GameDAILY News Wrap-up:
Don't Overlook This Racer
At A Glance
- Arcade-quality gameplay.
- Insane number of vehicles.
- Online play via Xbox Live®.
- Next-generation visuals.
When it comes to Xbox 360™ racing games, it's easy to lose sight of Ridge Racer 6, because despite its quality it has the unfortunate privilege of being wedged between Project Gotham Racing® 3 and Need for Speed™ Most Wanted, but that doesn't mean it lacks street cred.
Namco's legendary arcade series has defined its genre and this latest sequel is no exception. Just in case you passed this one up last week, here are several reasons why you should head back to the store.
Arcade Quality Gameplay
Aside from adding nitrous to the mix, Namco hasn't altered the tried and true formula of Ridge Racer, so while haters will no doubt find things to complain about (and I think haters are a very limited minority), if you're a fan of this series you'll be very pleased.
Nitro blast!
Not only is Ridge Racer 6 fast-paced, but the insane amounts of drifting that you'll need to do in order to scream around hairpin turns really gets the blood pumping. Because it has a very user-friendly "pick up and play" nature to it, this is the type of game that just melts the hours away.
Insane Amount of Cars and Tracks
There's no denying the variety in this game. There are numerous routes you can take through its World Xplorer mode and Ridge Racer 6 rewards your efforts with lots of new vehicles. The game's like one gigantic puzzle, the kind that you work on for a bit then repeatedly come back to. There's just a tremendous amount of replay value.
Drift through corners at high speeds.
Online Play
Engage in multiplayer battles with up to 13 other people, plus world wide leader boards and a Spectator Mode that lets you watch races without participating and content downloads. Definitely enough to keep you busy for a little while.
The cars look great in hi-def.
Next Generation Visuals
Ridge Racer 6 is no slouch in the graphics department. The cars are super shiny, the tracks are meticulously detailed, and some of the sweet little touches such as confetti and fireworks are just lovely. Definitely run this game on an HDTV and at 720p resolution.
Post-Launch Wrapup
In other news, Xbox 360 is off to a phenomenal start, as its November 22 launch was marked by long lines as well as SOLD OUT signs in store windows. The console is in high demand and thousands of people braved the cold to pick one up. My friend Jay camped from 5:30 P.M. to 9:30 A.M. the following morning, despite freezing New Jersey temperatures and the pouring rain. Luckily for him, he walked away with a Premium Pack and numerous accessories.
Unfortunately, thousands of people walked away empty-handed while others flocked to eBay, where the consoles sold at an upwards of $2,000 plus! Quite insane, but it's just an example of how far people will go to own next-generation technology.
Thankfully, prices have stabilized the past few days, so if you're especially desperate and must own Xbox 360 before your local retailer replenishes their hardware supply, the online markup isn't so bad it breaks your bank account. However, exercise caution when bidding!
Article by Chris Buffa, GameDAILY Senior Editor
