Product Review

The futuristic racing series Wipeout has lost some of its steam with this third entry--but Wipeout 3 is still worth a look and a listen. This fast-action franchise has frequently been characterized as being more about style than substance. While we don't necessarily agree with that analysis, it is true that Wipeout 3 can overwhelm the senses with an amazing amount of eye and ear candy. The graphics are simply stunning, while the techno-charged soundtrack boasts some of the top names in electronica, including Chemical Brothers, Underworld, and Orbital.

Pulsating rhythms aside, Wipeout 3 offers players a wild ride through eight distinct tracks. It will take more than perpetual motion to make it to the end of each race. In order to complete each timed race, gamers are required to hit strategically placed power ups while navigating many near-impossible turns. The heart-racing action offers a tough challenge for dedicated games, but Wipeout 3 ultimately does not offer any significant improvement over earlier titles in the acclaimed series. --Brett Atwood

Pros:

• Fast-action gameplay
• Contemporary soundtrack

• No significant improvement over previous Wipeout titles