Wipeout HD has been out for just over six months, but that doesn't mean that the developers are done tweaking your multiplayer experience. Due out tomorrow, a new update for the zero gravity racer will implement a slew of new multiplayer features.

Online Ranking

With over 50 ranks to progress through, there will be a new edge to online racing in WipEout HD. Your finishing position, speed class and the rank of your opponents will determine how many ranking points you are awarded as you strive to go from a Wipeout Trainee to a Wipeout Legend!

Podium Screen & Online Badges

• A new podium screen will now display the top three finishers after each online race or tournament.
• Regardless of whether you finish in the Top Three or not, every player has the chance of being awarded an ‘online badge’ in recognition of how they performed in the race.
• There are 33 badges in total.
  

Connect easily with your friends

Game invites have now been introduced to WipEout HD to make it easy for you to invite your friends to join your game or for them to invite you! In addition, you will also be informed of any friends with an active online game and have the ability to join that game instantly!

Watch races in progress

If a race has started before you have had chance to join it, Spectator mode will allow you to watch that race. Within spectator mode, you can choose from four camera angles and select which ship to watch.

After the race has been completed, you will be taken back to the lobby with the other players so you can compete with them in the next race.

Additional Options

Lastly, to provide more variety when setting up an online race, WipEout HD has added a few additional options:

• HUD Weapon Hints on/off.
• Opponents - Choose to create a Public, Friends-only or Invite-only game.
• Barrel Rolls on/off
• Pilot Assist Allowed on/off
• Number of laps (max 20)

I haven't played a Wipeout game since the very first title arrived on the PSOne, but I've been in dire need of a new racing experience for a while. Perhaps this update is the kick in the pants I need to finally download the game. Of course, I'd probably get my ass handed to me about three trillion times before I even came close to finishing in the top three. That shouldn't stop me, but it will. Besides, I still need to download those time trial maps for Mirror's Edge, and the Sackboy character for Hot Shots Golf 5. Maybe it's best if I leave the racing to the experts.

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