WIPEOUT FUSION (PS2)
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This one's going to be fast

By WILLIAM BARKER

The Wipeout series, or WipEout if you will, is one of the longest-running from the original PSX. There are numerous games in the series and pretty much all of them are top-notch. It comes as no surprise that the new super-console should get a new and improved game, which will continue the popular series. In retrospect, the words 'new' and 'improved' barely scratch the surface when it comes to what I would call the most impressive game on offer for the new system.

Wipeout Fusion is the name and the game will be familiar to all those Wipoids out there who have become accustomed to the white-knuckled racing, where speed is the ultimate key to winning. The first thing you notice about the game are the graphics. Excuse me while I soil my leder-hosen. Repeatedly. Seriously though, when the PS2 launches and people catch a glimpse of this title they will be spellbound with the clarity, extremely high frame rate and clipping distance.

The game takes place in 2150, with a new league just revving up for the first season - the F9000 League. A good example of how differently the ships will behave in Wipeout Fusion is to compare the original craft's parameters, of which there were seven, with that of the new F9000 ships, which total 48. The new ships are also capable of true anti-gravity manoeuvres, such as the ability to race upside-down or at other obtuse angles. There is also mention of 'free-form' areas of track, which won't limit pilots as per usual.

As far as ship selection goes, gamers won't be disappointed with the 32 on offer, each with character pilots who have individual identities. A total of 21 tracks (three courses spanning seven environs) will challenge players, as well as some new and very groovy super-weapons. Each racing team owns a different super-weapon that needs to be unlocked by an as-yet unannounced method. There is even visible damage to one's ship that includes charring, smoke, flames and even parts falling off. Can't ... wait ... must ... play...

As it stands, this game is looking hot. Damn hot. You can be sure that the moment this game arrives along with the PS2, we'll play it to death (though not literally) and bring you the lowdown. Only three months to go...