Namco's Top Racing Franchise "Ridge Racer(TM)" Drifts One Step Closer To PSP(TM) Handheld System
Launch Title for the PSP Handheld System Goes Gold
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (March 1, 2005) - Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that the latest installment in its drift racing franchise, "Ridge RacerTM," has gone gold for the PSPTM handheld entertainment system. "Ridge Racer" will offer gamers signature "Ridge Racer" drift handling at breakneck speeds and be available in stores at the PSP handheld system's launch.
"Namco has created a game that takes full advantage of the new platform's wireless connectivity capabilities and offers gamers new to this genre a unique and exciting gaming experience," said Nobuhiro Kasahara, president and CEO of Namco Hometek Inc. "'Ridge Racer' not only capitalizes on the amazing wireless connectivity of the PSP handheld system, but also is a fun game that racing fans have continued to enjoy over the years."
The latest installment of "Ridge Racer" features stunning 3D graphics, smooth analog steering and robust course selections comprised of new tracks and classic courses from the "Ridge Racer" series. For the most serious speed demons who have mastered all 39 standard tours within the game, the U.S. version features a new MAX Tour in World Tour Mode, with seven ferociously difficult tours to conquer. "Ridge Racer's" Wireless Battle permits players to battle it out head-to-head in eight-player races, while an all-new nitrous boosting system allows for faster racing than ever before.
"Ridge Racer" will be available at the launch of the PSP handheld system on March 24th. For more information, please visit: www.namco.com.
About Namco Hometek Inc.
Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games publisher for next generation game consoles. Namco has created some of the industry's greatest video game franchises: "Tekken®," "SOULCALIBUR®," "Dead to Rights®," "Pac-Man WorldTM," "Ridge Racer®," "Time Crisis®" and "ACECOMBATTM." For more information about Namco and its products log onto www.namco.com.
"TEKKEN®," "SOULCALIBUR®," "PAC-MAN WORLDTM," "Ridge Racer®," "Time Crisis®" and "ACECOMBATTM" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Namco Limited in the United States and/or other countries.
"Dead to RightsTM" is a trademark or registered trademark of Namco Hometek Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
"RIDGE RACER" TM & (C)2004 NAMCO LTD., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Contacts:
Kit Ellis
Kohnke Communications
(415) 777-4000
- or -
Kristin Calcagno
Namco Hometek Inc.
(408) 235-2132