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Review: WipEout HD

Sep. 30 10:25 PM by Terry Terrones

Sometimes a game is released and it forces everyone to look at the elephant in the downloadable arcade room and ask - Is this game really worth X amount of dollars? Which in turn leads to the question - Should the price of a game effect its review score? Of course it should. It's a matter of value. If Halo 3 was being sold for $200, you wouldn't buy it (unless it came with a life size replica of an energy sword). But if you saw Halo 3 for sale for $5 at a yard sale you'd buy it, even if you already own it.

When it comes to buying a game, and particularly downloadable games because their prices vary so greatly, you are forced to decide if its worth it to fork over that extra five or ten bucks. In some cases, like Braid or Penny Arcade Adventures, buying a higher priced downloadable game is a no brainer. As for others? Well that brings us to WipEout HD on the PS3. Since its release its received a number of high scores, but I refuse to drink the Wipeout kool-aid. WipEout HD is a fun and stunning game, but its essentially a pig with lipstick (no, this is not a Sarah Palin reference so the McCain camp should stay off my back). Very pretty lipstick to be sure, not the cheap kind you get at the dollar store, but a pig in lipstick just the same.

The Wipeout series has been around since 1995 and has been a longtime PlayStation staple. Set in a future Moby only dreams about (groove to the non-stop techno) the game features futuristic hover racers that speed along a track, picking up weapons and hitting speed boosts. Its like podracing with weapons. WipEout HD keeps to its longstanding tradition but with many tweaks including a deep single player mode, smooth multiplayer with up to 8 other gamers, and the chance to play music from your hard drive in-game. Taking photos of racing action, trophy support and pilot assist are also welcome additions, but most impressive is HD's new and improved look. This might be the best looking game on the PS3. WipEout HD has had a Ty Pennington sized makeover and is absolutely stunning in 1080p, running beautifully at 60fps.

The problem with WipEout HD is not in what it offers but the feeling that weve seen it all before, because we have. The soundtrack, single player mode, tracks and ships in HD are all from two previously released PSP games - Wipeout Pure and Pulse. Sure there is plenty of detail added to this latest iteration, but its essentially a very good looking PSN version of titles Wipeout fans have already played with no additional gameplay offerings. The game also has other issues. The multiplayer is bare bones with only two modes, like most racing games it can get repetitive, and the single-player is so tough only a masochist can complete it.

Despite some flaws WipEout HD is an enjoyable, eye-popping title. But its $20 price point for content that's 1-3 years old takes some of the fun out of it.

Pros: Visually stunning, smooth running multiplayer, longtime WipEout fans will love it

Cons: Feels like a glorified PSP game, limited multiplayer modes, redonkulously challenging single player, people still listen to techno?

Sound: 3.0
Controls: 4.0
Graphics: 4.75
Fun Factor: 3.75

The Info: Platform: PS3, Publisher: SCEA, Developer: SCEA, ESRB: E10+, Players: 1-2 (Up to 8 online), Price: $20