Game: Ridge Racer Slipstream

Riiiiiiiiiiiidge Racer!With two decades and a ton of releases under its belt, Ridge Racer is one of the golden standards in the realm of arcade racing games, and Ridge Racer Slipstream is no different. The latest installment in the series brings what you would expect from the folks at Namco Bandai with regards to the series, including lovely graphics, tight controls, a catchy soundtrack, and of course, appearances by Reiko Nagase, the Ridge Racer racing queen herself. The premise is simple, and as old as time itself: Take control of one of a number of top-of-the-line automotive vehicles and gun it down the track as quickly as possible, outracing the competition and crossing the finish line either first, or with the best time. Of course, you'll need more than just the ability to drop a lead foot down on the gas to win; as with many an arcade-style racing game, drifting around sharp turns and tight corners is essential. Plus, when the chips are down, you might still be able to call upon the surge of speed provided by a nitro-charged turbo boost.One key element, though, is the one from which this particular iteration takes its name: The slipstream. Trailing behind an opponent and using their speed to boost your own is a key mechanic this time out, complete with an assortment of several "perks" dedicated to either maximizing your slipstream potential, or shutting down that of your opponents.