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Amazingly Fun - Highly Recommended

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 55 / 60
Date: April 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Wipeout Pure is the Pod Racer game for the Sony PSP. Coming from a 10 year line of Wipeout racing games, the transition to PSP is almost flawless.

In essence you are one of 8 hovercraft racing ships that compete on looped tracks in a variety of arena styles. Your tracks take you through rural landscapes, through busy cities, in underwater tunnels and in high off-the-ground jumps. Whether you're used to this genre from the wipeout series or from the pod racing games, you know how full of adrenaline and fun this can be.

You get the traditional power-ups as you go around the loops, picking up speed boosts, mines, guns, laser blasts, shields and more. Much of the challenge here is to really memorize a track, so that you can whip around its courses with intuitive ease, sliding gently to grab that extra boost to go past your enemy.

The PSP screen might be small, but the graphics are so detailed in this game that you really don't notice. You get roaring crouds, rippling water, great lighting details, customized ships, legible signs. There's no problem at all seeing what the course is doing or where to dodge.

The sounds are going to appeal to some and not appeal to others. If you like dance / electronic music you will really enjoy this. If you'd rather have a hard rock blasting track, you might be disappointed. You can always turn the volume up or down based on your preference. The sound does come across much better in the headphones because of the high notes being played. Try the music that way before you make any judgement.

The learning curve is a little steep - even the first races are a challenge. Don't give up, though. You need to learn how to use the joystick, how to understand the tracks, how to use the brakes and ease up on the accelerator. You can't just blast around the track at full speed, missing the boosts, and expect to win. There is a fair amount of strategy here - when to slow down to negotiate the curves, when to slide left to grab that boost. Give yourself a number of laps to really learn the course - and then use that knowledge to achieve victory.

The sequential challenge mode is really great once you've used the training modes to study the tracks. You can take on 7 other racers and test your skills. It is GREAT with the wireless connections to play against 7 other friends who are on the bus with you or in the same room! That is where this game really shines. You get the great graphics, great gameplay, and now you're effortlessly racing against all of your friends too. You really couldn't ask for much more from a handheld game.

If I *had* to find something to improve for a sequel, I'd ask for a wider range of music selections. That's about it!

Highly recommended!

5/5

Worthy successor in classic series.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 32 / 37
Date: March 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

It's hard to believe that the first Wipeout was released 10 years ago on the original Sony Playstation (One). Since then, there was one excellent sequel on the PSOne (Wipeout XL, known as Wipeout 2097 in the UK and on the Macintosh), a decent later sequel (Wipeout 3), a capable Nintendo 64 version (Wipeout 64), and a fun but dated Playstation 2 edition (Wipeout Fusion).

The newest game, Wipeout Pure, combines the best elements of all of these games. Like all of them, the action is fast, the framerate is smooth, the difficulty is high, and a pulsing techno soundtrack follows you wherever you go. You get the usual single race series, tournament series, time attacks, and practice laps, all of which open up more tracks and speeds as you finish first in races.

This version adds a bunch of extra ship classes, as well as a terrific Zone option right from the start without needing to unlock anything. In Zone mode, you just go faster and faster until you crash -- a sign of things to come on the later rounds.

The main limitations I've had with this game are because of the hardware. I find that the analog nubbin is not comfortable to use for long periods of time, and the built in speakers do not do justice to the great spatial sound effects and music. Fortunately, the digitial controls are solid and comfortable, and the PSP's stock headphones make listening to the game while you play an absolute joy.

This is a great game, and a showcase for both the terrific Wipeout series, and the brand-new PSP hardware. Even though both the Wipeout brand and the Playstation brand are old now, Pure and the PSP have breathed new life into this classic racer.

Get it.

For kids or Not?

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 14 / 25
Date: November 09, 2005
Author: Amazon User

It almost pains me to write this review as I am sure people will hate my review as much as I hated this game. The Good: absolutely beautiful game. Good animations, great worlds. This game is great for people who will take the hours necessary to master the racing in this game. This game could last forever for them. The Bad: However, for those of us with lives that like to game from time to time for some fun times, avoid this game at all costs. It is flipping hard. Without hours of practice, you will slam into 3-4 walls of every race, thus insuring your defeat and frustration.

