The WipEout series has been synonymous with pulse-pounding anti-gravity racing since its inception on the original Sony PlayStation. Known for its breakneck speeds, vibrant futuristic visuals, and an energetic techno soundtrack, WipEout has captivated gamers worldwide. Over the years, the series has expanded across various gaming platforms, each bringing something unique to the table. Let's take a journey through the WipEout games ranked by you, the fans, to determine which entries stand above the rest.
Starting at the bottom of the list, WipEout Merge (Phone) finds its place with a modest score of 3.2. Launched in January 2022 for smartphones, this game took a different approach by having players assume the role of a team manager using randomised cards to influence races. Although it boasted sharp visuals and a soundtrack true to the series' style, it failed to resonate with players and saw its online features disabled, stalling in popularity.
Next, we look at WipEout Fusion (PS2), which ranks slightly higher but is often considered a weaker link in the series. With an altered visual direction and less impressive track designs, it diverged from the precedent set by The Designers Republic and didn't strike the same chord with fans as previous titles.
Then there’s Wipeout 64 (N64), which made an impact on Nintendo's platform, intriguing players with its distinct take on the franchise. Despite longer loading times, it was appreciated for its adjusted control scheme suitable for the N64's analog controller.
The original WipEout (PS1) secured its place in history with its arrival along the PlayStation's launch. It set a new standard for the genre with its style and speed, though its sequels have since surpassed it. Yet, WipEout maintains its charm and is a nostalgic trip for veteran fans.
WipEout Pulse (PSP), the follow-up to WipEout Pure, didn't bring revolutionary changes but instead polished the formula with great music and sharp graphics. It was later ported to the PS2, suggesting a strategy to reach a broader market than the PSP might have provided.
For a trip through the franchise's past with a modern touch, WipEout Omega Collection (PS4) offered remastered tracks for the PS4, including a VR mode that revolutionized the experience. While it was a well-received compilation, it left fans yearning for a completely new entry.
WipEout HD Fury (PS3), bundled with its expansion, infused classic tracks with 1080p graphics and added new modes, tracks, and vehicles. This release combined nostalgia with aesthetic upgrades, ensuring the series' continued allure in the HD era.
WipEout Pure (PSP), which represented a series revival after the lukewarm reception to Fusion, closely imitated the original games' design ethos and delivered high-performance racing on the go. It also took advantage of the PSP's features with downloadable content and online multiplayer.
WipEout 2048 (PS Vita) marked a strong start for the PS Vita with top-tier graphics and sound, reflecting a true console-like experience in the portable realm. Despite the Vita's struggles in the market, this title shines as a standout entry in the series.
Approaching the pinnacle, WipEout 3 (PS1) was the last to involve The Designers Republic and was celebrated for taking the series’ design to new heights with a chic, minimalist approach. It elevated the difficulty, appealing predominantly to the devoted fans.
Finally, WipEout 2097 (PS1) reigns supreme. A genre-defining revelation, it set the standard for futuristic racers with its soundtrack featuring prominent electronic artists and introduced weapon-based combat, securing its place at the heart of the series' passionate fanbase.
WipEout's rich history of innovation and style has established it as a keystone of racing games. Each title contributed to the series' legacy, whether by pioneering new features, refining the core experience, or delivering nostalgia-fueled remasters. While WipEout 2097 is held in the highest regard, each game has played a part in defining what it means to race in the fast lane of the future. As the community continues to rank and discuss their favorite games, the enduring spirit of WipEout lives on, with fans eager for the next installment that will push the boundaries of anti-gravity racing even further.
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