Namco’s Ridge Racer series and Sony’s consoles have shared a symbiotic bond that has endured three generations of hardware. Every time Sony has launched a new console, Namco has been right beside it and delivered the latest title of its acclaimed franchise; this time though, it’s finally outdone itself.

Rather than call Ridge Racer a brand new game, it’s best to describe Namco’s first PSP effort as the ultimate Ridge Racer compilation, albeit one that’s received an incredible visual and sonic overhaul. Ridge Racer fans will have found racing nirvana and even the most casual of gear heads will have to admit it’s the best PSP racer that isn’t called WipeOut Pure.

Although Namco’s new racer features plenty of classic tracks to race on; it still manages to feel refreshingly new. Of course, the astoundingly smooth visuals go some way towards this, but a bigger emphasis is on the introduction of the nitro boost that subtly alters the franchises wellloved drift mechanic. Drifting in previous titles was mostly done for ‘shits and giggles’ and didn’t really affect the way you played. Now though, continued drifting will rapidly fill your three boost bars, which in turn gives you an insanely fast speed boost for a few short seconds. Purists may well look on with disdain at this new addition, but it’s been incredibly well-implemented and will make you push every car you unlock to its absolute limits in order to win races. While the majority of your time will be spent in the massive World Tour Mode, the superb Time Trial and the excellently varied multiplayer modes will ensure that there’s plenty left to do once you’ve unlocked everything; and then there’s the superb aesthetics to drool over...

While it’s slightly beaten by the superior WipeOut Pure, Ridge Racer will still be responsible for shifting a hell of a lot of PSPs (especially when potential customers see the somewhat lacking DS alternative). Ridge Racer may just be an evolution, but its one that’s been created with stunning care and attention. Along with WipeOut Pure it’s an essential PSP purchase, it really is as simple as that.