http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/07/22/wipeout-hd-delayed-due-to-epilepsy-test-failure/#commentsWhen SCEE president David Reeves said there were technical problems with WipEout HD, we really didn't know back then what that incurred. Now, according to CVG, the reason as to why the futuristic racer was slightly delayed is because it failed epilepsy testing.
Apparently, the dazzling flashes of ships rocketing at sub-light speeds is too much for those with the medical condition, and the game will be undergoing "re-engineering." It's unknown exactly how long a fix of this nature would take but, as Mr. Reeves had previously said, the game should "come out before the end of the year."
After a months-long delay supposedly caused by failing seizure tests, it seems like WipEout HD is finally ready to debut on the PSN. The long-awaited HD follow-up to the PSP games, WipEout Pure and WipEout Pulse have many excited. One quick look at the game reveals exactly why: it is gorgeous, fast and absolutely breathtaking. We got a chance to play the upcoming downloadable title, and we limped away, impressed by the presentation and the absolutely visceral racing experience.
Yes, the game runs at a silky smooth 60fps. Yes, the texture work is fantastic. However, the technical achievements shouldn't overlook the game's great sense of style. While many of these tracks will familiar to PSP owners, they come to life with a brand new level of detail that the handheld simply couldn't pull off. There are all sorts of visual treats scattered across the tracks, and in your ship's HUD as well. The newly redesigned HUD is more dynamic than ever, distorting from nearby attacks, shaking during collisions, etc. Entering first-person mode will increase the sensation of really being in a supersonic vehicle even further.
One mode we're particularly impressed with this time around is the newly revamped HD Zone mode. Zone was one of the best modes from the PSP games, and this time it's back with a few enhancements. While Pure featured high-contrast tracks, Pulse added a bit more color to make it more visually appealing. HD takes it a step further with music synchronized textures on the tracks themselves. The music you're listening to will dynamically change the look of the track as you race along it, and as your ship gets progressively faster with each zone you enter, the color scheme of the entire world may suddenly morph all around you. It's stunning and absolutely must be experienced. Speed freaks will be glad to hear that speeds in Zone now reach "Zen," a level far beyond the Phantom levels offered in previous games.
Progression through the single player campaign should be familiar to anyone who's played WipEout Pulse. Once again, the "Grid" mode returns, with players able to select various race types to progress forward. Each trial that's completed unlocks adjacent ones, and when the player gets an adequate number of points (from earning medals), they'll move onto another grid. Each grid will give players access to new levels.
The loyalty system found in Pulse also returns, to encourage players to use the same ships. Each race, regardless of winning or losing, will give the player experience points for that ship. Over time, new skins and other bonuses can be unlocked for the ships. There's also a Photo Mode, which allows you to take pictures from the game and save them to your PS3 hard drive to share.
For vets of the franchise that have played the PSP games, none of this comes as surprising. However, even the most seasoned racers will have to get used to the adjusted controls offered by the PS3 controller. Once again, both the D-Pad and analog stick can be used to manuver the vehicle. The ships slither along the tracks a bit more easily, although turning has become much more tightened since previous iterations -- don't overuse the shoulder buttons, as they are incredibly effective in HD. We're glad to see that in our races, many of the new weapons found in Pulse have returned, and the ability to do a 360 degree mid-air turn for a boost bonus is easier than ever to perform.
While much of the content should be familiar for fans, everything still feels brand new thanks to the magnificent engine the guys at Liverpool have created for the game. Don't think of this as a stopgap until a "real" WipEout game -- this really is the real deal. Once again, the PSN has upped the ante for the kind of content you can find through digital distribution. If this preview has got you antsy for more, worry not -- details on WipEout HD's new release date (and price!) are coming soon.
Hello, Readers. Daimion here and I’m excited today to release some details on WipEout HD, coming to PLAYSTATION Network this fall. We’ve been mum on WipEout HD recently – keeping many of you in serious suspense, I know - but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been cranking away at bringing you an awesome anti-gravity racing game in 1080p HD!
WipEout HD will feature a selection of the best tracks taken from previous versions of this iconic franchise that have been reworked to show-off the graphical capabilities of PS3. But don’t take my word for it, if you want to see how good WipEout HD in 1080p and at 60 frames-per-second, check out the video below (not shown, check link):
WipEout HD will give you the chance to take on the greatest anti-grav racers in the world with plenty of online racing modes and even offline too, with HD’s two-player split-screen mode. Up to 8 racers can battle online in a range of online races. And with Trophy Support (whuuuuuut, Trophy support, you say?!?), which I know everyone is really excited about, this is definitely your chance to grab bragging rights online. More to come on Trophies soon, don’t you worry….
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And for an additional challenge in WipEout HD, you can opt to use the SIXAXIS motion controls to steer their ship while blasting away opponents with the full arsenal of weapons. With lots of teams/ships to choose from, plenty of on and offline racing modes, crazy-fast HD racing and a remixed Dolby 5.1 surround sound soundtrack, your adrenaline will be pumping in no time. Trust me. And even though we think you’ll love the soundtrack, but in case you love your own music collection more, you can create a custom playlist on the PS3 XMB and listen to it while you race. Niiiiiiiice, right?!
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For more game info check out www.WipEoutHD.com. We’ll be back with more on WipEout HD in the coming weeks, including the details on trophies, price, and release date - see keep your eyes peeled for more here on the PS Blog!