Wipeout 64

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Wipeout 64 is a futuristic racing video game, developed by Psygnosis and published by Midway Games in November 1998 and released on the Nintendo 64.

Gameplay[]

Most aspects of the gameplay did not differ from the previous two titles. Wipeout is based on a futuristic anti-gravity setting where pilots would race against each other or computer-controlled AI opponents to finish in the highest position possible. Wipeout's gameplay takes inspiration from Formula One parallels; rather than using aerodynamics to increase wheel grip by down-force for faster turning speeds, Wipeout uses a fictionalised method of air braking for ever greater turning force.

Wipeout 64 provides most of the same features as Wipeout 2097 along with new weapons unique to each team. New additions to the weapons interface include the ability to fire three rockets at a time and rear-locking missiles. Returning weapons include the homing missiles, machine guns and plasma bolts. Exclusive to Wipeout 64 is an unlockable weapon power-up called the "Cyclone" which allows the player to strengthen the power of their weapons. There is also the inclusion of an elimination counter that gauges how many opponents were eliminated in a race by the player. This paved the way for the Eliminator mode introduced in Wipeout 3.

Unlike its predecessors that allowed split-screen between two players, Wipeout 64 introduces split-screen for a maximum of four players for the first time. Wipeout 64 also introduces a new addition named Challenge Mode where the player has to complete sets of challenges in predefined classes and tracks through either getting the fastest time in a Time Trial, the highest placing in a race, or eliminating the most opponents through a weaponry-based deathmatch.

Most of the tracks in Wipeout 64 feature mirrored layouts of circuits from select tracks in Wipeout and Wipeout XL, set in different locations. Some conversions are not perfectly accurate, as some corners were eased or cut entirely, elevations were changed, and there were no split track sections.

Development[]

Wipeout 64 was developed by Liverpudlian developer Psygnosis. After rumors that several publishers had approached Psygnosis about developing a Wipeout installment for the Nintendo 64, Psygnosis officially announced Wipeout 64 on April 1998. Development began on February 1998 and it took a total estimated amount of eight months to complete the game. Psygnosis originally intended to publish the game themselves with Sony Music Entertainment handling the distribution for Europe, but in September, Midway Games obtained publishing and distribution rights.

Reception[]

The game received mixed reviews among both considerable praise and criticism from critics. The game received an aggregate score of 84/100 from Metacritic. Reviewers were generally impressed with the innovation and complexity the game offered; mostly stating that Wipeout 64 had "everything a futuristic racer needs, a large variety of tracks, well-designed craft, weapons, numerous game modes and speed".

External links[]

• Wipeout 64 at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• Wipeout 64 at GameFAQs
• Wipeout 64 at MobyGames