Ridge Racer 2 (PSP)

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Ridge Racer 2

Developer(s)	Namco
Publisher(s)	Namco Bandai Group
Release date(s)	Ridge Racers 2 September 14, 2006 Ridge Racer 2 October 13, 2006 TBA Worldwide Q4 2006
Genre(s)	Racing game
Mode(s)	Single player, multiplayer (1-8)
Rating(s)	CERO: All ages PEGI: 3+
Platform(s)	PlayStation Portable
Media	UMD
System requirements	Memory Stick Duo (for game saves)

Ridge Racer 2 is an arcade-style racing game developed by Namco for the PlayStation Portable handheld console. Originally published as Ridge Racers 2, it is the sequel to the PSP launch title Ridge Racers and was released in Japan on September 14, 2006. The name was changed to the singular Ridge Racer 2 for its October 13, 2006 European release. A U.S. release date has yet to be announced, but this game was released worldwide on Q4 2006.

The game can be considered more of an update than a sequel to the original PSP title - it shares the same game engine, user interace and game design as the previous title, and includes almost all of the elements, cars, and tracks of its predecessor.

The game features a total of 42 tracks (21 unique tracks and the same 21 tracks reversed) - two tracks from Ridge Racer (these tracks also appeared in Ridge Racer V), three tracks from Ridge Racer Revolution, four tracks from Rage Racer, eight tracks from R4: Ridge Racer Type 4, and four tracks from Rave Racer. Every track from every Playstation Ridge Racer game is included as part of this package. The game also features a total of 62 fictional cars, including 4 Special Class cars. As you win races, you unlock faster cars.

The four 'Special Class' cars from the previous game have been changed for this release: the Kamata Angelus (White Angel) car is now a more traditional supercar design, similar in appearance to the Angel car from Ridge Racer Revolution, and no longer powered by jet engines; the Soldat Crinale (Devil) car appears similar to its previous incarnation; the Pac-Man car has changed to appear more like a miniture aircraft in design, and is no longer powered by propellers; and the New Rally-X car has been replaced by the Danver Hijack.

The nitrous system from the previous game is also included, and works in the same manner as before. As the player drift through the corners, a nitrous gauge fills up. When the player fills up one of the three nitrous stocks, a button is pressed to use one of the stocks for a temporary speed boost. The nitrous stocks cannot be charged while a stock is in use: however, the residual speed when the nitrous expires can be used in the corners to charge at a faster rate than normal.