars in third person view. This is not as useful as it could be though, since you can't really damage or significantly harm your opponents in this game.

They added a ton of modes and races to the game, so the replayability and value is excellent. The music during the races is also great, and there are a lot of tracks to choose from. There is a voiceover during the game that tells you a lot of useful things like when your nitrous is ready to use, when an opponent is slipstreaming you, etc.. but also tells you a lot of completely useless things that can get annoying. At least the voice is very clear and understandable.

Overall, the game is a solid but somewhat simplistic racer that still has lots to offer if you're a racing fan. While the graphics and gameplay aren't going to blow you away, the 3D definitely will. Read more ›

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Asphalt 3D or Ridge Racer? Can't Lose Either Way! April 3, 2011

By Rick Moore

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

I bought Asphalt 3D first and I am happy with it. Then I bought Ridge Racer 3D and I am happy with that as well. I think they're both excellent racing games and you really can't go wrong with either one. Ridge Racer's graphics are a little more fluid and the cars handle a bit more realistically than the ones in Asphalt 3D in my opinion. The thing I like about Asphalt 3D over Ridge Racer is that you can do take downs and there is oncoming traffic unlike in RR where everyone is going the same direction. Also, Asphalt 3D has a pursuit mode where you run from the law which is always fun. BUT the thing I like about Ridge Racer over Asphalt 3D is the slipstreaming, the drifting, and the graphics are a tad less choppy looking. (Don't let that scare you. The choppiness is very minimal anyway.) The car handling in Ridge Racer to me seems a little more realistic than it does in Asphalt 3D. So, bottom line: If you want a great straight forward Racing game, get Ridge Racer 3D. If it's vengeance and aggression you want in a racing game, get Asphalt 3D. Graphically, the image in Ridge Racer seems a little less grainy-looking than in Asphalt 3D to me. As another reviewer mentioned, the opening animation in Ridge Racer is very cool...a little flirty. :) If I had to choose one of these over the other....h-m-m.....I think Ridge Racer would win. I like that there are more tracks available in the beginning.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars decent racing game for 3D showcase March 29, 2011

By Sheep

Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

I actually wanted to give it a 3.5 stars. But I'll let it slip to 4 stars.
I'm somewhat familiar with Ridge Racer, I'm not a fan of racing game, but I did play 3 of the franchise.

Graphic:
I have to say I'm a bit disappointed, it didn't do 3DS' hardware justice. What I heard is that this is a port from iPad/iPhone. To be honest I hope namco put a bit more mind to it. Not that graphic is everything, but for a next gen handheld I think it can do better. At least some dynamic lighting can help. The reflection on the car is pix-elated and choppy.
3D effect:
That being said, the 3D effect look awesome. And this is where it redeem itself from the outdated graphic. You actually feel the depth of the road. The spark flying out, and the solid car model. When the 3D is on, it adds on to the intensity of the game play, and the outdated graphic seems less important anymore cuz I was so drawn into the game.

Sound:
Pretty standard, sound tracks are nice. I personally find the commenter's voice annoying, it sounds like robot trying to be excited, and one line repeating after another just doesn't work for me. I like when there's VO telling me nitros are ready, or which lap is it. But I find other VO annoying.

Gameplay:
Again pretty standard, Grand Prix, Time attack, free play etc. Frame rate is smooth and nice even with 3D turned on. Control is nice and don't have much problem with it. There are only 2 camera options for the car, I wish there are more.

on personal note. The opening animation is in 3D, it's exciting for me to see it cuz it gives a glimpse of what 3D movie is going to be like. The animation is short though, way too short.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous game if you're a fan of the old Ridge Racers March 30, 2011

By G.K.

Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

Exceptional use of 3D, controls great with the circle pad, great music (use headphones), and all the classic tracks. Tons of content (I'm about 10% through the grand prix after 3 hours of play). Brilliant!