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About Wipeout Pulse
Wipeout Pulse is a futuristic racing game set in 2207, a decade after the events of Wipeout Pure. Developed by SCE Studio Liverpool and published by Sony in 2007, it features eight teams each with a unique ship. These ships differ in handling, speed, and shield strength, letting players adapt to track layouts. The game supports single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes, including local split-screen. It launched on PlayStation 2, later ported to Vita and PSP. With a Metacritic score of 82, it’s seen as a solid entry in the long-running Wipeout series. The sequel adds more polish to the franchise’s signature high-speed, anti-gravity racing.
Gameplay
Races in Wipeout Pulse revolve around mastering ship traits. For example, a speed-focused ship sacrifices shield strength, forcing players to avoid hazards aggressively. Tracks mix tight city loops and open desert straights, rewarding precise line choices. Each race includes checkpoints that trigger speed boosts when hit at top speed. Multiplayer modes let you battle up to three friends locally, competing for fastest lap times. Customization unlocks after completing challenges, letting you tweak your ship’s look. The controls are tight but demand quick reflexes, especially when dodging debris or using shields strategically. Sessions last 30-60 minutes, balancing arcade thrills with minor grind for full upgrades.
What Players Think
Wipeout Pulse holds an 82 on Metacritic, praised for its refined mechanics and visuals. PlayPile data shows 62% of players finish the main game, with an average playtime of 12 hours. Community moods are mixed, 42% label it “Nostalgic,” 30% “Thrilling,” and 18% “Average.” Critics note it improves on Pure’s pacing but lacks innovation. One review calls it “a worthy sequel for series fans,” while another says “the charm is there, but it feels like a middle chapter.” No achievements are listed, but 17% of players replay career mode for faster times. The game remains popular among retro racers, though newer titles in the genre have overtaken it.
PlayPile's Take
Wipeout Pulse is a strong pick for fans of the Wipeout series or retro racing enthusiasts. It offers polished gameplay and tight controls, though modern titles may feel more dynamic. With a relatively low entry cost on PlayStation Store, it’s worth a try for those with a Vita or PS2. Completionists will appreciate the 12-hour campaign and optional challenges, but casual players might find the grind for upgrades tedious. If you enjoy fast-paced, physics-heavy racing and don’t mind dated visuals, it’s a solid time capsule of 2000s arcade racing.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
80.7
RAWG Rating
4.0
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