Wipeout 2048 Review

Prequel to Predecessor

For fans of its predecessors Wipeout Pure and Wipeout 2093, the next stage in the evolution of this game is Wipeout 2048, (bizarrely moving less far forward in time – the game has been designed as a prequel to the earlier version) has retained the essence of the antigravity race feel of the prior versions, but built in a host of extra’s in terms of tracks, machines and weaponry to build on the unique feel established in the Wipeout series of racing without wheels.

Spellbinding Locations

Given the format that the game operates, a race against opponents and the clock through a series of mesmerizing tracks in spellbinding locations, it is difficult to reformat the game on any console in a way which would make it uniquely different or better. And for fans of the series, any dramatic change in concept would ruin what is possibly the most fun you can have on a racecourse outside of Mario Cart. The principal is the same, but here the speed is electrifying and, if you get the right weapon at the right time you can wipe your opponents out completely.

Amazing Soundtrack

The soundtrack too, which was a key engaging feature of its predecessors, has retained a similar style with adjustments to better suit current music trends and genres. This includes some awesome remixed versions of tracks that have been present on previous versions and some equally pulsating new additions. As usual you can select the music you want to race to and choose from options which include, The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die (Liam H re-amped Mix), DJ Fresh ft. Sian Evans- Louder (Drum Sound & Baseline Smith Mix) or the ultimate wipeout classic, Future Sound of London – We Have Explosive (2011 rebuild) WipEout Mix.

Tilt Feature

The most noticeable new feature is the optional tilt function which allows players to use a lean on the console into the many g-force defying bends and hairpins on the various tracks in the game. This feature takes some time to adapt to but as a gamer; building a new skill into the repertoire is always a welcome challenge. For the must win races, dropping back into the analog controls for air braking into the bends gave that narrow margin of edge for beating the clock and setting record times. As fun as the tilt is to use, the regular controls are a necessity because new feature just doesn’t work too well.

Multiplayer

Another new(ish) feature to this version of the game is the online and multiplayer mode. Although online play was a feature of 2093, this version is better. In 2093 the online multiplayer was glitchy and crashes were frustratingly more likely to be a feature of the connections rather than in the actual races themselves. In 2048 this whole process is smoother and performs at a much higher level on the PSVita platform than it ever did on PSP. For Wipeout 2048, PSVita is also multi-platform enabled so that you can play via the Playstation Network (that is if Anonymous hasn’t been up to any of their scurrilous revolutionary nonsense!) against opponents on their PS3’s who will no doubt be sitting in their favorite gaming chair and enjoying an eye-popping experience viewing the stunning new track graphics from a 42”HD perspective.

Wider Tracks for Better Gameplay

As with earlier versions the tracks graduate from relatively simplistic at the outset to ones that you really must be on your toes to work out, and even when you have managed to complete the circuit, remembering where to move and when can sometimes be a serious mental juggling act. Particularly when you are trying to fend off attacks, and destroy opponents machines. Overall the tracks in this version feel easier to navigate and are generally roomier.

Lead Designer, Karl Jones, explains, “We found our tracks were wider, which meant the player could worry less about fighting against the track, and worry more about battling against their opponents.” Ultimately this game is all about the race and for the Wipeout community, as much fun as it is to race against opponents and win, beating the clock is the ultimate goal and within Wipeout 2048 on the wider tracks and with a greater spread of speedups, navigating a leaderboard topping time can be obtained via a number of intriguing pathways. On this point Jones elaborates, “We then layered in the tricky but optional ‘Skill-cuts’ for the more skilled players who wanted to shave fractions of a second off their lap times to improve their all important Leaderboard positions.”

***

Overall this game is fun to play and beautiful to look at, a triumph of good teamwork between programmer and designer. The music is brilliant (so long as you like that sort of thing) and the gameplay can be very rewarding, if you are good enough.

About the Author

Staff

•  

More articles by Staff »

• Related:
•  
• PS Vita

Vita Outsells 3DS in Japan, Strong Sales Continue

It’s official that as far as sales go for the career of the devices themselves, the Vita has officially passed up the 3DS in sales. There are that many people starting to realize “hey, technology can do stuff and it’s pretty cool”. I will never understand why it took this long to be honest with [...]

Read More...

PS Vita: no price cut for America, Sony Confirms

The new Vita is just about here and Sony has confirmed that there will be no price drop for America since the Japanese version has already been released. Something that I don’t understand is why do they really think that that many people care. It’s going to be the same exact games and playstyle that [...]

Read More...

New Watchdogs Trailer is Amazing

Watchdogs was the huge title that was shown a while ago but due to “complications” the game was stored away for a while and now it’s being viewed all over YouTube and the gaming sites as available for the PlayStation 4. We all knew this was going to happen and of course, we hope that [...]

Read More...