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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Boulder Dash: Rocks!
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
As is tradition with the series, gamers trench race at high speeds in futuristic vehicles outfitted with weapons. New to the franchise with Pulse is a mag-strip, a part of the track that locks the vehicles onto the track, allowing them to race through loops, 90-degree-angled parts of the track, and steep drops. The game features seven different modes, wireless support, 24 new tracks, and eight teams (including one called EG-X). Downloadable content is available immediately upon release. The game's soundtrack features tracks from Stanton Warriors, Loco Dice, and Mason, but players can opt to play their own MP3 files from a memory stick.
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Gaming Age
A nearly perfect experience. Feel the Pulse.
 100
Modojo
Wipeout Pulse is undeniably cool, and the best in the series to date.
100
AceGamez
Wipeout Pulse is undoubtedly the greatest racing game on the PSP, if not the greatest game ever made.
90
Worth Playing
The visuals are terrific, with perfect lighting and great frame rates, and the music sticks to its pulsing electronica roots. Pulse, with its challenging gameplay and deep single-player campaign, is first and foremost a fan service to traditional WipEout fans, but newcomers will likely fall in love with the game, too, assuming they don't become too frustrated in the early going.
90
GameZone
WipEout Pulse is, by far, one of the most enjoyable and addictive racing games to come along for the PSP this year. It’s a fast-paced, unforgiving and intense racing that will surely please fans of the racing game genre even with the lack of racetracks.
90
Kombo
This is the best WipEout game to date, make no bones about it.
90
TotalPlayStation
So yes, I'm a big whiner about the new way the game throws all its different modes at you during the career progression, but custom soundtracks, online play, tons of subtle little tweaks to the handling, track design, weapons and even a few elements borrowed from past games all add up to one of the most insanely packed offerings on the PSP right now.
90
DarkStation
If you're a fan of the fast paced racing then WipEout Pulse is a must have for your PSP.
90
GotNext
It feels more like WipEout Pure 2 than an original title of its own, but there are so many options, customizable features and settings, as well as online play and expected developer downloads, that makes Pulse to go from a teetering try to a full must-buy.
90
PSW Magazine UK
Same-old, same-old, which means slick, challenging and extra packed online content!
90
GameSpy
Add to this equation a staggering variety of weapons (with accompanying cryptic icons) all capable of reducing your fellow competitors to fused hunks of flaming track detritus, a masterfully produced techno soundtrack and some clever online features and you've got a game that has essentially taken up permanent residence in our PSPs.
90
GameDaily
The gameplay is very tight and easy to get into, whether you're going solo through Campaign or Racebox or challenging others through AdHoc and Infrastructure. The downloadable content is hot, too. It may not be easy, but this Pulse definitely rates high.
88
IGN
It features the same punishing reflex-based gameplay, high speeds and engaging flair that other games in the series have trademarked. While it's unfortunate that the game doesn't radically reinvent the series or vastly expand upon the play, WipEout Pulse is still an extremely enjoyable title for racing fans.
88
Da Gameboyz
Wipeout Pulse for the PSP is a great update to the long running racing series that is exclusive to Sony branded machines.
87
Extreme Gamer
WipEout fans, WipEout Pulse is a must have edition in the franchise.
86
Cheat Code Central
It is one of the few futuristic racers that feels actually playable after a few minutes, a considerable feat considering the competition. It has great tracks, varied gameplay, and some pretty innovative online functionality. It is a blast to play.
86
Play UK
Nothing new as far as the franchise is concerned. But the formula is so brilliant, why change it? Studio Liverpool tried once with "Fusion" and it took "Pure" to get it back on track. Pulse helps keep it there. [Issue#159, p.94]
85
PALGN
So while it doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary (well, in comparison to the rest of the series), it delivers what it needs to and does with distinction. It's marginally a better game than the original, but it doesn't have the advantage of being the series' return to form. Still, if you're a WipEout fan or someone who's after an adrenaline and challenge packed racer, then WipEout Pulse astutely fits the bill.
