View source for Wipeout 2097

{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Wipeout 2097
| image = WipEout2097Cover.jpg
| caption = European PlayStation cover art
| developer = [[Psygnosis]]{{efn|Ported to Sega Saturn by [[Tantalus Media|Tantalus Entertainment]] and [[Perfect Entertainment]]. Ported to Amiga by Digital Images and by Coderus for Mac.}}
| publisher = Psygnosis{{efn|Mac port published by Virtual Programming.}}
| programmer = Stewart Sockett, Chris Roberts, Nick Kimberley<ref name=manual>{{cite book|title=Wipeout 2097 manual|date=1997|publisher=Psygnosis|page=18}}</ref>
| artist = Pol Sigerson, Ashley Sanders, Nicky Westcott<ref name=manual />
| composer = [[Tim Wright (Welsh musician)|Tim Wright]]<ref name=manual />
| series = ''[[Wipeout (video game series)|Wipeout]]''
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|18 October 1996}}|'''PlayStation'''<br />{{vgrelease|EU|18 October 1996<ref name="CVG issue 180">{{cite magazine |title=Checkpoint: Events and Software Releases |url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_180_1996-11_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n47/mode/2up |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |location=United Kingdom |date=November 1996 |issue=180 |page=49|access-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508031407/https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_180_1996-11_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n47/mode/2up|archive-date=May 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hull Daily Mail 16 Oct 1996, page 11 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/900679219/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en |quote="''Wipeout 2097'' and ''Actua Golf'' on the PlayStation are out on Friday and are expected to do well."}}</ref>|NA|29 October 1996<ref>{{Cite web |title=Release List (Framed ) |url=http://www.psygnosis.com/release/release.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970619022353/http://www.psygnosis.com/release/release.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 1997 |access-date=2023-05-04 }}</ref>}}'''PC'''{{vgrelease|NA|17 June 1997<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-06-19 |title=Psygnosis Games Index |url=http://www.psygnosis.com/gameidx.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970619014515/http://www.psygnosis.com/gameidx.html |archive-date=19 June 1997 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=1997-06-17 |title=Real Life Wipeout XL |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/06/17/real-life-wipeout-xl |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>|EU|27 June 1997<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-06-23.html|title=Psygnosis Publishes Ports|date=26 June 1997|website=[[PC Gamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070620/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-06-23.html|archive-date=18 February 1998|url-status=dead|access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref>}}'''Sega Saturn'''{{vgrelease|EU|25 September 1997<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-12-02 |title=sega-europe.online |url=http://www.sega-europe.com/saturn/satinfo.html |access-date=2023-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981202140918/http://www.sega-europe.com/saturn/satinfo.html |archive-date=2 December 1998 }}</ref>}}'''Amiga (WarpOS)'''<br />1999<br />'''Mac OS'''{{vgrelease|EU|1 February 2002<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wipeout 2097 comes to Mac |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/152541/wipeout.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Macworld |language=en}}</ref>|US|12 July 2002<ref>{{Cite web |title=Freeverse makes Wipeout 2097 available in US |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/155075/wipeout-4.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Macworld |language=en}}</ref>}}}}
| genre = [[Racing game|Racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[Sega Saturn]]|[[WarpOS]]|[[Classic Mac OS]]|[[Mac OS X]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Peter|title=Wipeout 2097 goes Carbon|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/153661/wipeout-3.html|publisher=Macworld|access-date=March 21, 2025|archive-date=March 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319175916/https://www.macworld.com/article/153661/wipeout-3.html|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Amiga]]}}
}}
'''''Wipeout 2097''''' (released as '''''Wipeout XL''''' in North America and Japan) is a 1996 [[racing game|racing]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Psygnosis]] for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. It is the second installment of the ''[[Wipeout (video game series)|Wipeout series]]'' and a sequel to the [[Wipeout (video game)|original game]], released the previous year. It was ported the following year to [[Microsoft Windows]] and the [[Sega Saturn]], and later also to [[Amiga]] and [[Apple Macintosh|Macintosh]].

