Pick Your Reason For Wipeout HD Delay

PSP owners have been enjoying Wipeout Pulse for nearly a year now, but the PS3 downloadable port termed "Wipeout HD" has yet to arrive. The console version will combine tracks from the handheld versions of Pure and Pulse, add some new vehicles, updated hi-definition graphics and other features, but for all intents and purposes remains identical to the two PSP games.

There are many possible reasons - both official and unofficial - for the delayed release of the highly-anticipated Wipeout HD. Early last week, reports circulated on the web that SCEE was forced to delay the game because the ultra-high framerate and frantic action on screen was posing a health hazard to epileptics. While this rumor helped confirm that the new Wipeout is even more awesome than already expected, we couldn't help but feel bad for those who were thrown into uncontrollable fits due to the game's wicked-sweet graphics. This excuse also helps explain the absence of the title at last week's high-profile E3 gaming event, where many journalists were expecting some hands-on time with the game.

Whether the Epilepsy story turns out to be true or not, Sony isn't telling. Today, they announced a few more reasons for the unexpected lateness of the game: Trophies and 2-player split screen. Undoubedly, both of these improvements will appeal to fans of the series, and the promise of trophies may even entice a few new players. So, it turns out that no matter which excuse you choose for the delay of Wipeout HD, the game is shaping up to be worth the wait.

[Via: CVG, Wired, Playstaiton Lifestyle]