Toronto Thumbs

REVIEW
WipEout HD

So although I’d like to, and really its why I’m here at Toronto Thumbs, I can’t really describe how much WipEout HD blew me away when I first loaded it up.  Thanks to Sony’s no size limit approach to downloadable titles, the hefty download that is SCE Studio Liverpool’s latest addition to the WipEout family is simply one of the most beautiful looking titles I’ve seen on a console to date.  Bundle that sexiness with some fantastic gameplay, pumping soundtrack, and a locked in 60fps (frames per second for those non-techies out there) all for the low low price of $19.99, and you have one of the best deals available in the world of gaming period.

So I like my racing games.  I like my racing games even better when they’re set in the distant future, I’m piloting some crazy-ass looking space cars, and those space cars come armed with weapons of mass destruction.  Hence, it’s no surprise that the WipEout series has appealed to me as can be seen in our past review of the PSP iteration here.  With no real story to speak of, players can just right in to the main campaign, select the team they want to represent on the track and “git-er-dun” so to speak.

One of the things I immediately noticed about the game is just how freakin’ sweet EVERYTHING looks.  From the pre-race wait at the starting line to the checkered flag, the game is just a testament to both the developer’s talent and the power of the PS3.  Ships and environments alike are beautifully detailed, and the sense of speed the game is able to create is simply awesome.  As I mentioned, the game runs at a locked-in 60fps, meaning that the framerate never dips despite all the madness that ensues on screen.  I tend not to focus too much on the technical aspect of things in my reviews, but I really wanted to turn the spotlight on that fact as WipEout manages this feat while running in 1080p (shout-out to all my tech heads!).  For the rest of you, you just need to understand that its games that look like this that you bought your PS3 for.

WipEout HD isn’t just a looker, as it pleases the ears as much as the visuals please the eyes.  As is the norm for the series (and almost anything set in the future) the soundtrack consists of mostly hard-hitting beat riddled tracks.  I will say that though the soundtrack fits the theme, it could be considered one of the weaker points of the experience as one track is often indistinguishable from the next.  Fortunately, custom soundtracks are supported, so gamers can race though the stunning locals listening to whatever they please.

Controlling your craft through said stunning locales is simply spot-on, and a hell of a lot of fun.  Newcomers to the series (AKA. Newbs) may particularly enjoy the newly introduced feature which essentially does everything in it’s power to keep you from bumping into walls during many of the twists and turns found during a race.  Not to worry though, as even with this assist feature turned on, players will find tremendous challenge in completing the races, time trials, and zone runs offered by the campaign.  With trophies now in full effect, treasure hunters will find new challenges waiting if they wish to obtain these newly coveted pieces of PSN virtual hardware.  Still want more?  How about a slick and stable online mode to show off those newly acquired anti-crash skills you’ve just honed.

The 8 player mutiplayer is in a word: great.  Easy to get into, difficult to not get your ass kicked in, the online area is an entirely different challenge for players to take on.  After a few gold medals in the campaign I thought I would try my hand at the multiplayer races, knock around a few heads, and leave with some 1st place finishes under my belt…  Well as much as I’d like to tell you that’s exactly what happened, you’ll be disappointed to hear I was barely staying out of last place.  My serious lack of skill and bruised ego aside, I have no complaints whatsoever with my online experience.  No noticeable lag to be found, quick access to races and tournaments, and what seems to be an easy-going online community await anyone ready to head into the online realm.

There is a lot to love about WipEout HD.  Forget that the game is simply gorgeous, that the gameplay is fast, furious, and super-responsive both online and off.  Focus solely on the fact that this is one seriously fun experience with a lot to offer and costs less than a greatest hits title.  With all this going for it, there is absolutely no reason for any PS3 owner not to have WipEout HD on their PS3’s hard drive.

Posted in PlayStation 3, Reviews |