When the PlayStation Portable launched in the UK in September of 2005, one of the best games that launched alongside it was WipEout Pure, a game that showed off the capabilities of the new handheld device extremely well and also proved to be one of the best entries in the WipEout franchise. WipEout Pulse is the follow-up to Pure and expands on its predecessor with new tracks, ships and weapons, but keeps the blistering speed that is the hallmark of the series.

The story (such that it is) ... more >>

When the PlayStation Portable launched in the UK in September of 2005, one of the best games that launched alongside it was WipEout Pure, a game that showed off the capabilities of the new handheld device extremely well and also proved to be one of the best entries in the WipEout franchise. WipEout Pulse is the follow-up to Pure and expands on its predecessor with new tracks, ships and weapons, but keeps the blistering speed that is the hallmark of the series.

The story (such that it is) goes that - after the re-starting of the Anti-Gravity Racing (AGR) league ten years ago in 2197 on the Pacific island of Makana, as played in Pure - the sport has once again become a worldwide hit and needs to expand its locations to accommodate new tracks. The tracks have been created with the brand-new magnetic track technology that allows for more interesting and dangerous tracks to be developed with inverted and vertical sections. Combined with uprated performance rules, the FX400 class racing league was born. All of this means that you will have some very challenging races ahead of you when you climb into your AGR racer and fire up the engines on the starting grid.

In all there are 12 tracks that can be raced in both directions, eight teams including the old favourites Feisar, Qirex and Piranha and an arsenal of 13 weapons and defensive items. Combine that lot with five different race types and multiplayer via the PSP's ad-hoc wireless mode and you have a game with some serious replay value.

Sony has also included the ability to upload custom livery from your PC to use in game courtesy of a ship customisation tool. This will make sure you look good for the new photo mode. You can even upload your game profile to the WipEout Pulse servers and compete in global rankings. << less