I was devastated to hear of Sony’s Studio Liverpool’s demise back in 2012. It started its life in 1984 as Psygnosis, the risen phoenix from the ashes of the smouldering wreck of Imagine Software. The company became most well-known then for publishing DMA Design’s (now Rockstar) iconic critter-herding game, Lemmings. When it was acquired by Sony in the early 90’s though, the company – rebranded as Studio Liverpool – was most probably best known for one thing. And it’s a thing I love dearly; Wipeout.
When Studio Liverpool met its demise, it was busy working on a brand new Wipeout for the PlayStation 4; something I’d very much have liked to see. While the chances of that ever happening are becoming increasingly unlikely, hope is not lost. A new Wipeout, or something very much like it is on the way.
Drawing inspiration from Studio Liverpool’s futuristic gravity-defying racer and Nintendo’s F Zero X, Formula Fusion is a bit of a spiritual successor. And it’s being made by a team that’s comprised of former Wipeout developers. Developer R8 games also features veterans from Rockstar, Sony and the house of anarchic annelids, Team 17. Their collective credits beyond Wipeout include Grand Theft Auto and Midnight Club, so they’re probably quite capable of making a floaty space racer.
We first heard about it last year, but now It’s on Steam Greenlight, ready for your votes.
And this is what it’ll possibly end up looking like. It’s worth noting this is but a concept video, indicative of R8’s aim as opposed to any sort of real, in-game footage. Still, the lack of good futuristic anti-gravity racing game means there’s a gaping hole in the market, which only something like Wipeout or F-Zero could fill.
Last Updated: January 12, 2015
ToshZA
January 12, 2015 at 11:39
I wouldn’t mind seeing how this turns out. We need a good racer. Not since the first Most Wanted has there been anything really, truly fun.
Ghost In The Rift
January 12, 2015 at 11:51
Most Wanted was the best,and i was so hyped for Criterions Most Wanted and so dissapointed when i saw it was just Burnout Paradise copy.I agree,no fun racers today.
CypherGate
January 12, 2015 at 16:45
I miss the days of a great arcade racer like Ridge Racer. More Specifically Rage Racer, Ridge Racer Type 4 and the arcade version being Rave Racer. They were amazing.
Captain JJ Saga
January 12, 2015 at 11:54
As far as arcade goes I totally agree.
ToshZA
January 12, 2015 at 11:58
Oh yeah I should’ve specified – I’m not a fan of technical racers. Wipeout does fall under arcade though. 🙂
Captain JJ Saga
January 12, 2015 at 12:09
Neverrr! Wipeout is SUPER realism-ness! ;P
Mandom (Umar)
January 12, 2015 at 11:41
Damn, Psygnosis….I remember playing the crap out of Overboard! Wipeout as with Ridge Racer just fell further into obscurity as it became somewhat of a neglected franchise. Quite sad though, Wipeout was amazing, and Ridge Racer you know…I had SOOOO much fun with Ridge Racer 4, working with Robert to restore the Dig Racing Team….GAAAAAD DAYUM I need to play that game now *checks to see if it’s on PSN*
RinceThis
January 12, 2015 at 11:42
looks kindda meh.
HairyEwok
January 12, 2015 at 11:44
I know they say it’s not the final product but holy jeez the turning is so rigid and bad.
RinceThis
January 12, 2015 at 11:48
Agreed!
Ghost In The Rift
January 12, 2015 at 12:08
It almost seems they are trying to drift,bad handbrake i guess:-P
Quo Vadis?
January 12, 2015 at 11:45
its a racing game. Need I say more? ;P
Hammersteyn
January 12, 2015 at 11:42
“spiritual sucessor” – a game bought into existence because of apathy by a publisher who owns the rights to a similar game that refuses to make a sequel or have gone bankrupt and still holds the rights.
Hammersteyn
January 12, 2015 at 11:43
Looks much slower than the original.
Gerhard Davids
January 12, 2015 at 13:58
Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuch
Hammersteyn
January 12, 2015 at 14:50
that muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch lol
Admiral Chief
January 12, 2015 at 11:45
Hehehe dat header
Hammersteyn
January 12, 2015 at 11:47
XD
Ghost In The Rift
January 12, 2015 at 11:54
Are they firing upon the Inquisitors Castle Skyhold??
Ball of Furrrrrrr
Ghost In The Rift
January 12, 2015 at 11:52
Nice,this i like..
justlikemo
January 12, 2015 at 12:12
Looks great, theres a smaller version on steam similar to the old wipeout, if you want to get your fix on
http://www.quantum-rush.net/
http://store.steampowered.com/app/317440
CypherGate
January 12, 2015 at 16:44
I wish we could get a Ridge Racer game again. Im speaking about the likes of like Rage Racer and Ridge Racer Type 4. OMG I miss those games and love them to bits. Those were the peak of the Ridge Racer Franchise. Also worth noting is Rave Racer in the arcades. That was AMAZING.
Mafioso ????
April 27, 2015 at 17:49
The Kickstarter for Formula Fusion is now live!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/formulafusion/formula-fusion-next-gen-anti-gravity-racing-game