Difficulty:

Hard

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Almost, but not quite"

After two highly successful Wipeout games on the PlayStation Portable, Wipeout finally returns to consoles with WipEout HD, a download only title from the PlayStation Store.

The game features 8 circuits, 6 from Pure and 2 from Pulse, with the option to race in both directions. Single Race, Time Trial, Speed Lap and Tournament are all transferred over, as well as the popular Zone mode, which requires you to steer a ship as your speed increase, until you blow up. Unfortunately, Elimination mode isn't brought over, which is a slight disappointment.

The main campaign is straight out of Pulse's book, with the hexagon grid requiring you to earn a bronze, silver or gold medal in a certain race before unlocking the adjacent races. Split up over 8 events, there are 87 medals in total, with single races and tournaments allowing you to choose your AI ability. Races also take part in a variety of different speed classes.

Graphically, the game shows the power of the PS3. Running in full 1080p at a constant 60fps, the game looks gorgeous, with detailed textures on the ships and tracks, as well as small details in the scenery and lighting that bring the tracks to life in ways not imaginable on the PSP. Zone mode goes for the stylised look, with bright colours and flashing lights.

Racing is also very similar to the PSP games, but with the added benefit of a proper analogue stick for movement and more precise airbrakes provided by the R2/L2 triggers. There is also the option of using the Six-Axis tilt function for steering and pitch movement, which all works surprisingly well.

The only real problem in the game is the AI. Like Pulse, there are 3 difficulties, Novice, Skilled and Elite, with the first two providing suitable challenges. Elite, however, starts to provide serious problems, especially on Rapier and Phantom speed classes. Rival ships all suddenly seam to have increased speed and handling, meaning after only a lap, you're likely to be three to four seconds behind the leader. The random weapons selection can also be frustrating, with other ships having missiles or bombs at the most inconvenient moment, whilst you'll also be languishing in last place with only some mines and a shield.

Online play allows up to 8 players to compete in a single race or tournament. Lag is minimal, meaning there is a lot of competitive fun to be had. There are also a set of leader boards where every record is posted, giving players a chance to show off their times around the world.

WipEout HD has been well worth the wait, with a solid single player campaign, 2-player split screen and online multiplayer modes, and a range of challenging trophies to collect, all presented in 1080p at an unmovable 60fps. Add to this the value for money price of £11.99 ($19.99) and any AI niggles don't seem much of a problem.