Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ridge Racer DS retains the lightning-fast, drift-heavy racing mechanics that defined its N64 predecessor, Ridge Racer 64, while introducing a wealth of fresh features tailored to the Nintendo DS hardware. The core experience revolves around mastering tight turns, initiating controlled drifts, and timing your boosts to perfection. Veteran players will feel right at home, but newcomers will appreciate the gradual ramp in difficulty as they unlock new cars and tracks.

One of the most talked-about additions is the touch-screen steering control. By placing the stylus or your thumb in the on-screen wheel, you gain a novel way to guide your car through hairpins and straights. This control option is surprisingly precise once you acclimate, offering a tactile sensation that complements the physical DS form factor. Traditional button inputs remain available for purists who prefer the classic D-pad or face-button scheme.

Multiplayer is where Ridge Racer DS truly shines. Utilizing the DS’s Wi-Fi capabilities, up to six racers can duke it out in split-second, high-octane races. Remarkably, only one player needs to own the game to host a session; up to five others can join via Download Play. That said, having multiple cartridges unlocks additional vehicles and customization options, rewarding groups of owners with a richer multiplayer lobby.

Graphics

Visually, Ridge Racer DS is an impressive achievement on the underpowered DS hardware. While it cannot match the polygon count or texture fidelity of home consoles, the game delivers consistently smooth frame rates, even when six cars are sliding across the screen. The environments are colorful and varied, ranging from sun-drenched city streets to neon-lit nightscapes, each track brimming with signature Ridge Racer flair.

Developers have reworked the original tracks from Ridge Racer 64 to improve lighting and add subtle background details like passing traffic and reflective surfaces. The DS’s dual screens allow unobstructed views: the top screen showcases the action while the bottom displays your speedometer, map, and mini-styling wheel. This separation keeps the racing screen uncluttered and immersive.

New music tracks exclusive to the DS version elevate the audio-visual package. While these tunes stay true to the series’ high-energy, techno-infused roots, they infuse fresh rhythms that help the game stand apart from its N64 origins. Combined with crisp sound effects for engine roars and tire squeals, Ridge Racer DS nails the arcade racer aesthetic.

Story

True to its arcade heritage, Ridge Racer DS places minimal emphasis on an overarching narrative. There’s no elaborate plot or character progression, just the promise of adrenaline-pumping races and the pursuit of the perfect drift. This stripped-down approach lets you focus entirely on beating lap times, outmaneuvering opponents, and unlocking new rides.

Vehicle progression serves as the primary “story” driver: as you accumulate wins and complete events, you’ll discover unlockable cars that range from sporty roadsters to quirky Namco- and Nintendo-themed vehicles. Each new purchase feels like a small reward, and experimenting with different car handling characteristics adds depth to the arcade formula.

While some players yearn for a robust career mode, Ridge Racer DS’s pickup-and-play style ensures you can jump into the action instantly. Any narrative minimalism is compensated by well-designed unlock trees and the thrill of multiplayer competition, which organically generates stories of clutch overtakes and last-second victories.

Overall Experience

Ridge Racer DS strikes a fine balance between preserving the classic Ridge Racer identity and leveraging the unique features of the Nintendo DS. Touch-screen steering may be divisive at first glance, but it grows on you as you master its nuances, providing a sense of physical engagement rarely seen on handheld racers. And for those who prefer traditional controls, the choice is never taken away.

The multiplayer component is a major draw, whether you’re challenging friends on the school bus or competing with strangers online. The single-card Download Play option makes impromptu races a breeze, while full-cartridge groups reward dedicated players with more cars and tracks to explore. This flexibility ensures Ridge Racer DS remains fun both in solo drift sessions and in crowded multiplayer lobbies.

In the crowded handheld racing genre, Ridge Racer DS stands out by combining nostalgic track design, fresh music, and tech-savvy DS features into one polished package. If you’re seeking a quick adrenaline fix or a deep drift-skill challenge, this title delivers. It’s a must-have for fans of arcade-style racers and a strong recommendation for DS owners craving high-speed fun on the go.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10