Futuristic ships at extreme speeds on circuits laced with magnetic grids; the WipEout visual shock signed Studio Liverpool. Pulse pushes the sensations one notch further, a blazing electronic score, the pleasure stays intact on PSP.
Your verdict
Category
Racing1 player7+
Description
Futuristic ships piloted at extreme speeds across circuits featuring magnetic grids in this second portable WipEout. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment, released in the USA in March 2008. Sixteen playable teams, magnetic grids altering trajectory, solo and ad hoc versus modes, electronic soundtrack. North American edition.
Wipeout Pulse review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
A pared-down futuristic design by The Designers Republic, neon and clean lines: the anti-gravity racing takes on the air of a graphic manifesto. The stylistic coherence and the abstract speed compose an electronic aesthetic of rare elegance. This visual identity, sleek and minimalist, crosses the eras without a wrinkle.
A pure product of club culture, the music rolls out techno, electro and big beat to electrify anti-gravity races of insane speed. Each circuit pulses to the rhythm of nervy beats that spike the adrenaline. This futuristic sonic identity, polished and razor-sharp, is an integral part of the series' DNA.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
Tearing along at dizzying speeds on antigravity circuits, grazing the walls and loosing weapons mid-turn: the piloting demands sharp reflexes and a flawless memory of the layout. The sense of futuristic glide, carried by insistent techno, stays electric. More accessible than its forerunner yet just as snappy, it keeps every bit of its exhilarating intensity.
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Anti-gravity craft hurled at insane speeds across futuristic tracks, weapons to destabilise your rival and a nervy electro soundtrack glued to the action: the race aims for pure adrenaline. Mastering the air brakes and the racing line delivers a constant rush. Elegant, fast and tense, this entry enriches the formula with new tracks and options, elevating the thrill of speed.
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Hugging the curves of an anti-grav circuit at full speed, managing your shield and loosing the weapon at the right moment sets up a hypnotic race where each unlocked event calls for the next. Tracks, ships and an electro soundtrack relaunch the hunt for records. The difficulty climbs sharply, but the sense of speed and the polished aesthetic keep a fearsomely stubborn hold.
A sequel to Sony's anti-gravity racing on PSP, enriching tracks, ships and slick electronic soundtrack in the Wipeout lineage. Widely distributed in the West, its appeal stays measured but buoyed by the franchise's aesthetic aura, the Asian pressing being rarer. Its interest lies in this strong graphic and sonic identity rather than scarcity.
Is Wipeout Pulse still worth playing in 2026?
Wipeout Pulse pushes Wipeout sensations a notch further on PSP. Futuristic vehicles at very high speed on tracks adorned with magnetic grids, the Studio Liverpool visual shock in full splendour. The electronic soundtrack is fierce, fun intact for fans of brisk futuristic racing. Ad hoc and online multiplayer significantly extend longevity. An excellent portable pick today.
