Ridge Racer 7 (PS3)

**Andy** · 19 Apr 2006, 08:35 PM

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/702/702300p1.html

April 19, 2006 - Not that this wasn't expected or anything, but Namco Bandai Games will be continuing the tradition of Ridge Racer and PlayStation. The latest issue of Famitsu has the scoop on Ridge Racer 7, which is being developed as a banner title for PS3.

Famitsu scored an interview with the main talent behind RR7. Masaya Kobayashi is serving as director, with Hideo Teramoto taking on the role of assistant producer. Serving as sound director is Hiroshi Okubo. These three also worked on the PSP and Xbox 360 RR games.

Kobayasha, while not directly confirming a release at the PS3's launch in November, stated that the development staff's goal is to, as quickly as possible, convey to players the concept behind the PS3 hardware. Teramoto personally believes this concept to be "machine power," exemplified by the PS3's ability to deliver movie-quality visuals and sound.

As another concept for the PS3, Teramoto mentioned the system's network connectivity, hinting that Sony has indeed gotten its Online act in gear for the PS3.

The three developers didn't get too specific about what we can expect from RR7. Teramoto stated that thanks to the PS3's power, even with improved graphics, the system has juice to spare, which will be used for effects to help deliver a better feeling of speed and arcade-thrills. Teramoto let slip that the game will use Nitros, a system that was recently featured in the PSP and Xbox 360 games. Okubo addressed the game's sound component briefly by revealing that the game will support 5.1 sound.

Online support seems like it will exceed that of Ridge Racer 6. Namco is aiming for support up to 14 players Online at once. This is the same number as that of RR6, but Kobayashi believes that adding more players would be unnecessary. The team is planning on new Online play options that take the game beyond mere competitive play, with Teramoto revealing that something akin to cooperative play will make it into the game.

Players will be able to customize their cars and show them off Online, Kobayashi added. The game will have a massive set of options, with what appears to be at least 200,000 car possibilities.

Ridge Racer 7 will have a strong Offline component as well, of course. The main mode of play will offer more than 160 races. In addition, Namco is working time attack and single race modes into the title.

And, the biggest news of all! Reiko Nagase is back as spokesgirl! Famitsu hints that the world's easiest race queen will have a slightly older look this time around.

Finishing off Famitsu's early glimpse at Ridge Racer 7, Kobayashi promised a title that would make PS3 owners glad that they purcahsed the system.

Ridge Racer 7 will make an appearance at E3 in a couple of weeks. While it's unclear if the title will be playable, we can at the very least expect a first look via a trailer clip called Ridge Racer Vision 2010.

Can't really tell from the shots on the page, but it, well, looks like it might look awesome.

**Giga Power** · 19 Apr 2006, 08:37 PM

For some reason I'm still not too interested in the PS3 yet.

**Andy** · 19 Apr 2006, 08:37 PM

Yeah me either. PS3 sucks.

**Gooch** · 19 Apr 2006, 09:04 PM

Fucking hot. I was expecting a suped up port of RR6 instead. As much as I enjoyed the PSP and 360 RR's, please get rid of nitro. Seeing as the same team is doing 7, it looks like it's staying.

**James** · 19 Apr 2006, 09:20 PM

I just got done RR6 a few months ago, and though it was kind of fun it wasn't that special. I'm sure the PS3 will be host to many a game requiring my attention, but I'm still waiting to hear about it.

James