Ridge Racer 7

Does Ridge Racer still have what it takes, or is it time to close the garage door permanently? The answer is that Ridge Racer 7 does live up to its hype and races into next generation territory with the ease of a seasoned professional. Game producers continue to evolve the series and turned out a slick-looking game, even by next gen standards. The attention to detail and the almost-picture-perfect cars and tracks makes it feel like you've really stepped into a new frontier of racing.

Ridge Racer 7 is a great, well-rounded game that straddles the line between being challenging and engaging enough for hardcore car enthusiasts to those who are just looking to pick up a controller and do some racing. No real-world vehicles are used but there are 40 completely customizable "machines" that do not disappoint in the looks or power department. The ability to trick out racing machines is a new feature, but Namco steps up to bring out an enormous amount of options from paint styles and colors to vinyls to the all-important tuning parts. There are no tech-type manuals to read before choosing an upgraded part for your vehicle. Everything is streamlined to give you just the facts about what it will do to your sweet machine, letting you get the parts you need and get back to racing.

There are 22 courses (44 with all the courses reversed) to race and plenty of challenges from blasting through straight-aways to perfecting drifting skills around corners and tight hairpin turns. Vehicles can reach speeds of over 150 mph. To stay on top, you have to bring your best game to the track every time. Sony's online network has been upgraded for a better online experience, and Ridge Racer 7 lets you take your hot vehicles online to race up to 14 players. Check out the new co-op modes that include Pair Time Attack, Relay Race and Team Battle so you and your buds can take down all challengers together. Ridge Racer 7 isn't suffering from old age here and enters blasts on to the PS3 ready for some action.