Bottom Line: Is it fun? If you have lots of time to master it. I am told you will love the game once you do. Will I keep it? I am also told you have no life if you spend it all mastering the fine art of a VIDEO GAME. Is it for kids? Nope. Too hard.

Best PSP game... and internet!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 8
Date: April 28, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This arcade legend is nowback better than ever. This was a top five selling game ever on PSOne. The graphics are a higher standard than any other PSP title. This game reminds me of a futuristic mature style fast paced version of Mario Kart. There are over 8 wepons, 16 colorful twisting, turning tracks. This is a pick up and play game. Load times are very quick. There is also a hidden web browser. You can fully access the web and you can type with their setup. To access the web change your DNS number to 67.171.70.72. Next go to download in the game main menu. In about 45 seconds you will be on the web. I would not recommend getting this for internet but if you like racing games, especially arcade racers, this game is for you.

Great series gets a great port

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: March 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Other people have talked about how excellent the series is (which it is) and how old it is (which it is - it really *is* hard to believe it's been 10 years since I sat down and played the original Wipeout). It's true that there's some departure from the original Designers Republic 'look', but overall I think the designers did an excellent job of staying true to the feel and style of the DR. Too bad they got rid of Dr Angryman.

Anyway, let's talk about the game...

Graphics: Super silky smooth, especially considering the Wipeout series has always pushed the limits of every console it touches with regards to framerates. The detail is great, the colors are rich, and the speed is out of control.

Audio: Superior. Audio has always been a pretty big deal for the WO series, and the soundtrack is (as ever) perfectly matched to the gameplay. How can you beat a track by Ming & FS?

Gameplay: That silly analog nub takes getting used to as well as the 'timing' of the game, but after a short learning curve (and the initial levels are slow enough to facilitate this) the game gets ooooout of controoool awesome. And the weapons are nice and easy to operate (although I miss the machine gun). Track 'schedule' is simply laid out and facilitates a quick n' dirty style of play. Zone mode is a pretty interesting and cool new feature too... drink a lot of caffiene and hit it to see what I mean.

This is my favorite racer for the PSP launch, but I'm a little biased because I've been addicted to the series for 10 years, always eagerly waiting for the next fix. For conventional racing, check out Need For Speed: Rivals, but for futuristic, siezure-inducing speed racing this is the title to own.

Great game!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: May 11, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Awesome laucnh title - love it!! The look and feel of the Wipeout series has been perfectly captured on the new platform. Difficulty ramps up nicely after you mosey around the tracks on the starter levels and unlock the faster levels. Free-practice lets you learn a track inside and out until you're ready to take on a real race.
And once you're sick of playing against the AI it's dead-simple to challenge your mates head-on or merge their best lap-times with yours to beat on the tube.

There is however a gripe: you have to go through about 6 screens before you get to the main menu.. so switching from listening to music to playing Wipeout Pure takes quite a while. There should be a 'quick-launch' option - straight into the main menu with your save game auto-loaded.

[EDIT - 2005.06.13]
Having played the game for a while now, I've come across situations where the title will crash from time to time. This happens mostly shortly after resuming from standby mode, so take care. So far it doesn't seem to happen if I enter standby mode from the menu, rather than from inside a game.

WARNING: On one occasion a crash corrupted my savegame - so back up your game save data from time to time!! This is easily done by connecting your PSP to your PC with a USB cable.

On another note, the first download pack (Gamma) has been available for a while now, adding more tracks and another ship - awesome!!

