[an error occurred while processing this directive] Racing games have become one of the biggest genres amongst the fighting and role playing market. The very nature of driving a vehicle and screaming down a track at blazing speeds; setting the ambition to win, combined with intense adrenaline pumped music is a combination many players live for; (without the cuts and bruises of course). Enter Psygnosis' realm of Wipeout, a surreal, futuristic world of racing for the next millennium.The challenge has grown, the stakes raised, and the players are set. Strap up, get ready and hang on...it's time to race!

When applicable, introductory segments before, during, and after a game are integral aspects to keep the player entertained and aware of the story that has developed. Though Wipeout XL never utilizes any form of verbal media, a rather modest, high quality 2 minute intro nicely paints the atmosphere you're about to engage. Once the preliminary ends, it's on to racing. Several modes are available for you to choose from consisting of Arcade, Time Trial, and One on One. In addition, sub-categories such as a 2 Player Challenge and Arcade Link; (allowing two PlayStation units to simulate an arcade dual competitive experience via a Cable Link).

Several countries, respectively Feisar, AG Systems, Qirex and Auricom have constructed some of the finest crafts to enter the Wipeout 2097 circuit. Attributes such as speed, handling, or durability are strategically required to ascertain before choosing you craft. Prior to your selection, you'll be asked to select a racing class which represents your level of racing aptitude. Vector is the slowest racing class which starts you off with acquiring the necessary handling of your craft; while Rapier Class is the fastest circuit; and recommended for advanced players only. Finally, you select a point to begin your race from the selection of tracks made available to you. There are a few secret tracks (as well as some nifty secrets), but conditions must be established before these hidden features can be opened.

Without a doubt, one of the perks of playing Wipeout XL are the weapons. Naturally, you can just treat the game as a standard racer, but the game was engineered for you to eliminate your opponents with sheer force. Psygnosis has taken the approach of how weapons were implemented to another level by providing more graphic eye candy. New features such as Autopilot (equipped with a cool computer simulated voice to alert you of its activation), E-pak (boosts your ship's energy level), Thunder Bomb (unleashes a bomb which depletes your opponents shield energy) and Electro Bold (stalls an opponent's craft like K.I.T.T used on the "Villans of the Week"). New aspects have been incorporated such as a Pit Stop to charge up your shields energy meter. This time around, not only will you be concerned about acquiring a qualifying spot for each race, but you have to monitor and maintain your crafts energy. Weapon grids have also been deposited at key locations on the track to empower your vessel with weapons.

Wipeout XL is packed with excellent graphics and music to the teeth. Coupled with textured mapping and light sourcing; XL's racing environments are a tour de force. Lots of subtle touches such as the drizzling rain and flock of birds in Africa that are incorporated in some stages truly add to the stage's appeal. Of course, what's a racing game without some intensive music? Thanks to cool alternative music groups including Chemical Brothers, Protek and Prodigy; XL's musical scores will simply keep you hyped from beginning to finish. Most of the tunes incorporate quite a bit of bass and of experimental drums and atmospheric rythmns. Personally, I think that "Canada" and "The Third Sequence" are some of the coolest themes in the game. During a race, you can set the music selection to any choice you desire; while also configuring the level of sound or music output heard.

Wipeout XL is a game that most players would have never imagined possible, let alone on the PlayStation. I still get vibes just from playing the first one, it was a game that established itself as the precursor to yet another fine racer. XL improves on quite a few aspects which were never implemented or requiring tweaking. The actual controls remain the same, therefore I won't reiliterate them. Though, the biggest problem I had with the previous version was the control of the craft itself, it simply wasn't tight enough. I also felt that the game was a tad short, though the levels were difficult (the last level still gives me problems). I also wasn't too impressed with the overall challenge of the game nor the degree of AI. XL's intelligence is much better, the game doesn't disable other opponents as much as you will, but it's definitely going to give you a few headaches.

Overall, I found Wipeout XL to be quite enjoyable, though I would've hoped for even more tracks and more significant secrets. The game has a arcade tone to it, therefore it's shouldn't be compared the excellent handiwork of Gran Turismo. Still, Wipeout XL was designed on the basis of pure fun, not simulated routines. Coupled with a cool set of tracks to race on with music that will no doubt be enjoyed and hummed throughout the game, XL is certainly worth a look, if it's not already in your current PSX library.

· · · Bahn