Whereas the original game introduced the F3600 [[anti-gravity]] racing league in 2052, ''Wipeout 2097'' is set over four decades later and introduces the player to the much faster, more competitive, and more dangerous F5000 AG racing league. The game introduced a new damage interface and new weapons and tracks. The Sega Saturn version supported analogue control by using its 3D Control Pad, whereas the PlayStation version supported analogue control only through using the optional [[NeGcon]] twist controller.

''Wipeout 2097'' received critical acclaim upon release; reviewers praised the game for its dramatic improvements to the controls, graphics, and gameplay of the original ''Wipeout''. The game featured a licensed electronic soundtrack featuring artists such as [[The Chemical Brothers]] and [[The Prodigy]], an early example of modern licensed music being used in video games. ''Wipeout 2097'' alongside its predecessor has since appeared on lists of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest games of all time]] by multiple publications.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Wipeout 2097 gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|Gameplay from the Sega Saturn version]]
Gameplay in ''Wipeout 2097'' expands upon its predecessor, introducing new circuits and weapons while retaining fundamental aspects. Players race against computer-controlled artificial opponents or other pilots, aiming to finish in the highest position possible. The game features futuristic hover vehicles that handle differently from traditional racing cars. The craft move at high speeds, with air-brakes used for cornering.<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |date=August 1997 |title=I Feel the Need, the Need for Speed... Again! |url=https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_022/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_022_-_august_1997_UK#page/n52/mode/2up |access-date=25 November 2018 |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |pages=52–57 |issue=22}}</ref>

''Wipeout 2097'' introduces a weapons system, allowing players to eliminate opponents during races. Each vehicle has a shield energy quota, and when this reaches zero from weapon attacks or impacts, the craft is destroyed.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite magazine |date=August 1996 |title=NG Alphas: Wipeout XL |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |page=77 |issue=20}}</ref> However, the ship can be "recharged" to health at the [[pit stop]] in exchange for a precious few seconds of the race.<ref name="development" /><ref name="ign" /> The Quake Disruptor is a notable new weapon, causing a wave effect on the track that launches opponent vehicles into the air.<ref name=":0" />

The game offers multiple difficulty levels, called classes: Vector, Venom, and Rapier. Each class increases in challenge, with higher speeds and more complex tracks.<ref name=":0" /> ''Wipeout 2097'' features a progression system where players can unlock additional content. Winning gold medals across all tracks in the first three classes unlocks a full season mode. Completing this season reveals additional hidden options, including new tracks.<ref name=":0" /> Challenge mode takes a very single player-centric approach by only allowing progress to the next track by coming in first on the current track. Players can lose the mode by losing all three lives, which are lost by finishing a race in worse than third position.<ref name="ign" /><ref>{{Cite book |title=Wipeout 2097 Instruction Manual |year=1996 |pages=7}}</ref>

The game includes multiple racing teams, each with vehicles that handle differently. FEISAR, the European team, offers a balanced vehicle with good turning and strong shields, suitable for beginners learning the tracks. Auricom, the American team, provides faster vehicles than FEISAR and AG Systems, designed for more experienced racers. AG Systems, the Japanese team, features a vehicle with higher speed than FEISAR's but less cornering ability. Qirex, the Russian team, offers the fastest vehicles in the game, but with reduced steering capabilities. Each team's vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses, allowing players to choose based on their preferred driving style and skill level.<ref name=":0" />