84
PSM3 Magazine UK
Developers take note - this is how games for PSP should be made. Keep the controls simple. Structure the action fo rshort, sharp play sessions. And cater for PSP's criminally overlooked online functions. [Nov 2007, p.83]
84
Games Master UK
It's not for everyone, but if you like knuckle-whitening racing thrills, look no further. [Jan 2007, p.72]
84
GameTrailers
Another solid entry in the series, continuing to scream by with fantastic production values, tight controls, lots of objectives, and above all, an intense sense of speed. Its biggest weakness lies in the time it takes to unlock a decent number of courses, but fans willing to look past that should strap in and hang on.
83
Game Revolution
Wipeout Pulse is nothing short of being an addictive, sleek, hypersonic racer that should be in everyone's pocket.
80
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Pulse's career mode is perhaps its biggest achievement, with a progression system set up in grids that unlock as you go. [Mar 2008, p.84]
80
PTGamers
Sony didn’t try to fiddle with the game mechanics, focusing instead on more contents and more fun.
80
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
WipEout's core chemistry is rich and balanced enough to merit continual evolution. [Dec 2007, p.123]
80
VideoGamer
Wipeout Pulse is more of the same, but the new additions, primarily in the shape of online play, mean this is essential for Wipeout fans and adrenaline junkies.
80
Playstation Official Magazine UK
At its most fluent, you feel like you're piloting the track itself, not just the craft, such is the sweet feeling when you master the sinuous pinches and folds of courses. [Dec 2007, p.110]
80
EuroGamer
WipEout Pulse is faster, better looking, tighter to control, full of new content and much better arranged than its predecessor. Its impact probably won't be as keenly felt as its launch title predecessor, but even if it can't replace Pure at the top of the Metacritic listings, it will certainly replace Pure in your PSP UMD slots - and there it shall stay.
80
NZGamer
Veterans will jump in, take a ride, blow up the opponents and unlock pretty much everything in a couple of days and spend hours more just being addicted enough to neglect sleep and forget to eat.
80
GameSpot
With an online mode, custom soundtracks, and even a photo mode, there isn't much else on the console that the developers have failed to take advantage of. True, the game itself isn't a revolutionary change from the previous entry in the series, but if you've enjoyed Wipeout games in the past and have yet to play them in handheld form, then Wipeout Pulse is definitely worth checking out.
80
G4 TV
The visuals in Wipeout Pulse are a subtle improvement over Pure. Interestingly, the opponent AI appears a lot more aggressive which makes for a much more interesting race.
80
Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
Even with all the solo bulk, the most exciting addition to Wipeout Pulse is undoubtedly that of Wi-Fi play via the PSP's Infrastructure mode. [Apr 2008, p.86]
78
Game Informer
While tech backdrops of futuristic cities are great, the fundamental racing mechanic has inched forward at a snail’s pace, delivering an experience that is almost identical to every Wipeout game that came before.
78
GamingTrend
You might be better to wait for a price drop or pick up the original Pure if you can find it, as both games are too similar to each other to give Pulse a recommendation.
75
Play Magazine
If you're new to this slick brand of futuristic racing, WipEout Pulse has the potential to really impress. [Mar 2008, p.67]
75
1UP
Wipeout fans will also totally dig the game's stats and achievements as well as its team-loyalty program, which gives you points for continually competing with a certain racing team. At every turn there's something more for fans to truly dive in and obsess over.
70
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
With great graphics, great sense of speed, a well balanced gameplay and a more than adequate soundtrack, can we say that Pulse is almost technically flawless? Probably, but only because “lack of innovation” isn’t considered to be a technical attribute. [Nov 2007]
70
Edge Magazine
Sure, it’s another great instalment of Wipeout, but under the gloss it’s little more. [Dec 2007, p.90]
70
games(TM)
Everything you need from a WipEout title is there in abundance. [Dec 2007, p.106]
50
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
For some people and maybe even for you, WipeOut Pulse is worth the effort involved and then some.
Dave R. gave it a10: Martin A. gave it a10: Mike H. gave it a6: Jaco D. gave it a9: Chris S. gave it a10: Nana A. gave it a10: John W. gave it a10: |
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