Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Quasi-futuristic racer lacks variety but runs on older Macs

Wipeout 2097 promises futuristic racing excitement for the Mac with fast vehicles and powerful weaponry, but only partly delivers due to low replay value, ho-hum graphics and some interface quirks. We recommend it only if you've been clamoring for a new Mac racer; other players will be better served with one of the other--admittedly few--racing titles.

Wipeout 2097 is, at its heart, an old-fashioned car race where the fastest driver with the steadiest hand will vanquish opponents. The game's sci-fi variation puts you in futuristic environments where you--surprise--navigate twists and turns at high speeds. The goal is to cross the finish line first at any cost. At your disposal is an arsenal of weapons ranging from missiles to landmines, which are used to attack other racers.

Wipeout 2097's graphics are simple by today's standards. Instead of lush 3D environments, Wipeout 2097 uses blocky, flat polygon shapes. The one benefit, however, is that the game runs smoothly on machines with limited 3D horsepower such as the revision B iMac.

The racing tracks are creative and challenging, but there are only eight to play. And you can drive just four vehicles, also limiting variety in the game. We wish that we could at least customize the vehicles with new engines. As it is, you'll grow quickly tired of Wipeout 2097.

Wipeout 2097 also has some interface quirks. For example, selecting a higher frame rate sped up the game instead of giving us smoother frame rates. There are also frustrating inconsistencies. For example you skip some interface screens by pressing Escape and others by pressing Enter.

If you're starved for a new Mac racing game, Wipeout 2097 will deliver. But due to limited replay value, so-so visuals and interface quirks, it's hard to recommend this game to anyone who isn't dying to get behind the wheel.

-Corey Tamas

Wipeout 2097 :
Freeverse Software  |  www.freeverse.com   |  $30
Pros: Works well on older Macs.
Cons: Few tracks and variety; confusing interfaces; blocky graphics.
Requires: Mac OS 9.1 or later, Mac OS X; Revision B iMac or later; 64 MB RAM; Rage Pro video card or better
macHOME recommends: 96MB RAM, 333MHz G3 or faster