Wipeout 2097 (XL in America) is the franchise's second entry and often cited as the finest by purists. More technical circuits, new Auricom team, legendary Chemical Brothers/Prodigy soundtrack. Maximum speed and adrenaline. An absolute masterpiece of futuristic racing on PS1.
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Category
Racing2 players7+
Description
European Psygnosis futuristic racing sequel, expanding the F5000 anti-gravity arsenal and tracks. Created by Psygnosis, released in 1996 in Europe under the Wipeout 2097 title. Over eight expanded 3D anti-gravity tracks, over eight upgradable F5000 League ships, over eight expanded weapons, The Designers Republic design and licensed electronica soundtrack by The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and Future Sound of London. European edition under the Wipeout 2097 title.
Wipeout 2097 review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
The European edition of the saga, Wipeout 2097 sets The Designers Republic's sharp futuristic aesthetic: geometric typography, team signage and rave-inspired minimalist interfaces. Sleek anti-gravity craft, clean-lined circuits and a sense of extreme speed make a sleek, timeless techno art direction. An avant-garde graphic design that became a PS1 cultural reference.
An emblematic 90s electronica soundtrack, Wipeout 2097 lines up licensed tracks by The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and Future Sound of London, rounded out by Cold Storage's original compositions. Techno, big beat and tense ambient match the anti-gravity velocity, turning every race into a club trance. This cult selection sealed the bond between video games and rave culture. A legendary, timeless backing.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
At these supersonic speeds, everything becomes anticipation: memorising the layouts, triggering the airbrakes at the right instant and placing your shots without easing off. The anti-gravity gliding sensation, married to a cult electro soundtrack, delivers an intact rush. The textures have aged, but the purity of the piloting and the sense of rhythm remain a peak of futuristic racing.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
The second entry of Psygnosis' anti-gravity racer, praised for its visual refinement and electronic soundtrack, sold as Wipeout 2097 in Europe and Wipeout XL in America. This dual titling sets the regional versions apart for the collector. Still fairly widespread, its interest lies in this status as a stylistic peak of the series rather than scarcity.
Better with friends
A thoroughbred anti-gravity race, faster and more aggressive, whose offensive arsenal spices split-screen duels with constant tension. The competition blends pure speed, dodging and shot timing, where knowing when to drop a weapon flips the race. Spectacular and demanding, it triggers nervy rivalries where you replay endlessly to tame its dizzying circuits and breakneck pace.
Is Wipeout 2097 still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 1996 on PS1 as Wipeout 2097 in Europe and Wipeout XL in the United States, Psygnosis Liverpool's project refines the original's formula with a purer speed feel, better balanced weapons and a sound design from The Designers Republic at its peak. The electronica soundtrack with Future Sound of London, Prodigy and Photek keeps its power. The handling stays demanding and the curve reading needs taming. Strongly recommended today for any futuristic arcade devotee and for Psygnosis fans curious about a label masterpiece on Sony's first home console hardware globally.
