Wipeout 2

Review

Common Sense Media says

Pratfall game based on TV show has some control challenges.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Wipeout 2 is a collection of mini-games based on the TV show by the same name and follows the same premise as the original game, Wipeout: The Game. Contestants attempt to get the fastest time through an obstacle course that is designed to "wipe" them out by knocking them down, flinging them into the water, sweeping them into the mud, etc. Players in the game take on an avatar, many of which are wearing silly costumes, such as a chicken or cow suit, and race their way through the courses. One of the tag lines for the game is, "We mock people so you don't have to." Commentators make fun of contestants when they fall.

  • Positive messages2
    This video game is based on the TV show, which shows people trying all sorts of dangerous and wacky things. That said, this game encourages kids to get up off the couch and physically move.
  • Positive role models0
    Most of the characters are caricatures or fall into stereotypes, such as "the cheerleader" or "the nerd."
  • Ease of play3
    The game includes tutorials for both simple and more advanced obstacles, but these videos do not automatically play. Players must select the tutorials from the main menu. There is also a practice option for most of the courses in the same tutorial menu. Physical controls are mediocre. Some work as expected, such as running and jumping. Others, especially those involving airtime (Big Balls, trampolines, etc.), seem haphazard. A player can skip any obstacles except the last one, so there is little danger of being stuck mid-course.
  • Violence2
    Characters are punched, knocked down, pelted with snowballs and muck, and more, all in the name of the game. Every fall, hit, and slide is captured and replayed in slow motion.
  • Sex1
    Commentators make jokes about things like "Big Balls," which is one of the obstacles in the game.
  • Language1
    The commentators are irreverent and in-your-face with their snarky comments.
  • Consumerism4
    This game is built around the television show of the same name. Bonus content includes footage and behind-the-scenes content from the actual TV show.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety0
    Not applicable.
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What's it about?

WIPEOUT 2 is a game show where contestants attempt to get the fastest time through a series of summer and winter obstacle courses. Each course includes several rounds of play, most of which involve running from one end of the track to the other without being knocked into the water, mud, "snow," or other messy substance. An elimination round requires a player to stay on a platform for as long as possible without being knocked off. Players get penalties for being knocked off, but can gain bonus time for collecting gold and silver rings. The player with the lowest overall time at the end of the entire game wins. Replays and commentary from the hosts are designed to exaggerate punches, falls, and other mistakes. Some of the obstacles include swinging on a rope, dodging punching gloves, jumping on trampolines and moving platforms, avoiding a large swinging bat, and walking on a rotating pole.

Is it any good?

 

WIPEOUT 2 will likely appeal to those who think it's hilarious when someone trips, falls off a bike, or walks into a wall. The learning curve for using the controls is high and may be frustrating for some kids, but as the "fun" of the game is in falling off, this could be less pronounced than other games. The ability to skip an obstacle and take on a time penalty is also a bonus for kids who are more focused on finishing than finishing first. There are eight courses to play, but they start to feel repetitive after a while; and unlocking new avatars isn't all that compelling. However, the game encourages kids to get up a move in time with what is happening on the screen. It will really come down to whether or not you find it entertaining to see someone punched off a platform.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about stunt-orientated play. What is safe? What isn't? How are the contestants in the show protected? What is safe behavior around the house?

  • Families can also talk about laughing at/making fun of other people. What makes the show so funny? Would it be as funny if you saw someone fall like that in real life? Why or why not? How would you feel about being on the show? How would you feel if you fell or hurt yourself in real life?

This review was written by Christy Matte
Parent
April 30, 2012
AGE
7
 
YOU BETTER TRY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I ABSOLUTLY LOVE THIS GAME! You get to find coins and the more you play a level you get the next one. It persuades kids (like me) to work harder on a level.
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This review was written by Christy Matte
Platforms:Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Action/Adventure
Developer:Activision
Release date:October 11, 2011
Price:$39.99 (Wii), $49.99 (Xbox 360, PS3)
ESRB rating:E10+ for Mild Cartoon Violence.
This review was written by Christy Matte

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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