The Daily Think

It’s a Friday night, school is done for the week and you’re ready for some video gaming on your sweet Sony PlayStation. Twisted Metal, maybe, Bushido Blade, perhaps, Wipeout? OH HELL YEAH!

In the cherished halls of gaming history, few titles have left a mark as Wipeout XL for the Sony PlayStation. Released in 1996, this adrenaline-fueled futuristic racing game didn’t just push the boundaries of gaming technology; it shattered them entirely. With its pulsating soundtrack, cutting-edge graphics, and groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, Wipeout XL captured the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with players even today.

WIPEOUT IS DIFFERENT HOW?

At the core of Wipeout XL’s enduring appeal lies its unrivaled sense of speed and intensity. From the moment players hit the accelerator, they were thrust into a high-octane world where gravity-defying hovercrafts hurtled through neon-lit tracks at breakneck speeds. The sensation of velocity was palpable, aided by the game’s slick visuals and fluid animation. Each twist and turn of the track was a white-knuckle thrill ride, demanding split-second reflexes and nerves of steel to navigate successfully. But the true genius and the hidden drug within the game is the SOUNDTRACK.

IS THIS A RAVE OR A VIDEO GAME?

Wipeout XL was the first of the iconic video game soundtracks, a pulsating mix of electronic beats and adrenaline-pumping rhythms that perfectly complemented the game’s futuristic aesthetic. Curated by renowned DJs like Sasha and Orbital, the soundtrack featured tracks that became instant classics, immersing players in the cyberpunk world of the game. From the infectious energy of Chemical Brothers’ “Chemical Beats” to the hypnotic groove of Underworld’s “Tin There,” each song added depth and atmosphere to the racing experience, elevating it from a mere game to a sensory feast for the senses. But, if you really needed to focus and get that win on a hard track, nothing psyches you up more than The Prodigy’s “Firestarter!”

For those who are curious, here is a list of some of the standout tracks featured on the Wipeout XL soundtrack, along with their respective artists:
“Dust up Beats” and “Loops of Fury” by The Chemical Brothers
“Tin There” by Underworld
“P.E.T.R.O.L.” by Orbital
“Body in Motion” by Speedy J
“We have Explosive” and “Landmass” by FSOL (Future Sound of London)
“Atom Bomb” and “V Six” by Fluke
“Firestarter” by The Prodigy (LEGENDS)
“Canada” and “Body in Motion” by CoLD SToRAGE
This was a radical change in video games as we finally had real licensed music by artists we liked, and artists who were actually popular and recognized as cool! Raves were starting to take off in the 90’s (culminating in a Blood Rave from Blade.)

Wipeout XL’s soundtrack was definitely the top of the list until the GTA franchise started putting a radio in your car as you drove around Vice City and Los Santos.

A LITTLE ON THE GAME DESIGN

In addition to its memorable soundtrack, Wipeout XL also pushed the boundaries of game design, introducing innovative mechanics and features that set it apart from other racing games of its time. The inclusion of weapons and power-ups added an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to unleash devastating attacks on their opponents or deploy defensive measures to protect themselves. This dynamic element of combat added an exhilarating twist to the traditional racing formula, transforming each race into a frenetic battle for supremacy. And the first time you are in lap 3 and in sixth place and you unleash that Quake Disruptor on your opponents…AHHHH Pure Ecstasy as you move into first place and take the win.

GREAT RACERS NEED GREAT RACING TRACKS

Furthermore, Wipeout XL’s track design was nothing short of revolutionary, featuring intricate layouts and pulse-pounding obstacles that kept players on the edge of their seats. From dizzying loops to stomach-churning drops, each track presented a unique challenge that demanded precision and skill to overcome. Coupled with the game’s responsive controls and seamless gameplay mechanics, these tracks offered a level of immersion and excitement that was unparalleled at the time.

TAKING ITS PLACE IN GAMING HISTORY

In many ways, Wipeout XL was a testament to the power of the Sony PlayStation and its ability to deliver cutting-edge gaming experiences to players around the world. With its stunning visuals, unforgettable soundtrack, and groundbreaking gameplay, it set a new standard for what racing games could achieve, inspiring countless imitators and cementing its status as a timeless classic in the annals of gaming history. Even decades after its initial release, Wipeout XL continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal and enduring charm. The only problem with releases of the game on those throwback Retro Pi systems is the loss of some of the songs on the soundtrack. Due to licensing not all songs were allowed to be included. But, for those who experienced it during its heyday, it remains a memory of late-night gaming sessions and adrenaline-fueled races. And for a new generation of players discovering it for the first time, it serves as a reminder of the boundless creativity and innovation that define the world of gaming.

WIPEOUT XL PROVES THE 90s RULED

Although successive games in the franchise didn’t quite live up to XL, there will still always be nostalgia for the original. Wipeout XL for the Sony PlayStation was not just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined the racing genre and left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. With its unparalleled sense of speed, iconic soundtrack, and groundbreaking design, it remains a shining example of what video games can achieve when they push the boundaries of technology and creativity. So strap in, hit the accelerator pick up your special weapons, and prepare to experience the thrill ride of a lifetime. Wipeout XL awaits, ready to take you on the ultimate journey into the future of gaming…from the 90’s.