When we think of WipEout, two key aspects come to mind. Firstly, the nostalgia for the now-defunct British studio Psygnosis (now Sony-owned Studio Liverpool), the creators of the original and a formative influence on our childhoods with classic Amiga 500 games. Secondly, we recall the wear and tear on our PS1 controllers from countless hours spent playing Tekken 2 and, of course, WipEout, on Sony’s debut console in 1995. The speed, the visceral feeling, and the exceptionally cool soundtrack were captivating, inducing a state of almost trance-like focus. WipEout eclipsed its contemporaries in the futuristic racing genre, such as Mega Race on PC and F-Zero on Nintendo 64. Its stylish presentation was unparalleled.
Fast forward over two decades, and we now have the WipEout: Omega Collection, a compilation that includes the original game alongside its sequels, WipEout 2048 (PS Vita) and WipEout HD Fury. On a PS4 Pro, the game offers a visually impressive experience with true 4K resolution, HDR, and a consistent 60fps framerate. The soundtrack features the signature house/techno music from 90s artists like Prodigy and Chemical Brothers, though some may find it slightly dated. Fortunately, the game also supports custom Spotify playlists.
In essence, WipEout is a futuristic racing game where players pilot spacecraft on technologically advanced tracks. These tracks are characterized by high-tech roads, stunning neon-lit buildings, loops, jumps, aggressive opponents, and an array of weaponry. The primary objective is to finish first, and, on certain tracks, to eliminate rival racers along the way. Gameplay is fast-paced, featuring tight turns and narrow track designs. As you progress, the margin for error decreases as the speed intensifies.
The passage of time has had some impact on WipEout. The controls can feel somewhat challenging by modern standards, and the digital directional pad may be preferable to the analog stick (understandable, considering the original PS1’s lack of analog sticks). Some tracks suffer from questionable design and overly narrow sections, increasing the difficulty. Defining the target audience beyond nostalgic fans proves difficult. WipEout lacks the party-game accessibility of Mario Kart, yet its controls are not precise enough to compete with realistic racing simulators such as Project Cars. The result is a stylish, moderately entertaining, but somewhat dated racer that primarily appeals to existing fans.
However, the remake is technically impressive and well-executed. Given that it includes three games in HD for 399 SEK (compared to the typical 600 SEK full price), it is difficult not to recommend the package, especially for PS4 Pro owners or those who enjoyed the original games. The improvements to 2048 on PS4 from its PS Vita iteration are significant. This is a compelling title for showcasing the capabilities of the PS4 Pro. It also inspires a revisit to Retropie and the Amiga classics Shadow of the Beast, Lemmings, Blood Money, and Agony from the legendary Psygnosis.
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