Whenever a new console is released, a racing game is inevitably in the launch lineup. Usually these games are showcases for the system's graphical abilities, using hyper-realistic graphics to "sell" the feeling of really being in the car.While the DS also launched with racing games like Ridge Racer DS, it can't, and shouldn't, rely on hyper-realistic graphics. Without state-of-the-art graphics, and with no possibility of a steering wheel attachment, a handheld racing game can't provide the same immersive experience as its console equivalent, and therefore must get by purely on the strength of its racing engine. The "fun factor," as GamePro would say, is the only consideration.
With a few new racing games on the way, it seems like a good time to ask: do you play handheld racing games? Obviously we're not talking about kart racing here, since we get that question answered every Thursday.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-01-2007 @ 10:54AM
Alex said...
no. never.
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9-01-2007 @ 11:41AM
stickmanfc73_ said...
Only on my PSP.
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9-01-2007 @ 12:18PM
k0sm0s said...
im hoping ONE day i can get my fix of racing on a ds.. my broken down psp used to provide me with excellent racing on the train everyday.. i want adrenaline inducing racing on my ds.. mario kart just isn't that type.. i actually enjoy ridge racer ds.. until i realise u do not have to care about turning at all (i mean, i'm drifting perfectly even though i turned my car 360 degrees ON PURPOSE)
come on i do not need hyper realistic graphics.. i dont care, a daytona is enough to suffice.. I WANT A GOOD RACER ON THE DS!!!
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9-01-2007 @ 12:47PM
Steve said...
Need for Speed Carbon.
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9-01-2007 @ 4:42PM
Foodie_Monster said...
Asphalt: Urban GT 2 isn't too bad. It's a step in the right direction as to what a racing game should be in an underpowered system like the DS, but it's not "it". I'd suggest anyone who likes racing games and has a DS to at least rent it and see what you think.
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9-01-2007 @ 4:54PM
Mr Khan said...
Racing just isn't my forte, period, only the "party-racing game" Mario Kart, and (out of something more legitimate) Micro Machines and F-Zero every got my attention. But i don't judge between handhelds and home consoles at all, really.
too bad they don't really do the old top-down Micro Machines racers much anymore
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9-01-2007 @ 6:01PM
Talon said...
I love racing, so I made the mistake of preordering GT Pro Series for the Wii at launch. Ive been hoping for a quality sim racer like Forza, GT, or Pro Race Driver (which is coming to DS!) to come to the Wii, and I hope that they make more like Indianapolis Legends. However, the article I read on Indy said that the build that they played didn't have sound, but that the finished product was coming out in a few weeks. This really makes me fear for the production values of this game, and it bothers me that the success of this game will help to determine the viability of the genre on the Wii. Personally, I prefer the more realistic racers to something more arcadey, because I love a racing game that I can really sink my teeth into. I hope that in any future sims, the developers take their time and polish the game thoroughly, because overall feel can make or break a racing game.
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9-01-2007 @ 8:35PM
Kefka said...
I've never been a big fan of racing games, but if the DS could handle a port of Daytona like k0sm0s suggested, I'd be happy as a clam.
4 player would be awesome, even if local play only...
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9-02-2007 @ 4:53AM
jafar said...
RACING GEARS 2 FOR THE DS will be the racing game i buy. Top down micro machines style racing.
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9-02-2007 @ 9:11AM
stickmanfc73_ said...
Idea!
To the folks who mentioned Daytona. Oh the DS could so handle that game and much more maybe even online!
And to top it off here are some cool "DS only" ideas that could sell the game. Maybe.
-Design your own 'virtual' tracks with the touch screen.
-Design your own decals and paint schemes for your car.
Modes I'd like to see.
-Arcade - USA and World Tour versions
-Career (where you unlock cars n' things)
-Challenge
-8 player local and 4 player wi-fi.
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9-02-2007 @ 10:21AM
ackers said...
I'm a big racing fan and mostly enjoy the fast, furious type games. Games such as Burnout and Extreme G (which Throwback are making a new one of). Actually I just got Forza Motorsport 2 for Xbox 360 which is not really my ideal racer as it is too slow to start with, with too much going on, like Gran Turismo.
I think the handheld is quite well-suited for racers as they are quick and easy to pick up and play. Ridge Racer DS and Mario Kart DS for instance.
There is a new racer coming to DS I'm surprised hasn't been mentioned - Race Driver: Create and Race is coming out this week (I think)! Well at least in the UK it is. You basically design your own tracks using the stylus and then allow your mates to race you on them via WFC and Download Play.
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9-02-2007 @ 2:21PM
DjFIL said...
I love racing games. It's my main genre I play on my Xbox 360 (got the smokin' hot 360 wheel). I don't play huge amounts of racing on my portables... but I'm really excited about Race Driver: Create & Race. I love the idea of being able to create my own tracks and then drive them. It'll be great.
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