In the past, handheld platforms have lacked in the area of racing titles; coincidently with the release of the revolutionary PSP by Sony, racing titles will not be forgotten. Three racing titles are PSP launch titles and each title gives a unique style to the gamer. Wipeout’s racing style is fast paced, smooth and exciting. Sony’s previous platforms were not strangers to both Ridge Racer and Wipeout, so why should the PSP be any different. Both titles date back to the Playstation but Wipeout fell out of sight after a poor performance on the Playstation 2. Wipeout Pure is an instant classic for the PSP system and continues in the tradition of Sony’s software production. Gamers can expect to be impressed not only through graphics and sound but also by gameplay and replay value.

Features:

• Graphically smooth for the high speed racing
  
• Modes include:
  Single Player: Single Race, Tournament, Time Trial, Free Play, Zone play
  Multiplayer (Up to 8): Single Race, Tournament, Time Trial, Online gameplay
  
• Downloadable content
  
• Unlockable tracks
  
• Stat tracking

Gameplay
The hardest requirement for a racer to fill is its ability to create a natural feel for the gamer. From the first race that I ran through, I knew this game was going to have me keep coming back for more because of how natural the controls feel. The “X” accelerates, “R” and “L” brake right and left, weapon use can be used by “Square” and absorbed for energy with “Circle”. Controlling the direction of the racer can be done in two ways, the directional pad or the PSP joystick. The directional pad needs less tapping than the joystick and each offers a different feel to the game.

The racers can use weapons against your competition and can also be absorbed to boost your energy and shields; once your shields are gone and your racer has taken too much damage, you’ll end the race then and there.

As you advance through the races, the difficulty increases as well as the number of tracks to complete the circuit. Thought the racing is straight forward, the true replay runs in competition with friends and online. The Wi-Fi technology allows gamers to play wirelessly in an 8 player sprint for the gold. The profile that is created and saved not only saves time records as well as statistics including winning percentage and trophies won.

Visuals
From the opening cinematic scene, to the end of a race, your need for incredible graphics will be satisfied with Wipeout Pure. The models and textures that Sony created can’t be matched in this genre and create an antigravity world similar to X-treme G Racing. The racer models are lacking in originality and after at a first glance, all of the racers seem the same. The model’s color is different from each racer and in gameplay; the models still seem beautiful however lack some detail.



One of the features in the game is weapons. The explosions of rockets and the shield graphics are impressive but the models of the racers never show any signs of damage after taking a hit. The racers also do not show damage from a crash, and that can be improved upon for the next title. The menu screens are impressive as well as creating an easily navigable menu; everything is laid out and very self explanatory.

Audio
Racing games often receive a soundtrack that is substandard and repetitive. With the style of high speed, fast paced techno music only seems appropriate. While in a race, the music seems natural and necessary. When a racer scrapes or crashes against a wall, there are sounds to compliment. The engine sounds are present in the racers but could be expanded. As you pass your competition, you can hear the roar of their engine and the passing Whoosh sound. The sound accomplishes its job and complements the racing quite nicely.

Closing Comments
As we look at the launch titles for Sony’s PSP, Wipeout Pure clearly stands out as a superior title for racers on the PSP. Wipeout Pure is an arcade style racer that creates an addicting atmosphere that doesn’t seem as an arcade style racer. This title doesn’t promise anything that it doesn’t say. If a gamer judges a game by its cover, you will not be let down.