Review: WipEout Pure (PSP)

Wipeout Pure is a game of high impact. Whether it's the first time anyone sees the game in motion, or bouncing off the barriers at regular intervals during races, it's undeniable that this is the flagship PSP title. Therefore it is disappointing that it also manages to encapsulate everything that is wrong with PSP software and the series itself.

For veterans of the series (or those who have experienced one of its several releases), Wipeout Pure is familiar territory. There are a wide range of options bundled into the game. The main mode is Tournament where you will overcome a field of competitors to win the racing league and progress to another competition. To reach the dizzy heights of the Ascension tournament certainly does take extreme reflexes and persistence, but the history of the series is one of a high difficulty curve. Progression is rewarded through medals (in Olympic style) with a total of eighteen golds on offer, and moving through leagues opens up additional craft and classes; in other words a typical Wipeout formula.

To experience the essential thrill of Wipeout, Gamestyle suggests dispensing with the rush hour feel of tournaments, and the unfair AI of opponents. Instead there are other modes (most notably Zone) where the tracks are diced into zones (and as you past through each of these) your speed increases. This mode really shows off the power of the engine, which consistently manages to up the ante until you simply cannot take anymore; although the difficulty is enhanced by the washed-out colour scheme utilised on the Zone tracks. The Time Trial mode allows you to compete against the best times available and save ghosts for a later date. Freeplay allows you to enjoy the track without any distractions of opponents or fastest times. The default single race mode is also included for a quick thrill against opponents, and not forgetting the multiplayer option.

Despite all of this there is nothing here to attract newcomers to the series. The PSP edition brings nothing essential or original to the series that many of us already own for a home console, and tired of long ago. Wipeout has been a critical roller coaster of a series, with many games proving disappointing. The sensitive control, aggressive opponents and unforgiving tracks are never to everyone's liking. The control in the PSP version is debatable as it utilises either the analogue stick or the D-Pad for movement. The smooth motion of the stick does not help the control of the craft, as initially it seems too responsive. Practice does improve matters, but the D-Pad still retains that faithful air of quality. Neither option is helped by the position of the air brakes (the shoulder buttons), which assist in steering around corners.

It is here that the PSP layout feels cramped and uncomfortable, as your thumb takes up joint stiffening angles. Prolonged play for this reviewer was not recommended unless the airbrakes were ignored completely – defeating the purpose of actually playing the game. Visually, Wipeout Pure is extraordinary, and is the technical demo for the system. In fact there is little criticism we can actually offer in terms of graphics. The tracks are wonderfully detailed, with the typical futuristic style that makes the Wipeout experience. In fact things are so dazzling, that at times your concentration can divert from the track. In retrospect it is advisable to keep the sightseeing to the Freeplay mode, where you can fully appreciate the environments wrapped around the track. Another vital element of the Wipeout formula is the musical accompaniment that blends into the futuristic setting.

In total there are nineteen such tracks ranging from artists such as Aphex Twin to Photek or LFO that enhance the experience. One of the main issues with the series is the varying design and basic oversights, and it appears in this version once again. Even the mere rub of a wall results in a dramatic loss of speed, and often the end of a race. Things are even worse in the third person viewpoint where judging movement is difficult – in reality first person is the only viable option. Factors such as these relegate Wipeout Pure in terms of being enjoyable, and thus becoming a portable version for the real diehard fans of the series. Gamestyle is also disappointed by the threadbare numbers of skins (to customise the screens) and craft.

This is partially redeemed by the inclusion of a download option, which the developer will utilise, and deliver some much-needed extras. Reaching the end of Wipeout Pure is certainly a challenge, but once the higher ground has been breached (without PSP owning friends) there is little reason to return to the game.

Rating: 7 / 10

Words by Jason Julier