Namco show off New Ridge Racer for PlayStation2

Just as predicted, Namco debuted the first movies and in-game footage of the next evolution in their Ridge Racer series. Temporarily titled New Ridge Racer, Namco's game went public on the company's large-screen to a constantly flowing group of slack-jawed, red-eyed gameheads at the Tokyo Game Show.

Introducing the new game was Namco's now classic Ridge Racer, which helped to show the history of the series. In fact, the PlayStation2 demo movie was preceded by each game in the Ridge Racer series: Ridge Racer, Ridge Racer Revolution, Rage Racer and Ridge Racer Type 4. Each game showed its graphical leap as a demonstration of the evolution in the series, creating a seamless thread linking the old to the new, but also proving that this newest creation definitely outclasses all of its old companions.

The first really recognisable aspect of the new footage is, not surprisingly, Reiko, the 'flag girl', who appears looking as lean and... wholesome as ever. Seconds after she vanishes from sight, four cars power through Namco's perfectly quiet city streets, each looking like the pre-rendered movies on R4. The displayed cuts portrayed two major aspects that'll be extremely strong in this new game - graphics and speed. The collage of footage was a blend of renders and real gameplay, and the difference was practically indistinguishable. The cars moved at incredible speeds without a single hitch in frame rates, and with no pop-up or random glitches. The non-licensed cars also looked wonderfully streamlined and aerodynamic, boasting ultra-modern designs while retaining the vintage Ridge Racer look.

Just as in the past, four cars raced simultaneously. Cars were able to jump from the proper hills and drop-offs, producing a rather flamboyant amount of sparks and fire. The waning moments of the clip showed cars battling head-to-head through tunnels and along winding streets, as the 'player' switched from behind-the-car to a driver's seat perspective, attaining seemingly ridiculous speeds.

Namco officials explained that New Ridge Racer would indeed come to PlayStation2, just as Sony had announced the previous Monday, but that it would not be part of the launch line-up. Namco officially stated that the game is scheduled for a mid to late 2000 release.



Courtesy of IGN.com