Ridge Racer V Gets a Native PC and Steam Deck Recompilation With Widescreen Support and Improved Graphics

Open-source recompilation project Fukami brings Namco's PS2 launch classic Ridge Racer V to PC, Mac, and Steam Deck with 60fps widescreen and 8x internal rendering.

The increasingly fascinating world of native game recompilation has produced another substantial project. Developer danisandoval has introduced Fukami, an open-source adaptation of Namco's PlayStation 2 launch title Ridge Racer V for modern computers. The project received fresh coverage on October 14 and supports Windows, Apple Silicon Macs and Linux-based Steam Deck systems. Rather than simply running the original game through a conventional PlayStation 2 emulator, Fukami translates the game's MIPS machine code ahead of time into C++ and compiles it into a native application. A compatibility layer handles important PlayStation 2 hardware behaviour, including graphics and audio components derived from PCSX2. The result can offer enhancements while retaining the original game's timing and logic. Supported improvements include progressive 60fps output, internal resolutions up to eight times the original, genuine widescreen rendering, improved texture filtering, longer draw distances and optional increases to vehicle detail. Controller support, rumble functionality and memory-card-compatible saving are also included. The developer makes clear that Fukami does not contain copyrighted game data. Players must provide their own properly obtained copy of the American Ridge Racer V release. The project currently supports that specific version only, and several minor technical issues remain documented. Performance on Steam Deck can temporarily fall below the target frame rate during particularly demanding sections. Nevertheless, this is an important demonstration of how static recompilation can extend the life of console games without requiring their original hardware. Ridge Racer V was an impressive showcase for the PlayStation 2 in 2000. More than a quarter-century later, its cars are preparing to race on platforms Namco's original developers could scarcely have imagined.