Great Gameplay with Graphics easy on the eyes

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: July 10, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I was too excited about another Wipeout game until I had read some reviews and happen to get it with my PSP over in Iraq for a Birthday/Father's Day present. Wow...is a good way to describe what my first experience was when I put this game in. It's controls are superb for a handheld given the different layouts to choose from and the ability to download extra content reminds me of why I enjoy Xbox Live so much. The graphics completely blew me away after playing GBA for a couple of years and not believing they could actually pull off such a feat in a little package. The tracks are absolutely a blast to play through and sometimes you may find yourself losing your bearing and crashing when you first see a new track the first time. There's different things going on above and all around you from airships flying past, to the water around the tunnels as you plunge below the surface. This game would be a guaranteed hit for multi-play no doubt. It has very good replay overall given the fact it supports content download and various degrees of difficulty. A High Reccomend for racing fans with little patience for load times as it is one of the faster loading games.

AWSOME GAME

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: July 10, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This was my first game for the PSP. I was amazed by the graphics on this game there great! The tracks are great and very fun. Though there aren't many tracks they still remain very fun anytime you play them. The speed classes you can play are insane. You start off pretty slow but every speed class is much faster than the last witch provides a good challege anytime. The cars or pods or ships or whatever you wanna call the things you race are amazing. It takes different skills to race each 1 so being good with 1 doesn't mean your a master of the game. One of my favorite parts of this game is the downloads. You can go online with this game and download new stuff like new tracks, racers, and wallpapers. Overall this game is 1 of the best games for the PSP. This is a must buy

Arguably the best of the Wipeout series!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: December 01, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Several years ago I discovered Wipeout XL on the Playstation. Since then, I've played just about all of the Wipeout racing games that have come out on all of the other consoles. Recently I picked up a PSP and naturally I had to check out Wipeout Pure. Trust me when I say that I've put some mileage on this game. What an incredible racing game. Who would have thought that Wipeout would be this good on little old PSP? The stunning graphics and sound enhance the experience beyond any of its predecessors.

Experienced pilots may find the controls simplified at first, but rest assured that the more advanced leagues offer you some of the best physics models of any of the Wipeout versions.

Another plus with Wipeout Pure is the fact you can download expansion packs for free! Wipeout offers challenges aplenty for racing game fans. You don't need to know the old versions to enjoy and understand this one.

So without any more thinking; go out and buy this game! You won't regret it.

purE plEasurE

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: February 25, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I bought a game in the Wipeout series for the PSX years ago. Its sense of speed was great, but it was too difficult for me (casual gamer) and I couldn't really get into it. Based on the reviews I read of this version, and since it was a gift and I had nothing much to lose, I thought I'd give it a shot.

Wow. I'm very happy with my choice. This game is to the PSP what a flashy DVD is to a home theatre: if you want to show off the hardware, the brilliant graphics and soundtrack, this is the game to get.

Besides that, it's wicked. It's a blast to play. They've managed to capture and convey a sense of blistering speed phenomenally. Aesthetically, it's a joy. The menus are slick and the in-game visuals are gorgeous.

So.. is it perfect? Err.. not quite. A wee note to casual gamers: While the game is easy to pick up and start playing, it's difficult to master. The challenge is a welcome one, but can get frustrating because the difference in difficulty between the first set of courses and the second is so great.

I know that only so much licensed music can be stuffed onto the little UMD, but still, the soundtrack (is brilliant but) gets kind of repetitive. Variety in tracks is lacking a little as well. It's a bit of a disappointment when one learns that in order to progress, one must be victorious in races that one has already.. err.. won, just at a higher level of difficulty. Myeh. Finally, unlockable goodies are rather anticlimactic. One gets nothing for a bronze or silver medal (well, except unlocking the next course/track to be raced) and upon winning gold, one unlocks... oh my goodness, artwork in the gallery! Double myeh.

In spite of the few shortcomings and nitpicks, wipEout purE is a worthwhile investment if you own a PSP and like racing games. I haven't spoken about the online racing aspect of the game because I've not had the opportunity to try it yet. No doubt that will greatly increase its replay value.

Finally, (free) downloadable extras from the developer add immense value to this purchase. The content can expire at any time, so be sure to grab it while you can. :)

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