The second season of Wipeout games is upon us! Based on the hit TV obstacle course game show, you’ll guide a cast of wacky characters through a crazy course as you try to not get knocked into the water. But is the second game better than the first? You’ll just have to read on to find out! (Wii version reviewed here)

In single player mode, you’ll pick a silly character to play as, then run through an episode, or level. Events are taken directly from the show, including the famous “Big Balls.” The announcers from the show lend their voices and likeness to give the game some authenticity. You’ll be trying to get to the end as quickly as you can, but if you get stuck, you can always opt to skip to the next checkpoint, but your time will be severely penalized.

The ‘big’ addition to Wipeout 2 is the inclusion of winter stages. But they’re not any different at all, except for everything is covered in snow. You can play these episodes in multiplayer mode, too, and those not running the course can toss water balloons or snowballs to throw the other player off balance. Finally you can train in each event in Practice Mode.

The Wii version uses the remote only, and you turn it on its side like a regular controller to play. So it’s basically just a really annoying 2-D platformer. You’re better off just getting the earlier Wipeout game for Kinect instead. It’s not a very good game either, but it is exactly the same and at least you can have fun looking silly. Only the most die-hard Wipeout fans would enjoy this, and they’re better off just watching the TV show.

Kid Factor:

Wipeout 2 is rated E-10 with an ESRB descriptor of Mild Cartoon Violence. Players can get knocked into the water, but it’s no worse than the TV show. Even though you can skip the hard parts, I imagine most kids would still get frustrated and bored with this one pretty quickly. You might as well just get them a GOOD 2-D platformer like Kirby’s Epic Yarn or New Super Mario Bros. Wii.  Heck, even the free downloadable 360 game Doritos Crash Course is better than this.

Tags: Game Reviews