Much of how much you like or dislike this game is going to come down to how much you enjoy that idea. If you're the kind of person who plays "regular" racing games all the time and enjoy that straight blast of speed, you might be frustrated in trying to get your car to drift properly. It might go against what you want to do, and you just won't enjoy the play.Also, the game isn't meant to be a realistic racing sim. You can easily ping-pong off of the side barriers and walls and other cars. They simply nudge you back into line to keep going. So if part of your skill is in talented avoidance of other cars, or perhaps scaring them into easing off, that won't work here.
So, that being said, Ridge Racer 7 is quite good at what it does offer. For that fun action-movie style of racing where you're skidding with squealing tires around a curve, knocking your opponent off-line and then nitro-zipping to victory, you'll have it made. The cars' traits are customizeable. You can even change how they look. You've got a selection of tracks to work with as part of the single-player game, and then you can take it online to challenge other top notch racers.
Yes, the game isn't easy. You'll have to practice a fair amount to get deep into the game. I don't consider that a bad thing. It lets you build up the skill set necessary to win and it keeps you interested in moving forward.
I wasn't personally fond of the music, but they do have an option to turn it off. So I simply did that and played my own MP3s while I raced. Not really a bit issue.
So, in the end, well recommended for someone who enjoys this type of racing. If you're not sure it will match up with your racing style, rent it - but be sure to play it for a solid weekend at least before you give up on it. It'll be tricky at first. Hang in there and give it a solid test, to build up your skills, before you decide if it's for you or not.
Rating: 8/10
I purchased this game with my own funds in order to do this review.
Buy Ridge Racer 7 from Amazon.com
