Ridge Racer Unbounded
a game by | Bugbear Entertainment |
Platforms: | XBox 360, Playstation 3 (2012) |
Editor Rating: | 7/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 9.0/10 - 2 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Racing Games, Ridge Racer Games |
Remember this one? This series an iconic racing institution that really paved the way for just about every other game within the genre and while bigger racing franchises steal the limelight, it’s safe to say that if this series were to enter our lives again in a big way, no self respecting gamer would turn it away. Well, back in 2012, that is exactly what happened and if you keep up with what is in vogue within the racing community, you’ll know that this franchise remains miles behind the rest of the pack. Even with the release of Ridge Racer Unbounded.
This game would play like older games within the Ridge Racer series, as well as other similar racing titles such as Gran Turismo, WipeOut, Burnout, Need For Speed and Forza. This game was supposed to be a comeback for the series. However, was this a return to form or has this series been left in the dust for good this time? We find out in our review of Ridge Racer Unbounded.
Unbound Yet Restricted
Let’s begin with the visuals here. Obviously anything that the series produced here was going to be more sharp than anything they produced over ten years before. However, when compared to other games produced in this era such as Burnout: Paradise or Gran Turismo 5, you have to say that it pales in comparison. The game tries to market itself as competition to the NFS series, complete with chases, car wrecks and more, not to mention a very similar art style with lots of motion blur. However, it always plays off as a shoody impression and never really finds its own personality. Kind of like what happened to Grid.
The gameplay is good though and feels like a modern interpretation of classic RR racing. You have the ability to drift endlessly while inexplicablely travelling in a straight line. You have access to a series of race types, tracks and vehicles that are based on real world assets and you have destructive tracks that offer more shortcuts to utilize, like, you know, Need for Speed. What we are saying is it’s far from original but for what it is, it isn’t bad.
Then with regards to story, the game does try and offer a campaign of sorts with a underground racing gang that you’ll have to impress with your skills. It’s very much Tokyo Drift meets, you guessed it, Need For Speed. However, it never gets off the ground as the game is primarily an arcade racer.
The Verdict
Overall, Ridge Racer Unbounded is a game that plays like a series that has been out of action for a decade. It offers some of the classic gimmicks the series is known for which is appreciated. However, far too much is borrowed from other big hitters within the genre and as a result.
The game was only ever going to be a run of the mill racer. Its a shame really but the best you can call this game is average.
Pros
- Classic mechanics remain
- Plenty of tracks, cars and race types
- Nice arcade feel
Cons
- Lacklustre campaign
- Very little original ideas
Download Ridge Racer Unbounded
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP