Classic arcade racing is making a triumphant return with the announcement of Arcade Archives 2 and Ridge Racer, slated for release on June 5th, 2025 – the very same day the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hits store shelves!
Originally released by NAMCO (now Bandai Namco Entertainment) in 1993, Ridge Racer captivated audiences with its groundbreaking 3D CG system, “System 22,” delivering an immersive virtual reality experience. Now, this iconic title is being faithfully recreated as the inaugural entry in the brand new Arcade Archives 2 series.
Ridge Racer in your hands
Fans of the original will be able to dive into four classic game modes: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced difficulty levels, plus the intense one-on-one Time Trial (T.T.) mode where you race against a rival to achieve the fastest lap. For the purists out there, a special DX version with support for an H-shifter and clutch will also be included, promising an even more authentic arcade feel.
Arcade Archives 2 builds upon the foundation of the original Arcade Archives, launched in May 2014 with the goal of preserving classic arcade experiences. This new iteration boasts a completely redesigned user interface and exciting new features.
While the familiar “ORIGINAL MODE,” “HIGH SCORE MODE,” and “CARAVAN MODE” will be present, Arcade Archives 2 introduces the new “TIME ATTACK MODE.” This mode shifts the focus to speedrunning, challenging players to defeat the final boss in the shortest possible time, regardless of their score. Unfortunately, as Ridge Racer is a single-player experience, the planned “NETWORK MODE” for the Arcade Archives 2 series will not be implemented in this title.
Quality of ride
However, the improvements don’t stop there. Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer significantly enhances functionality with the addition of multiple save slots (a welcome upgrade from the single slot of the past), a convenient rewind feature to help players recover from mistakes, and a quick start option for instant action. Furthermore, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support has been integrated, promising an even more accurate and smooth reproduction of the original arcade game’s visual experience.
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Want to relive the thrill of the arcade with Ridge Racer on Arcade Archives 2? Learn more on the Arcade Archives website.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
This writer contributes retro gaming news to the site.
