The Link Between Ridge Racer 3D And Mario Kart

A feature in Ridge Racer 3D was inspired by the Mario Kart series. No, not mushroom fueled nitrous, the photo icons. Namco Bandai developed Mario Kart Arcade GP 2, an arcade version, which had Pac-Man and a "Nam-Cam" which took pictures of players before a race started. These race icons are in Ridge Racer 3D and the first feature Masamichi Yamazaki, Director, mentioned when I spoke to him about the game.

Recommended Videos

 

"We got inspiration from Mario Kart GP and an arcade game called Race On," Yamazaki confirmed. "Since the 3DS is equipped with a camera and it is not just an optional peripheral, I thought we could use this to let players take their picture for a racing icon."

 

Since Ridge Racer is nearly synonymous with new hardware launch I asked Yamazaki if he feels there is added pressure being first out of the gate, so to speak. "We always experience pressure and difficulties when we try to release a quality game at [a system] launch. When we achieve the goal we feel an overwhelming sense of self-satisfaction."

 

Flatout developers Bugbear Entertainment are taking the Ridge Racer series in a different direction with Ridge Racer Unbounded. A teaser trailer shows Reiko crashing into other cars. "Ridge Racer has traditionally been a game, which appeals to the mass market due to its simple arcade-like feeling. With Ridge Racer Unbounded, it’s more similar to Need for Speed or Burnout instead of the traditional Ridge Racer," said Yamazaki.

 

"Ridge Racer should be able to try different directions. Even compared to other racing series they have different themes and styles. I believe Ridge Racer can also do this and give players a game with a new direction."


Siliconera is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS Repairs Will Cease Soon in Japan
Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS repairs to cease in Japan
Read Article Reminder: Online Services For 3DS and Wii U Will End in April 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Read Article Nintendo Offers Free Repairs to Users Affected by the Noto Earthquake
Nintendo offers free repairs to Switch 3DS and Wii U affected by Noto Peninsula earthquake
Read Article All the Shin Megami Tensei Games Available in English
Read Article Nintendo Will Discontinue 3DS and Wii U Online Functions in 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Related Content
Read Article Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS Repairs Will Cease Soon in Japan
Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS repairs to cease in Japan
Read Article Reminder: Online Services For 3DS and Wii U Will End in April 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Read Article Nintendo Offers Free Repairs to Users Affected by the Noto Earthquake
Nintendo offers free repairs to Switch 3DS and Wii U affected by Noto Peninsula earthquake
Read Article All the Shin Megami Tensei Games Available in English
Read Article Nintendo Will Discontinue 3DS and Wii U Online Functions in 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Author
Siliconera Staff
Sometimes we'll publish a story as a group. You'll find collaborative stories and some housekeeping announcements under this mysterious Siliconera Staff Writer account.