== Development ==
As with the [[Wipeout (video game)|first installment]], ''Wipeout 2097'' was developed by Liverpudlian developer [[Psygnosis]] and the promotional art was designed by [[Sheffield]]-based [[The Designers Republic]].<ref name="liverpool">{{cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=30 November 2014 |title=WipEout: The rise and fall of Sony Studio Liverpool |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-22-wipeout-the-rise-and-fall-of-sony-studio-liverpool |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212155926/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-22-wipeout-the-rise-and-fall-of-sony-studio-liverpool |archive-date=12 February 2019 |access-date=18 January 2015 |website=EuroGamer}}</ref> The development cycle ran for seven months.<ref name="development" /> To cater for the increase in ''Wipeout'' players, an easier learning curve was introduced whilst keeping the difficulty at the top end for the experienced gamers.<ref name=NGen17>{{cite magazine |title=Wipeout 2 |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=17|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=May 1996|page=55}}</ref> The game was originally intended as a tracks add-on for the original ''Wipeout''. No sequel had been planned, but Andy Satterthwaite (who worked on the [[MS-DOS]] version of the original) was asked by Psygnosis to apply for the role "internal producer". He did, and during the interview, asked to do a sequel to ''Wipeout'', but instead ended up developing extra tracks. The add-on was titled ''Wipeout 2097'' because Psygnosis did not want to give the impression that it was a full sequel. In the United States, it went by the name of ''Wipeout XL'' because it was felt that American players would not understand the concept of the game being set a century in the future, and might confuse it for an installment number. The American title was originally to be ''Wipeout XS'' (for "Excess"), but it was pointed out that XS could also stand for "extra small". Satterthwaite ended up with a team of three coders (two of whom were new), six artists, and Nick Burcombe.<ref name="Making">{{cite book|title=Retro Gamer Annual Volume 3|date=2016|publisher=[[Future plc]]|isbn=978-1785-464-690|pages=136–143|chapter=The Making Of: Wipeout 2097}}</ref>

The game's look was influenced by Japanese culture because the team had worked with The Designers Republic. Nicky Westcott was the lead artist, and her team built on the original vehicle designs. She also worked with the designers and coders on the tracks. Custom tools were created in [[Softimage 3D|Softimage]] to develop the tracks, which were tweaked and the team played each other's tracks to obtain feedback. During the process, Satterthwaite realised that he could do more than the tracks add-on he was tasked with producing. Work on the tracks began in January 1996, and the plan was to select eight tracks out of twenty designed and built in a month. Their "skinning" was expected to be complete by June, with the game anticipated for release in October. Despite the work involved, Satterthwaite had three uninvolved coders.<ref name=Making /> The collision code from the original ''Wipeout'' was also completely overhauled to make cornering easier by making wall grinding not bring the player to such a halt.<ref name=NGen17/>

Burcombe wanted to improve on the original's ship handling and introduce a new weapon, which led to new power-up ideas. Westcott said that it was a collaboration between the areas because of the strict deadline. The gameplay change that had the most interest was what happened to ships that hit track edges. That ships stopped immediately in the original game was considered too harsh. It was desired that ships scraped the edges instead, and this took longer than expected to develop. Ghost vehicles were only featured in the European version because [[Atari]] had a patent on them from ''[[Hard Drivin']]'' in the United States. The team wanted to make it possible to win races in any ship, and a challenge was to make them all feel different and to still have their worth. Months of work rebalancing the [[Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]] was undertaken to ensure all vehicle and track settings were a challenge. Sony wanted a [[PlayStation Link Cable|link-up]] feature, which proved difficult due to syncing issues and the frame rate differences between [[PAL]] and [[NTSC]]. Much extra content, such as more difficult tracks and a prototype ship, was added because, according to Westcott, the team were both enthusiastic and stressed, and described their development as "a period of great energy and immense exhaustion at the same time".<ref name=Making />

An entire United Kingdom nightclub tour was initiated in conjunction with the [[Red Bull]] energy drink, which was featured prominently throughout the game before the drink actually gained popularity in the American market.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Future Sound of Game Music|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=24 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=December 1996|pages=86, 88}}</ref>

The game was first unveiled in the form of a [[Software release life cycle#Pre-alpha|pre-alpha]] demo at the May 1996 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Psygnosis Own E3...|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=7 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=June 1996|pages=78–80}}</ref> ''Wipeout 2097'' was released in 1996 and sold around a million copies. Ports for the [[Sega Saturn]], and Windows PC were released in 1997. Later it was also ported to [[Amiga]] by Digital Images in 1999 and to [[Mac OS]] by Coderus in 2002.<ref name=Making />

