WipEout 2097 was my first WipEout. Its soundtrack is etched in my memory and is, for me, the greatest videogame soundtrack ever. It defined my tastes in music, even when I strayed away from electronic towards metal. But my absolute favorite memories were on Wip3out, especially the Special Edition.
Everything about this game is perfect. It’s incredibly beautiful, fluid and fast for a PS1 game. The classical physics are refined to perfection. The Designer’s Republic have done their best job ever at designing the identity of this game. The soundtrack is great. The tracks are varied and a breath of fresh air after the industrial-design-fest of 2097.
It has the most content of any classic WipEout. 8 new tracks, 8 tracks remade from WipEout and WipEout 2097, 6 prototype tracks including two with a mysterious proto-“Zone” ship, all the classic teams and new ones for varied gameplay…
I fell in love again. I hadn’t touched this game in almost 25 years and I love it as much, if not even more than before. I’ve been a lifelong WipEout fan, I’ve since done and enjoyed them all (except Fusion. Fuck you you ugly-ass bastard), I’ve spent hours on BallisticNG just to scratch that itch. But WipEout 3 Special Edition is and forever will be my love.
If buying an old PlayStation is doable for you I’d absolutely recommend it! It’s the best way to really get a feel of the games and the era, rather than the games feeling simply like a retro-style game on your new computer.
Do keep in mind you need VGA or AV plugs to connect it to the TV, not HDMI or DP
You can get composite to hdmi adaptors for quite cheap these days. Although some might say that a period accurate telly is part of the feel.
If the emulator route didn’t work out, I might just go get one. Luckily, I live right next to a used game/hobby shop. Is there a converter I need to get to make it HDMI?? Because I dunno if I can buy a whole retro TV just to play them.