Ridge Racer is a want-to-be Burnout, but shows that boost can be used in a more interesting and drifty way...
Graphics: Good, not great, but good. Of course, seeing how this game was out during the PSP launch, the graphics are not too shabby. The cars look good, but not great. I mean, you can a see some sketch-i-ness hear and there, but most of the time the cars look smooth. The backgrounds are just brilliant, exactly what to expect out of a strandard PS2 game or whatnot, on your PSP. Only downside with it, is that approching corners and such in RR can be a bit of a problem, seeing how the arrows aren't too sharp from far away so setting up your drift can be a bit of a hassle and a half. So thats where the graphics are a little off...
Sound: Commentator is annoying, and sounds like a babysitter, the be nice to your neighbor sort of voice. Quite ugly, but the car sounds aren't half bad. Soundtrack, nothing much to say, just basic/average/par/usuall.
Value: Like i already said, 15 bux is definitely worth it, try picking it up at a Target or WalMart sale if your short on cash. Saw a sale the other day for 12 bucks, so basically, get it, you'll have fun with it. Only problem is that its a little on the short side, apart from multiplayer which may keep hardcore fans busy.
Gameplay: Exciting, but not Burnout exciting. Basically it. Its drifting and boosting and passing, basic RR game. I mean, when you boost the sense of speed is not there, you dont loose speed drifting, in fact sometimes gaining speed on even surfaces, and the only realistic aspect of speed is going downhill or uphill when you boost. Boosting is a pain, seeing how you sometimes forget that while boosting, the car is more grounded, making your ability to drift 10 times harder. Unlike other racers...
All in all, Ridge Racer for the PSP is fun. But not all that its cracked up to be, loads are short and time attacks can be fun, and the whole multiplayer aspect will keep users who love the game coming back. As for me, i stick to playing uno player and just kicking the crap out of the PSP AI, which seems to stay the same throughout the game. Have fun with it, and keep racing.