WipEout 2097 was my first WipEout. Its soundtrack is etched in my memory and is, for me, the greatest videogame soundtrack ever. It defined my tastes in music, even when I strayed away from electronic towards metal. But my absolute favorite memories were on Wip3out, especially the Special Edition.
Everything about this game is perfect. It’s incredibly beautiful, fluid and fast for a PS1 game. The classical physics are refined to perfection. The Designer’s Republic have done their best job ever at designing the identity of this game. The soundtrack is great. The tracks are varied and a breath of fresh air after the industrial-design-fest of 2097.
It has the most content of any classic WipEout. 8 new tracks, 8 tracks remade from WipEout and WipEout 2097, 6 prototype tracks including two with a mysterious proto-“Zone” ship, all the classic teams and new ones for varied gameplay…
I fell in love again. I hadn’t touched this game in almost 25 years and I love it as much, if not even more than before. I’ve been a lifelong WipEout fan, I’ve since done and enjoyed them all (except Fusion. Fuck you you ugly-ass bastard), I’ve spent hours on BallisticNG just to scratch that itch. But WipEout 3 Special Edition is and forever will be my love.
I thought I did. I’ll fire it up again sometime and double check. Wipeout on the PS1 gets praised enough for me to give it another shot.
PS1 and N64 were so early in the days of 3D gaming. I play older games but I’m usually looking for pixel graphics or 2D games. PS2 was the console of my childhood and my mind is anchored in looking for at least that sort of 3D quality.