Wipeout XL

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEE
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 1996
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Hot Games
    100
    WO XL also has possibly the best soundtrack of any game, including contributions from Chemical Brothers, Underworld and Prodigy... A landmark racer and one of the all time classics on this console.
  2. Games Domain
    100
    The graphics fly by at an astounding rate, and are so impressive that they would not look out of place in an arcade... One of the most polished packages to grace the Playstaion.
  3. Game Revolution
    100
    An improvement in nearly every way over the original, which was arguably the best racing game previously made for the PlayStation... This game is beautiful, even hypnotic to watch, and fun to play.
  5. TotalGames.net
    93
    Psygnosis has managed to improve WipeOut to such a degree that even those that hated the original will find WO2097 accessible and rewarding to play... WipeOut 2097 is a scorcher!
  6. Absolute Playstation
    93
    The best arcade racer of its type on any format. While it takes some time to master the controls, it is time very well spent as it reveals this game to be a true classic.
  7. IGN
    90
    The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, with some of the best light sourcing and effects ever. The control is smooth, the gameplay is fast, and the music is just awesome.
  8. GameSpot
    85
    The earthquake weapon is unspeakably awesome... The weapons are visually spectacular, and seeing the light trails behind the hovercars is just plain cool.
  9. All Game Guide
    80
    Features even more unique and detailed texture maps as well as dashingly gorgeous course design with tons of trackside stuff to distract you as you blaze around the tracks.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS1 Game of 1996
4
#4 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1996
4
#4 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1996

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 57
  3. Negative: 3 out of 57
  1. RayS.
    Jan 18, 2010
    10
    Quite simply, the best racing game ever made, IMHO. This game is in my top 3 favorite games of all time list, and I've yet to see Quite simply, the best racing game ever made, IMHO. This game is in my top 3 favorite games of all time list, and I've yet to see anything top it. Easily the best of the Wipeout series as well, of course. The difficulty ramps up quickly, and unlocking everything is a true "pat yourself on the back" accomplishment. The soundtrack is also my favorite licensed soundtrack of all time. If you like electronic music in the least, the soundtrack is a who's who of 90's electronic artists. Featuring Underworld, Prodigy, Future Sound of London, Chemical Brothers, Fluke, and Photek among others. An amazing collection of tracks from quite a few of the very best electronic acts of the 90s. This is also the FASTEST racing game that I can ever recall playing. The sense of speed is jaw dropping on the highest difficulty. It's so fast, that combining the speed with the checkerboard like patterns on some of the tracks, here's a warning: this WILL make you motion sick if you get motion sick easily. Otherwise, I cannot think of one thing wrong with this game. The supreme racing game for the PS1, and my favorite racer of all time. Oh and having a NegCon and learning how to use it right is an added bonus!… Full Review »
  2. CrunchyS.
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    The best, purest Wipeout of the series. There is nothing more satisfying than blasting towards a corner at full speed, only to negotiate it The best, purest Wipeout of the series. There is nothing more satisfying than blasting towards a corner at full speed, only to negotiate it with pinpoint skill with masterful use of the airbrakes. Looks good for a PS1 game but, in my opinion, Wipeout 3 looks marginally better. In a different way, of course. This Wipeout is purer than Wipeout Pure. Wipeout Fusion is NOT better than this. [Anonymous] knows nothing!… Full Review »
  3. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 18, 2023
    10
    AKA Wipeout 2097, improved graphics and handling, more weapons with the ability to kill or be killed by the competition and more forgivingAKA Wipeout 2097, improved graphics and handling, more weapons with the ability to kill or be killed by the competition and more forgiving collision detection makes for an excellent sequel that ticked all the right boxes. But once again, the later tracks are too tricky, making qualifying for the league mode - which for my money is the real meat of the game - unnecessarily difficult. Otherwise, it's pretty much the perfect futuristic racer.… Full Review »
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