== Music ==
The original ''[[Wipeout (video game)|Wipeout]]'' game was one of the first racing titles to prominently feature electronic music, including tracks by artists such as [[Leftfield]], [[The Chemical Brothers]], and [[Orbital (band)|Orbital]]. This use of licensed music was unconventional for the time and helped establish the series’ identity. The game and its soundtrack drew heavily on the ''<nowiki/>'future UK''' aesthetic of the 1990s—a style defined by techno-inspired visuals and the rise of electronic music and [[rave culture]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dylan Wray |first=Daniel |date=2024-04-02 |title=Wipeout: The Story of the World's First Rave-Inspired Video Game |url=https://mixmag.net/feature/wipeout-first-rave-inspired-video-game-dance-music-soundtrack-designers-republic-psygnosis |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=Mixmag}}</ref> Its marketing campaign, aimed at a young, club-going audience, further emphasised the connection between the game and the rave culture of the 1990s.<ref name=":4" />

''Wipeout 2097'', released as ''Wipeout XL'' in North America, expanded upon this foundation with a soundtrack that featured a wider array of high-profile electronic music artists. Tracks by [[The Prodigy]], [[Fluke (band)|Fluke]], [[Underworld (band)|Underworld]], and [[Photek]] were included, alongside returning contributors Leftfield and The Chemical Brothers. The game's music played a key role in defining its high-energy, futuristic atmosphere, with the soundtrack often being associated with the mid-90s rise of [[big beat]] and techno music.<ref name=":1" /> [[Fluke (band)|Fluke]] contributed the track ''[[Atom Bomb (song)|Atom Bomb]]'', which was created specifically for the game and accompanied by a music video set in the ''Wipeout'' universe.

In addition to licensed tracks, [[Tim Wright (Welsh musician)|Tim Wright]], known as CoLD SToRAGE, contributed original compositions to the game. Wright wanted his music to emphasise slower tempos while still maintaining a driving sense of energy to match the fast-paced visuals of ''Wipeout 2097''. To achieve this, he leaned heavily into the big beat sound, inspired by artists like The Chemical Brothers and [[Fatboy Slim]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-06 |title=Wipeout 2097: The Making of an Iconic PlayStation Soundtrack |url=https://sonicstate.com/news/2024/06/11/wipeout-2097-the-making-of-an-iconic-playstation-soundtrack/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Sonic State |publisher=NoClip |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Quillfeldt |first=Thomas |date=2023-12-09 |title=Wipeout's Original Composer Revisits a Stylish Masterpiece |url=https://www.lacedrecords.co/blogs/news/wipeout-s-original-composer-revisits-a-stylish-masterpiece |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Laced Records}}</ref> The style's heavy basslines, prominent drops, and use of samples allowed Wright to maintain an adrenaline-pumping atmosphere despite the slower tempo. Wright noted that it was difficult to get his tracks into the game due to the larger number of high-profile artists featured on the soundtrack.<ref name=":1" />

