Ridge Racer is the critically acclaimed racing series by speed kings Namco. First appearing on the original PlayStation, the classic racer has appeared on a number of formats, and is now speeding towards the Nintendo DS – only this time, there's a key difference. You can forget your control pads or your steering wheels, as the new Ridge Racer game on Nintendo's handheld (developed at Nintendo's own NST studio) now has you actually control the car by way of the touch screen, steering with your stylus which makes for an extremely innovative and highly original control system unlike any videogame before it. Early play tests indicated that touch-screen control was as awkward as it sounds on paper – however, Ridge Racer fans will be pleased to hear that Namco have taken time to improve the handling of the cars to such an extent that having the steering wheel literally at your fingertip will soon become second nature.

 

The graphics are smooth, sharp, and yes, they are in full 3D. While you have to admit they don't impress to the degree that Super Mario 64 DS does, it still delivers on the visuals front. Not only that, but we have been promised a silky smooth frame rate and full 3D environments. Speaking of the environments, the game will feature a total of 20 racetracks based on existing Ridge Racer games (so look out for your favourite classic tracks). Namco have also promised plenty of unlockables including Nintendo and Namco related cars – so chances are we could be seeing a Mario or Zelda themed car, maybe? Only time will tell.

The currently available footage suggests that the game stays true to its roots, despite the radical new controls. The game looks very similar to its PS1/N64 incarnations, in both visuals and gameplay. It is the controls, however, that will put this game into a league of its own.

 

As for wireless multiplayer, you'll be glad to hear that Ridge Racer supports up to six players with – wait for it – only one game card, meaning that multiplayer racing won't be a problem if your DS-owning mates don't have the game. Like the single player game, the multiplayer promises to deliver an unparalleled racing experience right into the palms of your hands – so if you're after a racing game for your shiny new Nintendo DS, look out for this little beauty on its release.