Wipeout 2

Name: Wipeout 2
Item: Wipeout 2
Rating: 3
Author: Christy Matte

Game review by

Christy Matte, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 10+

(i)

Pratfall game based on TV show has some control challenges.

Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
$39.99 (Wii), $49.99 (Xbox 360, PS3)
2011

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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 3 reviews

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X of Y

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Positive Messages

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 Models & Representations

Most of the characters are caricatures or fall into stereotypes, such as "the cheerleader" or "the nerd."

Ease of Play

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.

Violence

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.

Sex

Commentators make jokes about things like "Big Balls," which is one of the obstacles in the game.

Language

The commentators are irreverent and in-your-face with their snarky comments.

Consumerism

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 & Smoking

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.

User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Adult Written byTheFitzs3 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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Kid, 10 years old August 10, 2012

age 10+

Please write back!

It is a good game because the kids just won't give up!

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Teen, 14 years old Written byFlaming Pencil December 22, 2012

age 7+

Shovelware; stay away!

This games faces massive control problems. I already have trouble with kinect; I don't need any more! Remember when the point of games were to have fun?

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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.

Talk to your kids 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?