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"Wipeout HD"

2/14/09

It's fair to say that I am a fan of the "Wipeout" series of games; I have played every version released on the PlayStation and PS2, and a few months ago, a version of the game that was released on the PSP was updated for the PS3 with hi-def graphics and sound...enter the Justin!!

Here's what I can say about this series now--been there, done that.  "Wipeout HD" is a capable game, with stunning graphics and in-game sound effects.  But, that's really where the game gets old fast.  There's only 8 tracks.  In a world where racing games like "Gran Turismo" has 30 tracks (each with a reverse option), 8 tracks with reverse options is a bit of a drag.  There are a dozen vehicles, but the only thing to unlock on each ship is a different skin, which is a letdown of some significance.  Races fall into the same problem that old "Wipeout" games suffered--no matter how great you are, you never really take the lead on the other cars until the last lap.  The computer AI is still stunningly effective the first two or three laps, and then it's like they forget how to fly their ships!

You have campaign options, single race options or online capabilities; it seems like there are never more than about five games going on at a time online, a bit of a bummer.  The campaign difficulty near the end was so steep that I eventually decided I no longer cared to see what the game's ending was; even on novice, "Wipeout HD" will give you a run for your money.

But, for $20, this wasn't awful, and I got ten or so hours out of it, so I can't really complain.  I just wish the series was moving forwards, not back, so count this in the long line of PS3 disappointments.

Rating:  Rental

 

Feedback?  Comments?  Salma Hayek's digits?  justin@bellviewmovies.com

 

Bellview Rating System:

"Opening Weekend":  Buy this game right away, and don't ask me any questions as to why that's a good move.  A game experience that will almost guarantee repeated controller abuse, lots of ManScreaming and high resale value, you will assuredly play this bad boy for months on end. 

"$40":  Usually after games have been out for a while, they drop in price slightly, or can be bought for slightly cheaper in combination with other new games.  Usually, that's about $40.  You'll feel good getting the game for this price, since it isn't quite run-out-and-get-it-right-now good, but it has enough game in the box for a few weeks' worth of enjoyment.

"eBay":  This game is not too bad, but you'd be better off buying it used from either half.com or eBay.  You also might let a friend buy this game, let s/he beat it, and then try to buy it from them to make them feel better.  Yes, this does tend to feel like "Sloppy Seconds."

"Rental":  Like my cousin Ron, you should always rent games that you aren't sure about first, to make sure that your $50 is going towards something worthwhile.  For games in this category, this is the maximum amount of money ($5) and/or time (3-5 days) you'll need to either gain satisfaction from the game, or beat the game in its entirety.  Rental-rated games are also sometimes perfect for a weekend when you are going to be at home on your ass, with some time to kill.

"Dogshit":  Games like this should have never been released.  If you play this game for any reason, you will regret every second of the experience.  Further, if you can get this game for free, don't do it, because even for FREE, it will still be a negative experience for you!