Wipeout XL brought racing to the original PlayStation, and it still holds up as one of the console’s defining early titles. Released in 1996, the game built on the original Wipeout by adding tracks, ships and a wider set of rules for how races ran. Players flew anti-gravity craft through narrow courses while dodging enemy fire and trying to hit rivals to slow them down.
The Setup
Players choose a ship and a pilot, then race across a series of courses against other racers. The goal is simple: cross the finish line first. Along the way, players can fire at rivals to slow them down, send out waves of small vehicles to force others off course, or take a chance on a faster path that carries more risk.
The game also lets players pick which rules apply to each race, from simple time trials to full-on destruction battles where the last ship standing wins. That flexibility meant Wipeout XL could be used for quick races or longer sessions with friends.
Why It Works
The core loop is tight. Turning, boosting and firing all feel distinct and easy to learn, even if mastering them takes real practice. Courses twist and turn through tight passages and open spaces alike, and the game’s visual style, with its bright colors and neon effects, gave it a look that stood apart from most other games on the console.
“The game’s design remains strikingly effective.”
That line comes from a review of the game, and it captures the general feeling around Wipeout XL: the design works, and it works well.
The Numbers
- Platform: original PlayStation
- Release: 1996
- Genre: anti-gravity racer
- Key feature: adjustable race rules
- Core focus: fast, arcade-style racing
What Holds It Back
Not everything about Wipeout XL aged well. Some players found the difficulty curve steep, especially when playing against the computer, and the lack of a save feature meant progress had to be tracked separately. Multiplayer support was limited to local play, which kept the experience contained to a single room.
None of that takes away from what the game gets right. The racing itself remains engaging, and the sheer pace of the action still feels fresh today.
Final Word
Wipeout XL earned a reputation as one of the best racers on the original PlayStation, and it stands as proof of what the console could do at launch. Its design remains strikingly effective, and its influence can be seen in later anti-gravity racers that followed. The game’s strengths outweigh its flaws, and it remains a worthy addition to any collection.
