

In an exciting turn of events for retro gaming enthusiasts, Namco's 1994 arcade hit 'Ace Driver' is set for its inaugural home release, sparking nostalgia among gamers worldwide. This iconic racing game, known for its innovative use of texture-mapped polygonal graphics, is a beloved fixture among arcade aficionados, having originally debuted 10 months after the renowned Ridge Racer. However, 'Ace Driver' stands as a unique entry in Namco's racing repertoire, crafted by a different team and distinct from the Ridge Racer lineage, albeit operating on the same System 22 arcade hardware. 'Ace Driver' joins a prestigious list of System 22 games in the Arcade Archives series curated by Hamster Corporation, a company dedicated to preserving and reissuing classic games. Previous System 22 titles re-released include Ridge Racer, Air Combat 22, Aqua Jet, Tokyo Wars, Rave Racer, and Cyber Commando, each renewed for modern platforms to enchant both vintage fans and new players alike. Scheduled for release on the 28th of May, 'Ace Driver' will be available as an Arcade Archives 2 game on next-gen consoles like the Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and as an Arcade Archives game on the original Switch and PS4. This edition brings a blend of classic racing thrills with modern enhancements, offering multiple gaming modes such as Original Mode, High Score Mode, and Caravan Mode. Moreover, Arcade Archives 2 versions will introduce Time Attack Mode and Network Mode, allowing players to compete online and experience the game in a competitive, timed manner. Additional features in these home versions include multiple save slots, a rewind option, and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, which ensures a gameplay experience faithful to the original arcade's challenging dynamics and brisk excitement. As 'Ace Driver' speedily glares onto home consoles, gamers old and new can relish the adrenaline of competitive racing brilliantly adapted for today's gaming landscape.