Sony promoted ''Wipeout 2097'' by showcasing PlayStation consoles running the game in nightclub settings.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Langshaw |first=Mark |date=2014-12-07 |title=20 years of PlayStation: Wipeout revisited |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/retro-gaming/a614645/20-years-of-playstation-launch-game-wipeout-revisited/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref>  They also released a line of branded clubwear inspired by the game.<ref name=":2" />  Additionally, the ''Wipeout 2097'' game disc doubled as an audio CD, allowing players to listen to the soundtrack directly, and a separate album with a different tracklist was also released.<ref name=":2" />{{track listing
| headline        = Track listing PlayStation version
| extra_column    = Performer
| title1          = Data track
| writer1         = N/A
| title2          = [[We Have Explosive]]
| writer2         = [[Garry Cobain]], [[Brian Dougans]]
| extra2          = [[The Future Sound of London]]
| length2         = 5:53
| title3          = Landmass
| writer3         = Garry Cobain, Brian Dougans
| extra3          = The Future Sound of London
| length3         = 4:29
| title4          = [[Atom Bomb (song)|Atom Bomb]]
| writer4         = [[Fluke (band)|Fluke]]
| extra4          = [[Fluke (band)|Fluke]]
| length4         = 5:33
| title5          = V Six
| writer5         = Fluke
| extra5          = Fluke
| length5         = 5:19
| title6          = Dust up Beats
| writer6         = Ed Simons, Tom Rowlands
| extra6          = [[The Chemical Brothers]]
| length6         = 6:07
| title7          = [[Loops of Fury]]
| writer7         = Ed Simons, Tom Rowlands
| extra7          = The Chemical Brothers
| length7         = 4:41
| title8          = The Third Sequence
| writer8         = Rupert Parkes
| extra8          = [[Photek]]
| length8         = 4:48
| title9          = Tin There (Underworld Edit)
| writer9         = [[Darren Emerson]], Rick Smith
| extra9          = [[Underworld (band)|Underworld]]
| length9         = 6:08
| title10          = [[Firestarter (The Prodigy song)|Firestarter (Instrumental)]]
| writer10         = [[Liam Howlett]], [[Keith Flint]]
| extra10          = [[The Prodigy]]
| length10         = 4:39
| title11         = Canada
| writer11        = [[Tim Wright (Welsh musician)|Tim Wright]]
| extra11         = [[CoLD SToRAGE]]
| length11        = 6:14
| title12         = Body in Motion
| writer12        = Tim Wright
| extra12         = CoLD SToRAGE
| length12        = 5:14
}}

{{track listing
| headline        = Track listing Saturn version
| extra_column    = Performer
| title1          = Kinkong
| writer1         = [[Tim Wright (Welsh musician)|Tim Wright]]
| extra1          = [[CoLD SToRAGE]]
| length1         = 4:31
| title2          = Plasticity
| writer2         = Tim Wright
| extra2          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length2         = 3:55
| title3          = Messij Xtnd
| writer3         = Tim Wright
| extra3          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length3         = 9:22
| title4          = Body in Motion
| writer4         = Tim Wright
| extra4          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length4         = 5:15
| title5          = Canada
| writer5         = Tim Wright
| extra5          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length5         = 6:13
| title6          = Tenation
| writer6         = Tim Wright
| extra6          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length6         = 2:42
| title7          = Surgeon
| writer7         = Tim Wright
| extra7          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length7         = 4:06
| title8          = Body Plus
| note            = Saturn exclusive
| writer8         = Tim Wright
| extra8          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length8         = 9:22
| title9          = Hakapik Murder
| writer9         = Tim Wright
| extra9          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length9         = 4:08
| title10         = Messij Received
| writer10        = Tim Wright
| extra10         = CoLD SToRAGE
| length10        = 4:18
}}

{{track listing
| headline        = Track listing Mac version
| extra_column    = Performer
| title1          = Body in Motion
| writer1         = [[Tim Wright (Welsh musician)|Tim Wright]]
| extra1          = [[CoLD SToRAGE]]
| length1         = 5:15
| title2          = Canada
| writer2         = Tim Wright
| extra2          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length2         = 6:13
| title3          = Hakapik Murder
| writer3         = Tim Wright
| extra3          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length3         = 4:08
| title4          = Plasticity
| writer4         = Tim Wright
| extra4          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length4         = 3:55
| title5          = Messij Received
| writer5         = Tim Wright
| extra5          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length5         = 4:18
| title6          = Surgeon
| writer6         = Tim Wright
| extra6          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length6         = 4:06
| title7          = Tenation
| writer7         = Tim Wright
| extra7          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length7         = 2:42
| title8          = Messij Xtnd
| writer8         = Tim Wright
| extra8          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length8         = 9:22
| title9          = Kinkong
| writer9         = Tim Wright
| extra9          = CoLD SToRAGE
| length9         = 4:31
}}

