Wipeout 2048 PS Vita Review
Developer Studio Liverpool
Publisher Sony
Platform PS Vita
Release Date Feb 22nd 2012
Every Sony console launch was supported by the Wipeout series, this speaks volumes about the confidence Sony has in the series. So it comes as no surprise that when Sony pushed out their brand new console Wipeout was one of the names at the forefront of the launch titles.
Wipeout 2048 is easily the best looking of all the launch titles that hit the shelves last week but also it is probably the best looking Wipeout to date and that is some achievement. While the vehicles are instantly recognisable it is the surrounding that will blow you away, the level of detail in and around the tracks is breath taking whether that is the track itself or the amazing locations.
As 2048 is the first year in this series of hover racing the sport is only starting to grow in popularity, many of the tracks make use of the road network at ground level. As such the tracks are much wider which places more emphasis on the combat than the speed.
The tracks themselves have 3 different sections, you start low down at road level on your standard roads, the building are very recognisable as present day buildings. The level above this is more modern additions to the existing buildings with the track more or less bolted on to the structures. Above this is the ultra-modern futuristic side of the city, impressive skyscrapers make up the skyline and the tracks get more advanced the higher you go.
All this changing in levels means you can one moment be flying along a standard road then in the blink of an eye you are shooting up the side of the building as you peak over the highest level you get a wonderful view of the city expanses, for a second at least before you hurtle back down the other side.
The controls are just as you expect the player controls the turning and pitch of the vehicle with the left analogue stick, R1 is accelerate and L1 is brake. The face buttons then either use a weapon that was picked up from the track or a new feature you can absorb it to gain back some of your shield.
Tactical racing is very important, the player must balance between absorbing weapons or holding them in case they are overtaken themselves. Another change is in the pickups, green pick up will give you items to help keep you lead such as shields and turbo boosts whilst the yellow pads give you missiles and other attacking weapons.
The single player mode is packed with hours of content that is built specifically for the handheld market. The races are not that drawn out which is perfect for when you want to pick up and race. The multiplayer side is quite interesting. This is one of the titles that allows Vita and PS3 players to play against each other one of the early and very positive steps to see Vita and PS3 players battling against each other.
While some have mentioned the lack of options while playing online as a fault many others find the ability to jump into races quickly without waiting around in boring lobbies a massive bonus.
Overall : The load times at launch were quite long but a recent patch has vastly improved this although they are still quite hefty. As a launch title it will sell quite well and this is fully deserved. Wipeout has not been reinvented it has just been tweaked to fit the Vita without losing too much of its predecessors impressiveness.
SCORE 8.5/10
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