While Wipeout HD's foundations are undeniably taken from two previous games, what Studio Liverpool has built on the PSP bedrock elevates it way above the preconceptions of a port. And with seven race modes, a full race campaign and online multiplayer for up to eight people, this download-only title is certainly shaping up to be a pretty comprehensive package. The promise of post-release downloadable content in the shape of additional teams, tracks and events should help maintain the community buzz long after Wipeout HD's release later this year.
But what of a completely new PS3 Wipeout - how long will we have to wait? "We obviously considered - will consider - new Wipeouts," Buckley tells us. "But at the moment focus is on HD, definitely. Once it's out, we'll gauge reaction to it and take it from there."
From what we've played, only the most miserable gamer would consider Wipeout HD to be nothing more than a token stopgap before a 'from scratch' Wipeout appears. It looks and feels beautiful and is shaping up to be - as we'd expect - vastly superior to any of its predecessors. It's not just a port. WipEout HD is one of the most exciting prospects on the PS3 release schedule right now. Bring on the future.