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 95%<ref name=GameRankings />
| MC = 93/100<ref>{{cite web |title=Wipeout XL |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wipeout-xl/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=29 April 2020 |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608124101/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/wipeout-xl |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Edge = 8/10<ref name=edge />
| GSpot = 8.5/10 (PS)<ref name=GSPS /><br />7.1/10 (PC)<ref name=GSPC/>
| IGN = 9/10 (PS)<ref name=ign />
| NGen = {{rating|4|5}} (PC)<ref name=NG33/>
|PCPP=75% (PC)<ref name=PCPP>{{Cite journal|last=Lawrence|first=Jere|date=July 1997|title=Wipeout 2097|url=https://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-014-1997-07/page/n71/mode/2up|journal=PC PowerPlay|issue=14|pages=56–57}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]''
| rev1Score = 92% (SAT)<ref name=SSM22>{{cite magazine |first=Rich|last=Leadbetter |title=Review: Wipeout 2097 |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=22|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=August 1997|pages=72–73 |url= https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_022/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_022_-_august_1997_UK#page/n72/mode/2up |access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4|5}} (PS)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2360&tab=review |title=Wipeout XL (Playstation) Review |website=[[Allgame]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115004119/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2360&tab=review |archive-date=15 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}} (PC)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=13063&tab=review |title=Wipeout XL (PC) Review |website=[[Allgame]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115085848/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=13063&tab=review |archive-date=15 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

===PlayStation===
In the United Kingdom, it was among the nineteen best-selling PlayStation [[1996 in video games|games of 1996]], according to [[HMV]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Editorial |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |location=United Kingdom |issue=183 (February 1997) |date=10 January 1997 |pages=6–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_183_1997-02_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n5/mode/2up}}</ref>

Air Hendrix scored the PlayStation version a perfect 5 out of 5 in every category (FunFactor, control, sound, and graphics) in ''[[GamePro]]'', citing "across-the-board innovations" over the already excellent original ''WipeOut''. He particularly remarked that the controls are much more refined, fairer, and easier to master, and that the frame rate and graphical effects are much more impressive.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Wipeout XL |magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=98 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 1996|pages=102–3}}</ref> Tom Ham of ''[[GameSpot]]'' also commented on the control improvements and approved of the new ability to destroy opponents. Additionally praising the elaborate backgrounds, detailed sound effects, and more aggressive A.I., he deemed it "a must buy."<ref name=GSPS>{{cite web|last=Ham|first=Tom|title=Wipeout XL Review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wipeout-xl-review/1900-2550221/|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=11 December 2017|date=1 December 1996|archive-date=11 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213640/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wipeout-xl-review/1900-2550221/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' said that it had topped the original in terms of music, number of simultaneous racers, A.I., weapons, and graphics, and concluded, "It's games like this that make you proud to be a PlayStation owner."<ref name=ign>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/27/wipeout-xl | title=''Wipeout XL'' | publisher=Ziff Davis | work=IGN | date=26 November 1996 | access-date=22 August 2014 | author=IGN staff writers | archive-date=26 August 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826121205/http://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/27/wipeout-xl | url-status=live }}</ref> In 1996, ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked ''Wipeout 2097'' as the 32nd top game of all time for how "playing linked ''Wipeout'' comes close to gaming at its very best", noting that the game could have been a [[technology demonstration]] for PlayStation.<ref>{{cite magazine| magazine=Next Generation | title=Top 100 Games of All-Time | issue=21 | date=September 1996 | page=59}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' gave both the PlayStation and Sega Saturn versions a score of 8 out of 10, with similar remarks of its improved graphics and its gameplay.<ref name=edge>{{cite web | url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/wipeout-review/ | title=''Wipeout'' Review | publisher=Future plc | work=Edge| date=24 August 1995 | access-date=22 August 2014 | author=''Edge'' staff | archive-date=21 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621052809/http://www.edge-online.com/review/wipeout-review/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=development>{{cite web |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-wipeout/ |title=The Making Of: ''Wipeout'' |publisher=Future plc |work=Edge|date=24 February 2013 |access-date=22 August 2014 |author=''Edge'' staff writers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208005111/http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-wipeout/ |archive-date=8 December 2014}}</ref>

