Game: Wipeout Pure Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: SCE Studios Liverpool Wireless Multiplayer: Yes Game Sharing: Yes Infrastructure Mode: Yes (internet content only) Requires Memory Stick: Yes

There have been many titles in the Wipeout family over the years, Wipeout XL, Wipeout 2097, Wipeout 64 and the list goes on. If you are not familiar with the game then if you've ever played Extreme G or the Nintendo classic F-Zero on the good 'old SNES you'll have a good idea what this game is all about (If not, then bare with me and I'll attempt to explain shortly).

Almost 10 years ago (feeling my age now!) the sequel to the original Wipeout, "Wipeout XL" released on PS1, combining the appeal of insanely fast racing in a vibrant and immersive landscape, not to mention the equally impressive licenced soundtrack, with the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk and the Prodigy to name but a few. "Wipeout XL" was the standout title in series to date.

So this brings us to the present, with the latest offering in the Wipeout series "Wipeout Pure" for PSP.

I'll get straight into it.

The graphics are beautiful, featuring detailed backdrops complete with stunning animations and an impressive arsenal of weapon effects. There is a beautiful effect of the aptly named "Quake" weapon that ripples the track ahead causing damage to opponents.

Even though the game is fast the landscapes that encase the tracks are stunning and feature futuristic buildings, neon signage, ships, trees, trains, canyons, cities and oceans. My favourites so far, I haven't completed the game yet mind you, is a track that snakes it way through the clouds and another that has a network of tunnels beneath the ocean. Wipeout fans might notice that a few classic tracks have been included with a hefty makeovers.

The ships themselves look good and have nice "booster" lighting effects.

Multiple in-game camera angles provide different aspects that cater for individual tastes but I prefer the third person view if not for the nice view of your ship.

The user interface is slick and the neon white blueprint style is sharp and sexy. Although if you don't like the interface the game even provides custom skins to alter the look and feel, if you feel you need a change from the neon white classic skin. I have heard rumours of a Coca Cola skin on the web (*rolls eyes*) but hey I'd still give it a shot. :)

There is a fantastic intro showcasing the design aspects of one of the ships playing out like an industrial design presentation. Nice.

Don't forget to check out the demo race that loads up when the game has been idle for a while – it's all recorded from a track-side camera perspective and showcases many of the tracks and looks impressive.

The sound on this game is awesome. Even if you're not a fan of pumping techno, dance or electronica (is that a word) these tracks sound great and play a big part in immersing you in this game. Artists include Aphex Twin, LFO, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital) and many others are featured. I personally don't know these guys music but hey it all sounds great!

The sound effects are crisp and clean, whether it is the scream of the boost or the calm voice of the ship's navigation computer indicating that a missile is on its way to blow you to kingdom come.

Not much more to say – I'd say the sound is close to perfect on this one. The music may not appeal to everyone though, perhaps they could have included some heavy rock or metal tracks or maybe having an option to play your own MP3s off memory stick. :)

First up, the game isn't that original nowadays and there are many others like it including F-Zero, Extreme G and the like, so it really doesn't bring that much to the table there, although it does deliver in all other departments.

Essentially you race a range of different ships through innovatively designed tracks with weapons and boosts scattered across the circuit, all the while opponents trying to beat you to the finish. You win races to obtain medals which inturn help to unlock new content.

There are a number of different ships to choose from with varying degrees of specs. My tip is to start out with a slow ship with good handling (or lots of shielding) and you shouldn't get too frustrated early on!

The tracks are well designed and each provides its own unique touch including jumps, tunnels, bridges, hairpins and banked corners. I still haven't unlocked all the tracks yet so am hoping there are more surprises to come (and with the new tracks to download).

The game offers a number of different modes to play in, including Single Race, Tournament, Time Trial, Zone and Freeplay. I won't describe the obvious ones although "Zone" is an opponent-less race mode that effectively allows you to race with progressively increasing speed until you finally blow up! Sounds weird but provides a break if you have OD'ed on the other modes. If you just want to take in the picturesque scenery, the Freeplay mode allows you to do what you want without having to worry about beating someone or getting blasted.

The game offers the ability for game sharing, although I haven't had the chance to test it out yet, so will not speculate on how it plays – although I expect it would work very well! :)

There is the ability to race against a ghost ship that recorded the best time for the circuit ensures that even in single player mode you can still compete against a friend or even yourself.

You can to save your lap times and ghost ships ensures that the replay value in title is high.

Stats. This game provides a bucket load, from total game play time to the number of times your ship has exploded.

The downloadable content sounds awesome and probably is but I have yet to try it out. The only content I could see is the "Gamma Pack" but I have maxed out my 32M stick and like many others saving the pennies for a 1G stick before I can try it out. Also note that the game didn't seem to support my wireless connection with WPA/TKIP only WEP connections which kind of sucks.

Loading times are reasonably good and it doesn't take long to get into the action.

Put simply, although not groundbreaking, this game is addictive and even those people who aren't a fan of futuristic racers (perhaps more V8 supercars?) will have a hard time putting this one down once chalking up their first win.

The game isn't easy to start with. Younger players might find it very tough. I used to be a bit of a gun at F-Zero-X (if I don't say so myself!) and that didn't help much. It does take a fair few laps before the gold rush starts happening, even after this becoming a master of the game is even harder still. Don't forget to press the accelerate button press when you hear "GO!" for the all important boost at the start!

I started with the joystick but moved to the directional pad after concluding that the airbrakes were, in fact, essential to this game and thus made my hands a bit sore (diddums!) but after that it all seemed to work out.

Some people might get a bit frustrated at first with constant slamming into walls, destroying your ships and not getting any podium finishes but you should be able to get the hang of it in around an 0.5 to an 1 hour or so. If not – just remember that throwing your PSP isn't like a PS2 controller anymore… $399 is an expensive projectile.

Stick with it and you will be rewarded!

Early on, a lot of people bought this game for the undocumented browser hack. However for those people that upgraded to 2.0 it still has much to offer. The downloadable content is the big draw card and this feature should breathe more life into the game even after you finally clock it.

The game also has good replay value, with a healthy array of options in your profile that should keep you playing for a long time. This is paramount when some titles cost close to 80 bucks!

The game comes with a trailer of "MediEvil : Resurrection" (different to the one that came in the Demo Disc vol 1), a playable demo (need more of these!!) of "Fired Up" and a demo version of Wipeout to share with other players.

SCEE did a fantastic job with this flagship title for the PSP proving the age old saying "If it ain’t broke don’t fix it", yet at the same time bring it into the new age of handheld gaming by making full use of the PSP platform. The game now boasts wireless gaming and the ability to download new content and some additional bells 'n' whistles like custom skins.

I know that some people just don’t like the whole futuristic racing genre and have asked whether the game is overrated. To those people I say – give it a go then rate it against each of the categories here and see if you can get below 80%. I was questioning my choice of buying this game as my first PSP title but I haven't regretted it at all.

"Wipeout Pure" provides the tried and true formula present in some of the earlier Wipeout titles, slick graphics, slicker soundtrack and great playability. Add to this the ability to download extra tracks, ships, skins and music and this should keep you occupied until you set foot in Liberty City.

Graphics: 9
Sound: 9
Gameplay: 8
Difficulty: 8
Value: 8


Score: 8.4