Hideo Teramoto on Ridge Racer 2

We catch up with the Associate Producer of Ridge Racer 2 on PSP.

Position: Associate Producer (Namco)

Years Working on Ridge Racer: 1998 (RR4) to the present

Why do you think Ridge Racer has worked so well with the PlayStation brand?

I think the nature of the PlayStation brand and the visuals, sounds, fun and exhilarating drift which only Ridge Racer can provide works really well.

Was drift racing on the scene when you first launched?

I was still a student when the first Ridge Racer was launched in the arcades, although I certainly remember playing it and it did feature drift racing.

What have been the key changes to the franchise over the last 13 years?

The centre of the Ridge Racer series has always been exhilarating drift and a real sense of speed. However, I think we made this series richer and more dynamic as the expression of visual and sound evolved.

What do you think are the key ingredients for a successful driving/racing game?

If you think about the real cars, for example, Ferrari, BMW and Nissan GT-R are successful because they offer a unique driving experience. Although the basic idea behind most driving/racing games is the same, I believe Ridge Racer offers an experience unique to the series.

How has the role of drifting within the game changed as the franchise has evolved?

Throughout the series drifting has been the key to the Ridge Racer experience. However, the new drift's role and value has been improved with the nitro feature introduced in Ridge Racer on PSP. The new drift role is now to charge the nitro and let you experience exhilarating acceleration and a sense of speed.

Is Ridge Racer 2 a sequel or evolution?

I think it is evolution. Our development team has used their experience in making the first Ridge Racer title on PSP to work out which features work best on a handheld system and how they can be used to the fullest. For example, Survival and Arcade modes have been added as we feel they work well on PSP.

Have you ever been drifting in real life?

Well, I was going to but real tyres are pretty expensive! I'm also not sure I'm brave enough! I think it's best I stick to drifting in Ridge Racer, to be honest.

Which is your favourite Ridge Racer car?

Bisonte (Assoluto). I love the sharp angles and awesome dynamics.

Is it true that someone has created a real life Ridge Racer car?

It is true. However, I can't mention who made it because of certain circumstances but the car has been displayed at a real motor show in Tokyo. You might have a chance to look at this car in near future. It was very impressive and cool.

What new opportunities will the PlayStation 3 present for forthcoming Ridge Racer titles?

The better expression by high performance processors such as the CELL and RSX will give us a chance to make graphics and sound evolve. The networking system will provide a fun multiplayer mode globally, beyond time differences and countries as PSP Ridge Racer series proved. The controller with motion sensor seems interesting as well. I think all the features of PlayStation 3 will be opportunities for Ridge Racer.