Ridge Racer

Developer: Namco

Ridge Racer on the PlayStation captures Namco’s arcade drifting and high-speed cornering in a compact console package. Players race a handful of tuned cars across sun-baked canyons and neon city circuits, balancing brakes and throttle to slide through corners without losing speed. Modes emphasize time trials, single races and split-screen duels, while an energetic soundtrack and flashy visuals delivered early PS1 wow-factor. The pick-up-and-play controls are approachable but mastering drift lines, overtaking and pitless endurance runs is satisfying and challenging, making it a nostalgic staple for fans of old-school arcade racing.