WipEout HD

This really doesn't do it justice to how smooth it looks.

• Onkyo 7.1 sound system with Dolby 2.0 codec - Check.
• Playstation 3 Slim with Dolby 2.0 Codec support- Check.
• WipEout HD optimized specifically for Dolby 2.0 Codec - Check.

.Holy Cow.

Much like Avatar, whose 3D experience is a game breaker for the movie, there is few things that come along that are truly novel and innovative. The vast majority of the time modern media is a rehash of something that came before it in a progressive iteration toward unprofitably where upon it will stop being made. In this endeavour very rare few diamonds will shine brightly in the sea of excrement. I can count these instances on one hand. But I still consume these modern diversions with gusto because even when it is crap it's still entertaining. Though in digression, I've become quite picky regarding the media that I do partake.

WipEout HD steps out from that mold it was cast in. It's a WipEout game through and through and shouldn't for a second be considered seperate from the sequel factory that it and other games are. The maps are familiar down to the textures. It is an admitted homage and port of other WipEout games no less just with updated graphics and some tweaking to make it play like silk.

But when it really comes alive is with the sound. It's a solid game if you're into the WipEout franchise, but the sound makes it absolutely decadent. It's also, and a great homage to it's techno-trance music roots, so much better when the volume is cranked. Subtle details are lost when the volume is low and the experience feels muted or jilted by comparison to the "volume at 11" version.

It's the only game I can think of that benefits not so much by just having proper audio equipment, but keeping it loud. At a paltry $20 online, it's also a steal. It is far and away the most played game on the PS3 for me.

Consider it a glowing endorsement-doubly so if you have the equipment to fully realize it.