Long considered the hallmark of each new console generation, the Ridge Racer franchise from Bandai Namco has been largely dormant following the release of its last mainline installment, Ridge Racer Unbounded, in 2012.
Renowned for debuting with the original PlayStation and setting the benchmark for early racing games, Ridge Racer earned its reputation as a must-have launch title and fueled anticipation with each new hardware cycle.
However, in the years since, Bandai Namco has not announced any new entries or even an HD remaster for the beloved arcade classic, aside from broadly stating its openness to licensing older titles to third-party developers. With Bandai Namco’s official silence, fans have expressed ongoing hope for a return of Ridge Racer—either through a new game or polished remaster.
In this void, independent developers have taken it upon themselves to keep the spirit of the series alive.
One notable recent effort comes from DG1Games, who has dedicated significant effort to recreating the iconic PS1 port of Ridge Racer using Media Molecule’s powerful creation suite, Dreams, on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Titled "Ridge Racer Advanced," this project aims not only to faithfully reproduce the classic racing experience but also to expand upon it.
According to DG1Games, "Everything is entirely built from scratch in Dreams.
I included a feature that allows players to switch between graphical styles—ranging from the standard high-resolution look to a pixelated PS1 mode, and even modernized graphics with extra visual enhancements." This level of technical ingenuity offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and modern sensibilities for new players. Despite a few reported quirks with the drifting mechanics, initial reactions from the community suggest that Ridge Racer Advanced offers an impressive homage, maintaining the essence of the original while leveraging the creative flexibility made possible by Dreams on PS5.
DG1Games has announced plans to make the project publicly available in the Dreams ecosystem "very soon," allowing PlayStation 5 and PS4 users to experience this carefully crafted tribute to the Ridge Racer legacy. While Bandai Namco may be taking its time deciding the future of its famed racing series, projects like Ridge Racer Advanced not only highlight the passion and craftsmanship within the community but also keep classic titles alive for a new generation of players.
For users eager to recapture the high-speed thrills and signature style of Ridge Racer, this fan creation underscores the enduring appeal and influence of both the franchise and the creative tools available on the PlayStation platform.
Renowned for debuting with the original PlayStation and setting the benchmark for early racing games, Ridge Racer earned its reputation as a must-have launch title and fueled anticipation with each new hardware cycle.
However, in the years since, Bandai Namco has not announced any new entries or even an HD remaster for the beloved arcade classic, aside from broadly stating its openness to licensing older titles to third-party developers. With Bandai Namco’s official silence, fans have expressed ongoing hope for a return of Ridge Racer—either through a new game or polished remaster.
In this void, independent developers have taken it upon themselves to keep the spirit of the series alive.
One notable recent effort comes from DG1Games, who has dedicated significant effort to recreating the iconic PS1 port of Ridge Racer using Media Molecule’s powerful creation suite, Dreams, on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Titled "Ridge Racer Advanced," this project aims not only to faithfully reproduce the classic racing experience but also to expand upon it.
According to DG1Games, "Everything is entirely built from scratch in Dreams.
I included a feature that allows players to switch between graphical styles—ranging from the standard high-resolution look to a pixelated PS1 mode, and even modernized graphics with extra visual enhancements." This level of technical ingenuity offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and modern sensibilities for new players. Despite a few reported quirks with the drifting mechanics, initial reactions from the community suggest that Ridge Racer Advanced offers an impressive homage, maintaining the essence of the original while leveraging the creative flexibility made possible by Dreams on PS5.
DG1Games has announced plans to make the project publicly available in the Dreams ecosystem "very soon," allowing PlayStation 5 and PS4 users to experience this carefully crafted tribute to the Ridge Racer legacy. While Bandai Namco may be taking its time deciding the future of its famed racing series, projects like Ridge Racer Advanced not only highlight the passion and craftsmanship within the community but also keep classic titles alive for a new generation of players.
For users eager to recapture the high-speed thrills and signature style of Ridge Racer, this fan creation underscores the enduring appeal and influence of both the franchise and the creative tools available on the PlayStation platform.
