bit-tech Shopping: Sony Wipeout Pure (PSP)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 7

Strengths: Excellent production values. Plenty of downloadable content update packs.

Weaknesses: Floaty control.

Summary: Being that you ARE racing hover cars of sorts, you should expect inertia to play a large role on the handling of your vehicle. For the most part, you will get used to controlling your vehicle as the game eases you along towards higher speeds. The game only ships with a handful of tracks but it works in its favor, as by the time you win your way towards the lightning-speed ranks you'll have memorized how to conquer the tracks. Fortunately the game is being continually updated with freely downloadble content packs containing new vehicles and skins as well as new tracks. In fact, the tracks from the original Playstation version are all downloable now. Graphics are very crisp, menus and levels are very stylized. The techno soundtrack lends to the futuristic motif of the game. Sony seems intent on making sure you keep revisiting the game by always releasing new content packs. You'll definately get more than your money's worth with this game.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Nice graphics, challenging game

Weaknesses: Not that entertaining

Summary: Overall this is a nicely designed game with good graphics and vehicle response. I bought it at the launch of the PSP because it seemed like one of the better PSP titles that were available. After playing it for a while, it really just seems like another racing game where the key to winning is being the person not to crash last. The controls respond well and the physics feel right for the game. If you are an avid racing game fan, this may be a good one for you but by now you've probably got better choices on the PSP. If you're not, I would let this one pass by.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 5 Months

Strengths: Great Graphics, Ad Hoc Play

Weaknesses: Hard to control

Summary: Wipeout Pure is one of 2 racing games released at launch for the PSP. Personally, I think I would of rather purchased Ridge Racer. I find the ships extremely hard to control, and I have been practicing with them for quite sometime. It gets to the point of frustration, where the game just doesnt seem fun anymore. The great graphics can only get this game so far. 8 Players can play together, which is another neat feature, but its still not enough for me to recommend this game.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: *Graphics are amongst the best on the PSP system* - *Downloadable content available to enhance gameplay* -Wicked Fun*

Weaknesses: *Adds nothing new to previous iterations of the game*

Summary: Wipeout is a staple of Sony's systems - from Playstation 1, 2, and now Portable. Wipeout is always a good game - no doubt about that. Graphics are always updating and looking prettier, but the gameplay itself has not seen as big a jump. But as people say 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Wipeout is still a great racing game. It has a steep learning curve so you do need some racing skills to prosper in this game. Practice does make perfect here. It is worth the time however.PSP has a few racing games available, and I would pick this one over the lot.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Great graphics, nice sense of speed, downloadable content, online multiplayer

Weaknesses: Can get repetitive

Summary: Wipeout Pure is an excellent portable futuristic racer that really shows off the graphical power of the PSP. The sense of speed in this game is excellent, although it does seem somewhat slower than its console counterparts. The controls are implemented well, but the ships can sometimes feel floaty around turns. There are a nice assortment of power-ups to collect as you race including various missiles, mines, shields, and even auto-pilot. The load times aren't terrible and the races are somewhat short which makes it perfect for people on the go. The tracks are all somewhat similar, but the game allows you to download additional tracks through any wireless internet connection. There are an addequate amount of ships available to choose from and you will probably just find one that handles the way you like and never choose any of the other craft. My only issue with this game is that it can start to get repetitive after a while because a lot of the tracks do look similar. Overall though, this is an excellent futuristic racer and I highly recommend checking it out.