Ridge Racer 7 (PS3)

• Platform:   PLAYSTATION 3
• BBFC Rating:
• Media: Video Game

Create the ultimate ride
The classic drift racing game returns to the PlayStation brand in style and with loads of new customization features. In exterior creation mode, players can select, view, and apply body kits for almost any area of their car. Kits include lowers, lifts, airflow and even major body modification. Once the kits are applied, players can head to the paint and body shop to have their specific paint tone applied as the backdrop for their killer custom decals. If you're ride still isn't hot enough, consider adding some wheels from the wheel shop for that extra bit of style.

If exteriors aren't your thing, then consider fine tuning the handing. Customizable Handling mode allows you to tweak cornering performance by adjusting tire pressure and suspension to your chosen settings. Feel the turns with sport suspension or soften the landings with something more touring oriented. Either way, you can pick just the right feel for your favourite track, rival racer, or experience level.

Nitrous boosts have always been a central part to any racers' strategy, but before Ridge Racer 7 there wasn't any control over the type or amount of gas. Now, you have total control over such minutiae as the number of tanks, charge rate, even total boost limit. If you prefer to have more control over nitrous while racing, consider the new "flex nitrous," which can be turned off or on at the driver's discretion.

Improved cars, improved performance
A wide range of sports cars are available in Ridge Racer, with over 40 to choose from. Including the customization options listed above, each car has over 200,000 variations in terms of control and appearance. Debuting in this title are two impressive sportsters: the Centellee and the Magnifico. The Centellee from Terrazi Motors blasts off the line with a 4000cc V8 engine and has an unbelievable top speed of just over 210 mph. Not to skimp on looks, the body of the Centellee is hand-crafted and recreated perfectly on-screen.

Another other welcome addition to the Ridge Racer family is the Magnifico, known the world round for its unmatched luxurious interior. One of the new generation of light bodied sports cars, the Magnifico can ramp up to 178 mph via a 2000cc 4-cyvlinder inline engine.

On the track, the cars still accelerate and drift in that quintessential Ridge Racer arcade style. Large, sliding turns and short bursts of air are the name of the game as you speed past your opponents in a blur of colour. The track count for this instalment has been pushed to an astonishing 44- more tracks than any previous Ridge Racer title. The variety of locales is truly astounding, as you'll be racing by rushing waterfalls one minute and near the top of a snow-capped peak the next. The track layouts have something for every racing fan and style. Ridge Racer 7 grabs the PlayStation 3's processing power and doesn't let go. Running in 1080p high definition video at 60 frames per second, the courses look lusher, the tracks feel faster, and the cars look gorgeous.

Product Description
The latest instalment of the acclaimed drift racing game returns on PLAYSTATION 3. Key Features: Drift racing at its best: Ridge RacerTM 7 includes a total of 40 machines and 22 exhilarating courses filled with nitrous, fast corners and hairpin turns. With reversed courses, the total grows to 44, the most in the series ever! Customise your ultimate machine: The brand new machine customisation mode gives players the power to create their dream machine with 375,000 possible visual customisations and 7,150 tuning modifications. Any racing style can be brought to life for the most hardcore or casual gamer Race your way to the top: In the new career mode, RIDGE STATE GRAND-PRIX, work yourself up to become the best Ridge Racer. The player will be tested to the limit, building a career from the ground up in over 160 races Online play: In addition to the single player modes, Ridge Racer 7 will produce heated races for up to 14 players (TBC). Racers will be able to bring their customised machine online to prove who the ultimate Ridge Racer is. Online features also include a true global ranking system with downloadable content.

• PC & Video Games > Games > Racing