Zoom!

...aaaand in other Playstation Network news, futuristic-racing fans are in for a treat with the announcement of tomorrow (or depdending on time zone, today)'s update to beloved and critically acclaimed PSN exclusive, WipEout HD. It's not the guarantee of non lethality some might have been waiting for, but the rest of us can enjoy a range of new community features as well as game options!

A couple of new ways to advertise your bragging rights have been added, in the form of online ranking, badges, and podium screens. Fifty player "ranks" have been created and depending on how well you race - your final placing, speed class, and the worthiness of your opponents - you'll now be able to advance through the ranks from Trainee until you reach the hallowed status of Master. Badges, on the other hand, are somewhat like Metal Gear Solid's icons, in that they are awarded if you meet certain conditions within a particular race - not necessarily requiring you to finish in the top positions. If you do score a place in the top three, you can enjoy the smug knowledge that everyone is glowering at a representation of your victorious self on a new podium screen.

There's more to do with your PSN contacts, too - you can get hold of your buddies more easily with a new invite system, and once you sign in a stalker-friendly notification will let you know if anybody you're familiar with has a race going that you could join. If you miss the starter's gun, you can add voyeurism to your socially-unacceptable friend obsession by watching over the race as a spectator. Switch camera angles to get the best view of your target, or just set it to follow the object of your attentions. Once the race ends, you'll all be instantly transported to the lobby where you can continue your harassment with chat and follow them to their next race in time to compete.

Or you could make your own race, and take advantage of these new options:

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• HUD Weapon Hints on/off.


• Barrel Rolls on/off


• Pilot Assist Allowed on/off


• Number of laps (max 20)


• Opponents - Choose to create a Public, Friends-only or Invite-only game.

I guess that last one gives you the ability to shake off all the spooky followers whose tailing of you was enabled by the rest of the update! Based on the classic PSone title, WipEout HD is a Playstation Network exclusive. This latest update should be available later today.