If you are familiar with PlayStation, you’ve probably tried at least one of the games in the Wipeout series. Wipeout 2048, developed by Studio Liverpool, for the PlayStation Vita is not a huge leap forward in the series, but is still does a lot of things right.

Instead of showing the regular hi-tech future tracks designed for anti-gravity racing, Wipeout 2048 focuses on showing the city where those tracks are being developed. The year is, as the name suggests, 2048 which is the earliest year Wipeout series has seen so far. Generally speaking, the game still has the feeling of the familiar tracks we’ve seen before, but this time you’ll see some buildings along the way.

Make no mistake, Wipeout 2048 is gorgeous game. A true technical showcase what PS Vita can do with a solid dance soundtrack that fits the game’s atmosphere.

Welcome to 2048

After Wipeout 2048’s atmospheric and good looking introduction video, you’ll be focusing the new touch-friendly interface which is used in both, single and multiplayer modes. All the events are represented on a hexagon grid and tapping events lets you see what the event is all about. Once you’ve finished an event, more events unlock and you have more nodes available on the hex. These events on the grid represent Wipeout 2048’s campaign. The single-player campaign runs three seasons, through the years of 2048-2050. Altogether, there are 10 tracks.

Interface is clear, easy to use and pleasure to the eye

Events on the grid are either standard events such as races and time trials or combat events where dealing damage is what the race is all. Depending on the nature of the event your chosen vehicle will help you to reach your goal.

All in all, the interface works well with Vita’s touchscreen. It is clear, easy to use and pleasure to the eye.

Wipeout 2048, like previous Wipeout titles, is not an easy game. There is no steep learning curve and the fun begins early, but once you get deeper to the campaign-you’ll find a real challenge to actually win these races. There are races that are really tough, but all this translates to a feeling of satisfaction once you nail the tracks. Huge speeds + skill to manage each curve and taking down those rivals = pure satisfaction.

Unfortunately, there are reasons why Wipeout 2048 doesn’t reach its full potential.

Controlling anti-gravity vehicles

A major part of Wipeout’s appeal is the anti-gravity vehicles. Ships that float above the track are insanely fast and packed with a variety of weapons. These vehicles glide smoothly over the track if you have what it takes to handle them.

There are a lot of vehicles to choose from and handling these ships differs with each one. The team roster is similar to Wipeout XL’s so you find teams such as Feisar, AG Systems, Qirex, Auricom and Piranha. Each of these teams offers different kinds of ship models. In general, some of them are insanely fast, some are durable and some are easier to handle.

Handling these vehicles is not easy and I can promise that when you begin the game- you’ll spend some time enjoying the surface of the walls. Although there is a pilot assist mode available for your help. You need to learn the controls if you want to be the best- so be vary of the “pinball effect” you may suffer at first.

Wipeout 2048 is about speed

However, there is freedom to choose the control scheme to suit your style of playing the game. You can change the controls so they represent the more traditional Wipeout, with physical buttons or you can try to enjoy the game by tilting your Vita. Tilting the Vita left or right steers while powers are activated by tapping the screen. This tilting control scheme is responsive, though insanely hard as it lacks the precision you need to be victorious …or maybe I just sucked.

Multiplayer

Multiplayer experience could have been better here. The races are fun, but you don’t have freedom to choose what event you want to try. Between races you can vote from two options, but that the real freedom to choose has been ripped away.

Multiplayer racing also uses the Vita’s camera. So in the beginning of the race the device asks for a picture, which takes about two seconds, and then once the race is finished, you’ll be able to see the fellows who took pictures and made it to top three.

The functionality enables Vita owners hop into online races against PS3 players.

Cross-platform races with PS3 players however, is a perk that is really nice. The functionality enables Vita owners hop into online races against PS3 players. This way you get few additional tracks and crafts from Wipeout HD. The functionality is a nice addition, but not something worth constantly exploiting.

Summary

PS Vita had a barrage of good launch titles to choose from and this is one of the best when it comes to racing with others. Simply put: it is fast and fun. In addition, if you’re looking for a game that shows what PS Vita can do, when it comes to power, this may be your choice. Wipeout 2048 is a good game and worth the price especially if you’re fan of the series. Unfortunately long loading times and few restrictions on multiplayer hinders the game from reaching its full potential.

BoG’s Wipeout 2048 Score: 8.0 out of 10

Why so high? Gorgeous, fast-paced racing in futuristic environments with very good soundrack

Why so low? Too long loading times and multiplayer features that are lacking.