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WipeOut Pulse
Console
PSP
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre
Racing
Developer
SCEE
Release Date
Quarter 1, 2008
9
ESRB Rating
Everyone
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Posted by:
Ryan Olsen
Reviews Director
REVIEW
WipEout Pulse
There is no question that this game will blow your mind.
February 13, 2008 | 9:35 PM PST

Kombo's Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don't waste your time. This is why we've split our reviews into four sections: What the Game's About, What's Hot, What's Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.

What the Game's About
WipEout Pulse is the continuation of the successful futuristic racing franchise. Developed by Sony Liverpool, take to your favorite hover vehicle and blaze down the courses with reckless abandon. Compete in circuits, single races, or go online for the first time.

What's Hot
Everything you loved about one of the first PSP games, WipEout Pure has been cranked up 10 notches in Pulse. The speed? Faster. The graphics? More eye catching. The control? Tighter. The addictiveness? Online will put its hooks in you. The music? Delivers thumping techno beats. Every single way you can slice Pulse, it is a better, more refined WipEout game. We can't stress enough how much of an improvement Pulse is over every other WipEout.

Single-player progression has also seen an update. While the race modes are identical to that of Pure's, the way you complete circuits has changed slightly. It boils down to you unlocking grids within a series. By doing this, Pulse is more open-ended in design, allowing you to pick the races you want to complete. There is also a feature where you can gain loyalty by piloting the same vehicle to unlock some goodies.


What's Not
You may notice that Pulse almost has an identical feature set compared to Pure. Without the slight tweaks in the single player game and the impressive online mode, that is true. However, there were a lot of qualifiers to make that claim. Unfortunately, if you are looking for some new modes to test your skills on, you will be sadly disappointed. Other than that, there isn't a single rough edge where it counts.

Final Word
This is the best WipEout game to date, make no bones about it. It has everything fans could want and the polished gameplay with the new tweaks make Pulse a game that no PSP owner should go without. Sony Liverpool should be proud for taking the series to a new level of achievement.
Visuals
Screens can't do Pulse justice because they are a moment in time, once you get up to speed, you will see the glory.
9.0
Sound
Some crazy good techno beats will please ears
9.0
Control
There is a learning curve but with practice, speed has never been more fun.
8.5
Gameplay
The crowning WipEout achievement.
9.5
Lasting Appeal
Online, downloadable content planned and some great single player experiences.
9.0
Verdict
WipEout Pulse finishes in 1st Place with a spot in your gaming collection.
9.0
[not an average]
Review Scores Guide
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December 29, 2007

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