Wipeout HD is an odd game to review; the tracks, music, and ships have been taken from the PSP games in the series. The difference is that now, everything moves at 60 frames a second, even if you're running the game at 1080p. To put it plainly, the game is so pretty that you won't mind playing on tracks you've enjoyed in the past.

Everything from the menus to the UI is polished to a high shine. This is the game that you use to amaze people when they come over and check out your system. The music, in full 5.1 surround sound, is wonderful. Of course, if you don't like it, you can set up your own playlist from the music on your hard drive. Yes, it sucks that more PS3 games don't do this, but if there is one game that fully takes advantage of a kicking soundtrack, Wipeout HD is it.

Online runs well, although there aren't many options, outside of a single race and a tournament that seems to go on forever. The game also features split-screen multiplayer, which is a nice touch, even if the graphics do take a hit playing this way. I also was unimpressed with the Sixaxis controls. You're going to have a much easier time turning off the motion-control. You'll need every inch of your skills as well; this is not an easy game.

Luckily, you can skip some events and still move forward: each grid is made up of multiple events, such as a simple race or a time trial across the track. If you get hung up on one race, play around and try to find something a little easier. The game also gives you the option of turning on an AI helper that keeps you from slamming into the walls. There is also a photo mode you can use to take a few screenshots with different effects layered on.

Sure, the content is recycled, but it's great content. Taking a great game like WipeOut Pulse for the PSP, giving it a face-lift that's this impressive, and then selling it for $20 isn't a bad deal at all. Would this be worth the money as a full-release? Possibly, although this review would harp on the lack of new content a little more. For $20, this is one of the best purchases you can make on the PS3 right now. Unfortunately, some popular people are still experiencing issues, so hopefully that will be fixed soon.

Thanks to unimental for the screenshot