Namco Bandai tested the waters for build-your-own racing with the PlayStation Vita version of Ridge Racer, a game that was sold with a minimal amount of content at a cheaper than average price point and was then supplemented by paid DLC packs. Now the publisher is outright embracing a true free-to-play model with the next Ridge Racer.
Scheduled for digital download release on PC and PS3 later this year, Ridge Racer Driftopia is a free-to-play racer in development at Bugbear Entertainment, the same studio behind Ridge Racer Unbounded. The visual similarities are readily apparent. What’s not so clear yet is how much content will be included in the base game, and how much additional purchases will cost. Players willing to invest in microtransactions will be able to purchase additional cars, experience point boosts, repair kits and booster packs containing special ability cards.
What do you think? Interesting concept? Or is Namco Bandai bastardizing Ridge Racer too much at this point? To me it seems like a quick cash-in attempt to bide time until the next real Ridge Racer is ready. I mean come on, there has to be a new Ridge Racer in development for the launches of the PS4 and next-gen Xbox, because no console launch is complete without a Ridge Racer.
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
