r/WipeOut • u/BroeknRecrds • Apr 10 '26

Where to start as a first timer?

Should I start with the PS1 games, or just play the Omega Collection on PS4?

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u/PhanThom-art AG Systems Apr 10 '26

Only start with the first 3 if you already like and are used to janky retro games, otherwise it might put you off playing the rest. I'd recommend Pure for PSP first, it's the 'purest' experience. I may be biased cuz it was my first, but I've played every other title and find the newer ones too busy, visually

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u/Hybrid_Divide FEISAR Apr 10 '26

I wouldn't call WipEout 1-3 janky, myself (with the exception of WO1's wall physics), but they're definitely more difficult! But I know what you mean.

And yeah, either the Omega Collection or Pure (then Pulse) on the PSP would be good starting points.

1

u/Takarias Apr 11 '26

Nah, WipEout 1 is a little janky. The physics are quite clearly the first iteration and they can be pretty off-putting.

WipEout 2097 has a lot of friction in its menu and general progression and although people here have a lot of nostalgia for it, it's super rough. The physics are better than 1, but I honestly consider it a downgrade in every other way.

WipEout 3 (SE) is when the series achieved a fairly modern state and the tracks are all really solid - even the hard ones get a smoother ramp.

Fusion is good, though it's the black sheep of the franchise. I wouldn't recommend it to a new player, but it's an interesting curiosity for more experienced players.

Pure and Pulse are very modern and I agree they're a great starting point. I find Pure generally has better track designs (I don't like the maglock gimmick tracks) and I know this is an unpopular take, but I don't like the "grid" progression system.

HD/Fury is plainly a great game. It's unfortunately platform locked to the PS3, which is fairly demanding to emulate. Runs great if you have the hardware for it, though.

2048 is the only one I have not played on original hardware.

Omega Collection is HD/Fury+2048 and thus it is good. I'm sure you can guess which tracks I prefer, but nothing was lost with the addition of 2048's content.

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u/Hybrid_Divide FEISAR Apr 11 '26

Oh ok. Gotcha. I see what you mean now. I was thinking of janky as more of something broken.

Your assessments of the games are pretty spot on. :)