''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' editors awarded ''Wipeout 2097'' Best Music of 1996 and a runner-up (behind ''[[Super Mario 64]]'') for Best Graphics.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Best of '96|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=92|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 1997|page=90}}</ref> In 1997, ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|The Official PlayStation Magazine]]'' named it the fifth top PlayStation game yet,<ref>{{cite magazine| title=Top 25 PlayStation Games of All Time | date=September 1997 | author=Staff writers | magazine=PlayStation: The Official Magazine | volume=1 | issue=1 | page=34 | publisher=Future plc}}</ref> and ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' named the PlayStation version the 96th best game of all time, calling it "the first game of the cyberpunk-esque 'electronic age,' before the electronic age was just a hype-filled buzzword."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1997|page=102}} Note: Contrary to the title, the intro to the article explicitly states that the list covers console video games only, meaning PC games and arcade games were not eligible.</ref> In ''IGN''{{'}}s top 25 PlayStation games of all-time list it ranked 13th, noted for being often considered the PlayStation's best racing game of its time and was chosen ahead of others in the series because ''Wipeout 2097'' was "the one they preferred to keep coming back to".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/23/top-25-games-of-all-time-complete-list | title=Top 25 Games of All Time: Complete List | publisher=Ziff Davis | work=IGN | date=22 January 2002 | access-date=22 August 2014 | author=IGN staff writers | archive-date=27 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427055147/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/23/top-25-games-of-all-time-complete-list | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, ''Wipeout 2097'' was inducted into [[GameSpot]]'s list of the greatest games of all time.<ref name=Gamespot>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-18.html|title=The Greatest Games of All Time: ''Wipeout XL''|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007084152/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-18.html | archive-date=October 7, 2007}}</ref> It ranks as the third-best PlayStation game at [[GameRankings]] with an average review score of 94.75% from ten different sources.<ref name=GameRankings>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199318-wipeout-xl/index.html | title=''Wipeout 2097'' | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=GameRankings | access-date=22 August 2014 | archive-date=16 October 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016041745/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199318-wipeout-xl/index.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Ports===
Rich Leadbetter of ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' commented that the Saturn version, while not as good as the PlayStation original, is a much closer conversion than the Saturn port of the first ''Wipeout'', particularly in terms of the fluidity, control, and sense of speed. He deemed it the second best racing game on the Saturn, exceeded only by ''[[Sega Rally Championship]]''.<ref name=SSM22/>

[[Jeff Gerstmann]] reviewed the PC version in ''GameSpot'', assessing that "The PC version's Direct3D support gives this new release a nice face-lift, while still keeping intact the fast action and stylized graphics that console players have come to know and love." He said that the new soundtrack, while good, is a disappointment compared to the PlayStation version's techno tracks, but gave the game a strong recommendation.<ref name=GSPC>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wipeout-xl-review/1900-2531856/ | title=Wipeout XL Review | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=GameSpot | date=26 August 1997 | access-date=22 August 2014 | last=Gerstmann | first=Jeff | author-link=Jeff Gerstmann | archive-date=22 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822094110/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wipeout-xl-review/1900-2531856/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Next Generation'' stated that "If you have a 3D accelerator of any sort, you owe it to yourself to pick up this game. Its nearly flawless gameplay, pumping soundtrack, and visual excellence mark it as a showcase title and all around good time."<ref name=NG33>{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=33 |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=September 1997|pages=143–144}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/wipeout-xl}}

{{Wipeout series}}
{{Psygnosis}}

[[Category:1996 video games]]
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[[Category:Video games scored by Tim Wright (Welsh musician)]]
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[[Category:Wipeout (video game series)]]