4 WipEout Alternatives While You Wait For PACER

It’s about time that Pacer came out of the garage and onto the racetrack for a proper debut, after being fine-tuned in early access since 2015. Touted as the spiritual successor to the flagship PlayStation classic WipEout, Pacer (formerly known as Formula Fusion) is scheduled to be released on 17th September on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam; and has Anti-Grav surfing, electronica blasting speed freaks like myself revved for its arrival.

I say “spiritual successor”, as piloting high-speed hovercrafts and pumping mandatory EDM through your intercom (I imagine) aren’t the only things that make a WipEout game, but also the design and subtle world-building strewn along the courses and environments you traverse.

It definitely helps that developers, R8 Games, has some notable figures from the Psygnosis Leeds team, some of which were the original WipEout creators, as well as securing the original graphic designers of the aforementioned game series, being ‘The Designers Republic’. It’s like bringing back the old band for an unofficial reunion tour (albeit, under a new band name, and without the apathetic manager who holds the rights to their greatest hits).

No confusion though, Pacer isn’t set to relive the old future days, nor is it bolstered in nostalgia either. Other than the fundamentals remaining the same, it’s a completely new game with new tracks, new ships, and new lore. As shown in the most recent trailer, you’ll even get to customise your own gravity-defying, death-racing machine. As to what extent one can tinker and toil away is yet to be known, but if I can - I will lace my vehicle in as many outdated memes as possible, thank you very much.

If you are still itching for that floating futuristic Formula One experience, you’re in luck! During this indefinite wait for another WipEout game since the Omega Collection in 2017 (of which I have no hope for a new title, nor an “Alpha Collection” either, but one can dream), there have been a handful of hopefuls that are keeping adrenaline addicts satiated until our next fix!

1. Antigraviator (2018)
Steam

This mind-bending, vertigo-inducing thrill came out a few years ago on the PC, and blends a lot of great elements from racing games of yore; namely the speed and gameplay of Nintendo’s F-Zero, UI elements from Disney’s underrated Split/Second, and that familiar clean sheen reminiscent of such courses seen in more modern WipEout titles.

 

2. Fast RMX (2017)
Nintendo Switch

And there’s Nintendo’s exclusive third-party rendition of an F-Zero/WipEout hybrid. More akin with the former, Fast RMX seems to have aided those aching for another installment of the classic Nintendo racer for now; but without the iconic roster of characters and an impressive amount of competitors that you would have to slug your way through on the same track; expect more of a WipEout experience something akin to F-Zero.

3. Redout (2016)
Xbox One / PlayStation 4 / Nintendo Switch / Steam

Possibly Pacer’s biggest competition by way of accessibility, Redout merges the familiarity of the WipEout series as a whole, with air-gliding elements à la Star Wars Racer, all packaged in a minimalist, glossy, low-poly and modern art style.

4. BallisticNG (2016)
Steam

Presented as an ode to the old WipEout Trilogy, this self-proclaimed “love-letter” to the original series serves as a faithful adaptation of the controls and aesthetics seen in the PlayStation One era of gaming. How faithful it is, is completely down to you; as you can mod and play with as many of the old school courses available within the Steam Workshop… or just pilot a floating rubber duck like I do (it’s very aerodynamic!)

We don’t have to wait much longer for Pacer. But in the meantime, if these games don’t scratch that nostalgia itch, or you’ve exhausted the Omega Collection; Sony has published a playlist of “The Best of WipEout”, which I can attest to - makes for a very good workout mixtape.

Here’s hoping this opens the market for more interest in Anti-Grav Racing, possibly reviving older and already existing properties… Nintendo? Sony? Wish to take note?