In short, Wipeout 3 is my salvation for racing games. Although it can be argued that it's not as extensively packed with cars as prominently featured in Gran Turismo. Nor are there 'Toads' and monkeys obstructing my goal to the checker flag with banana peels...(though I'd find that highly amusing). The series, known for its unique chemistry of speed and techno musical compositions, can only be appreciated by sitting down and actually allowing yourself to become indulged. Wipeout 3 executes a perfect combination of speed and musical composition that will keep you psyched and transfixed to the screen.

Thankfully, that same synergy is retained in the latest rendition of the Wipeout series that is exponentially impressive in all aspects. After a few minutes from engaging in what clearly is one of the fastest racing games on the PlayStation, one fundament is clearly expressed - innovation holds no boundaries. Not only is this game visually superior to the previous Wipeout titles, but can even contend with that of Ridge Racer Type 4 and Gran Turismo. Exaggeration? Hardly, we'll address these points shortly. Moving on, Psygnosis has definitely 'gone to school' with the extent of game options. With exceptions to actually manipulating the color schemes of the crafts themselves, you'll find that the game offers a series of modes which can be enjoyed extensively whether your playing solo or with a friend. Among the directory of game modes include Single Race, Challenge, Eliminator, and Time Trial. Not challenging enough? Too difficult? Drop over to the Game Setup and you can customize the options, altering the number of opponents (i.e. 4, 8 or 12), select the game view, weapons and checkpoints. Something new, something old, like its predecessors, the racing circuits are attuned to your skill level in order of difficulty - Vector being easy while Rapier is geared for expert players (achieve gold status in the final circuit to unveil the highly challenging Phantom circuits, speed newbies need not apply!)

This brings up the nature of the gameplay and graphics. Wipeout has always impressed me with its ingenious direction to deliver a virtual experience of piloting anti-gravity crafts exceeding speeds that surely won't be realistically seen in this era. Control was one of the big issues I admired about this game and it's been stepped up a notch now that the game incorporates the Sony Dual Shock pad, the significance is quite obvious! You'll actually discover that piloting the Auricom or Piranha crafts for example won't be as cumbersome as relying upon your skills with the d-pad. In fact, I refuse to use anything else besides the Dual Shock, especially since the rumble features have also been implemented.

Wipeout 3 takes the gameplay and amplifies it to another level. A total of 11 weapons designated for offensive and defensive functions respectively which you must strategically implement to defeat the competition. You empower your ship by driving your craft over the grids that are positioned throughout the circuit, (ashame that you acquire them on a random basis). The onboard computer will notify you of each weapon you obtain which can then be activated with the Circle button or disposed of by pressing the X button. Among some of the new power-ups at your disposal include:

• Plasma Bolt - a very deadly weapon first introduced in Wipeout XL. Plasma Bolts must be charged up before unleashed. Unfortunately, they don't possess any tracking mechanisms, therefore sharp eye coordination and solid reflexes are required. Target is instantly destroyed on impact.
• Reflector (unarguably the coolest visual effects in the entire game) this primarily can function as a defensive weapon, but can also be used offensively as it will send back any attacks to its primary source. Thus, you don't want to be in the proximity of a reflected attack.
• Force Wall - forces your opponents to a halt, or if they're screaming down the circuit will force then backwards while you safely pass through. This barrier can be destroyed with Quake Disrupter or a Plasma Bolt.
• Energy Drain - upon activation, this weapon locks on to the nearest craft and will drain energy from the opponent and infuse your craft's shield reservoir. This weapon can only be eluded with Reflector or Gravity Shield.

There are several more weapons, most familiar to fans of the series, namely Mines, Missiles, and Rockets. Unfortunately, Wipeout 3 abandons the diversity with missles, as seen in Wipeout XL where you possessed the ability to target ships from the front and rear, leaves the only option to target ships ahead of you. The trade-off is that you can now target two ships at once. A great way to hone your strategies is to engage the Eliminator Mode in which you can select up to 99 targets and battle against the computer or friends for an all out brawl...very intense, very challenging, loads of fun!

Graphically, the game sports a much sharper, smoother engine than that of the original Wipeout or XL. Clipping and draw-in is practically non-existent, add in the fact that you can now go head-to-head without the use of a cable link and there's very little loss of frame smoothness or graphic breakup. One circuit shows off more of the graphic flair as only Psygnosis seems capable of pulling off depicting reflections in the track as a casual downpour ensues while you race. Several stages such as Mega Mall, Terminal, and Manor Top push the PlayStation hardware to the max. The entire theme has adopted an industrial atmosphere, racing through a stylish metropolis and other venues which paints a universe that feels, real! Add to the fact that game is laden of visual spectacles that are simply shocking to me since most 3D games have some measure of flaw, but I honestly found very little to complain about.

In the same manner that Square embeds subtle touches within their RPG's, Psygnosis implements effects that only serve to enhance the entire experience. Viewscreens that broadcast incoming crafts blazing through dimly lit tunnels, birds that fly away as you approach them (only to return as you make your lap around the track), and dandelions fluttering past your wingflaps show that time and dedication was applied. No shoddy developments here, and it's quite conspicuous. Engaged in the Rapier and Phantom circuits, Wipeout 3 remains fast and intensely challenging, all at 30fps. Whether you're engaged in a single player mode, or with a friend (throw in the secret code via the link and you can enjoy four player action...very slick!) The game also sports an all new set of sound effects, among a new computer voice automated system which alerts you of incoming danger and when power-ups are initiated. Plus, an additional camera angle has been added, allowing you to race from within the cockpit of the craft (each modeled uniquely). Finally, for multi-player modes, you can even select a horizontal or vertical split screen perspective (I've personally opted for horizontal, more screen) that never waivers in its speed or graphic prowess. The game is simply stunning and it's bound to impress veterans and newcomers to the series.

The audio has never been an issue with the series, and the latest installment is no exception. To make sure that the game's overall atmosphere carried dynamic energy, Psygnosis enlisted the aid of world-renowned DJ Sasha to choreograph the soundtracks and remixes. Packaged with the recent hits of Chemical Brothers, Orbital (my new favorite group), Underworld, Propellarheads, and Paul Van Dyk each offer a set of tunes which perfectly harmonize with W3's industrial presence. If I wasn't even a fan of the series, the soundtracks are psyched and bitchin' to the degree that I'd actually purchase this game for the music alone.

As the last Wipeout of the series on the PlayStation platform, it's apparent that no resources were spared. Much like other companies that have created exemplar titles, the latest installment is no exception. After a few minutes of gameplay, this fact becomes apparent. Moreover, the game comes packaged with a vast degree of features that extends the replay value considerably (trust me, unless you're a racing god with the air brakes, you won't be achieving gold status on the Phantom tracks). Digressing, Wipeout 3 doesn't just expand upon excellence, it exceeds any or all expectations. Admiring the level of improvements on the PlayStation that is currently in its final generation, Wipeout 3 proves that although the PlayStation has reached its final generation, there's still a significant level of potential left under the hood.

· · · Bahn