Sometimes a title comes along that manages to define an entire generation of video games, and few would argue against WipEout being in this esteemed category.
Released alongside Sony's 32-bit PlayStation in 1995, this futuristic racer combined cutting-edge 3D visuals, cool branding, and a pumping soundtrack, all of which enabled it to become one of the console's best-selling launch titles.
It's now available for the Android-powered Xperia Play via Sony's PlayStation Pocket service, and for the most part it retains its ability to entertain and captivate.
Total wipeoutBoasting undulating tracks and super-fast 'anti-grav' hover ships, WipEout is markedly different from your typical racing experience.
Bereft of the friction that causes wheeled vehicles to skid and slide into corners, WipEout's ships glide along the track and require a different kind of control.
You'll need to drastically re-think the way in which you race, picking out your optimum line, managing your ship's forward momentum and using your air brakes to negotiate tight bends.
Taking its cue from Nintendo's Mario Kart, WipEout lets you fight back against your rivals. Weapons such as rockets, mines and heat-seeking missiles give you the opportunity to win positions via unsporting behaviour, while speed boosts and shields allow you to avoid becoming a smoking wreck yourself.
The best is yet to comeWith different leagues to conquer and a selection of teams to choose from, WipEout offers a decent challenge and will keep you busy for a reasonable amount of time.
It's biggest issue is that it's very much a bare-bones affair -the PlayStation sequel Wipeout 2097 fleshed out the concept and proved to be a much better game overall. Knowing that a superior version of the game may be forthcoming in the not-too-distant future could be enough to discourage a purchase.
One element that unquestionably impresses is the soundtrack. Even after more than fifteen years, WipEout sounds amazing. The Chemical Brothers's infectious 'Chemical Beats' is perfect accompaniment to the on-screen action, as is Leftfield's 'Afro Ride' and Orbital's thumping 'P.E.T.R.O.L.'
Cold as iceAll other tracks are provided by Tim Wright (AKA: CoLD SToRAGE), Psygnosis's in-house artist from the '90s. While they lack the big-name prestige, they're still of a high standard.
WipEout on the Xperia Play is identical to its PlayStation counterpart, right down to the control layout, loading times, and music track listing. If you're a long-time fan of the series then this is an essential download, but in the harsh light of day it's arguably the weakest entry in the franchise.
If you're undecided, you may be better off saving your coinage for the superior sequel, which will hopefully make its way to the Xperia Play in due course.
WipEout
Wipeout retains its sense of speed and effortlessly cool branding, but fifteen years of progress have not been especially kind to the game that kick-started the beloved series. Nevertheless, it's currently one of the better PlayStation classics on the Xperia Play
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.