Namco Networks launches classic racers

Mobile games and entertainment publisher and developer Namco Networks has announced that two of its classic arcade racing titles are now available for US mobile phone users.

Namco's perennial flagship racing franchise, Ridge Racer, is finally heading to mobile phones, challenging players to tear through urban jungle and beach side streets in a frantic series of races. Multiple cars are available, including several hidden vehicles which players can collect by winning races. Additional tracks and bonus pick-ups are also included, continuing the immense global popularity of the Ridge Racer franchise.

Pole Position was first introduced to US arcades in 1982, and has remained consistently popular both in the arcades and on home consoles and handheld devices. Players must put their foot to the floor, follow the racing line perfectly and ensure there's not a single wrong-turn that could send the car spinning out of control. The mobile version of Pole Position II includes four tracks and a series of qualifying lap times, giving gamers plenty of practice to meet the strict time deadlines and start the Grand Prix in Pole Position.

Scott Rubin, Namco Networks VP of sales and marketing, commented: "For years, racing fans of all ages have been playing the Ridge Racer and Pole Position franchises on virtually all video game platforms. With the same speed, quality graphics and energising sounds found on home consoles, fans can now enjoy burning rubber on their mobile phones."

"Namco Networks has done an extraordinary job of bringing these classic racing titles to mobile phones," added Hugo Reyes, president and founder of Wireless Gaming World. "Ridge Racer's 3D graphics are comparable to its PlayStation counterpart. Just like the arcade original, Pole Position II continues to provide hours - or minutes, depending on your skill - of fast paced race action and even includes the infamous 'Prepare to Qualify' sound effect."

Both titles are available through major carriers in the US, with additional wireless carriers scheduled to be included shortly.

Namco Networks is a subsidiary of recently merged Namco Bandai Holdings, and was established in January 2006. The company leverages Namco's extensive catalogue of arcade and console franchises, re-inventing classic games for a new, wireless market and working with a number of partners to ensure mass-market distribution of its portfolio of games and content.