Why Sony doesn’t give us a new Wipeout game is beyond me. The series continues to be popular after its initial introduction on PlayStation. And yet, the last entry we officially received was the introduction of an HD Collection for PlayStation 4 years ago. That said, there are spiritual successors that try to recapture the magic of that franchise. And with that, we have Over the Games’ Millennium Runners.
Released recently for Steam, the game is very similar to Wipeout in terms of nature. You’ll tackle a series of tracks with futuristic vehicles, all along a galaxy-defining landscape. There are also electronic tunes that play in the background, keeping you motivated. And, of course, there’s high speed combat, and a variety of modes available.
It’s great to see a team try and reach the benchmark with games like Millennium Runners. Unfortunately, it comes up short in key areas. For one thing, performance is all over the place. One race ran smoothly, and the other crashed to the point that we had to reset our Steam Deck. Also, the blur effect is headache inducing; and the “rubberbanding” AI behavior is infuriating. On top of that, the track design can be all over the place. Some are better than others.
It’s not bad for the price – a meager $13 – so if you’re itching for Wipeout, it might sate your curiosity. But work needs to be done on its performance and visual hiccups, and more tracks would make a world of difference. Millennium Runnershas the right level of momentum, but its ride could use some smoothing over.
Millennium Runners Tries To Be a Defining Racer For the Century
Over the Games knows exactly what makes a Wipeout game tick, and piles on Millennium Runners with a similar level of spirit. You can tell that with some of the gameplay you’ll come across.
Handling of your futuristic hovercraft vehicle is done very smoothly. We had no trouble making turns, even with occasional “bonks” here and there (walls do that). The game also maintains a fair level of speed to go with it, provided you have the right kind of machine to handle that sort of thing. (More on that in a second.)
It also has a good amount of content. The game features six different teams to choose from, each with back stories…though you likely won’t care too much. The modes are plentiful, including classic races, Grand Prix, and even Time Attack, if you feel compelled to match lap times.
So Millennium Racers has the content. How’s it perform?
Millennium Racers Has Its Fair Share of (Too Many) Hitches
While the game has content galore, Millennium Racers also has a few complications in the visual department.
For one, the track design is a little oft-putting. For every brilliant track that challenges you to the core, there’s also a general track that’s just…there? It’s almost like some were put into place just to offer a flat level of variety. More than likely, you’ll pick and choose certain favorites here.
Also, I can’t help but discuss the game’s flawed performance in two areas. Number one, we tested this on a Steam Deck and it was all over the place. When we started, it ran incredibly slow, to the point it crashed our system. As we adjusted it, it ran a little better, but still ran into mishaps. On a traditional PC, it does run better, so keep that in mind.
However, the game is loaded with blur and it’s a headache-inducing effect. By the time we got through certain races, it settled into our brain. But it could turn off players who just want to enjoy the splendor of the futuristic design, without the blur effect. It’d be better off left in the dust.
As for sound, it’s superb. The musical selection is off the charts, matching up with Wipeout inspired tunes and neat hover vehicle effects. You won’t mind this in the least, and may even love it more with a devoted set of headphones.
Millennium Runners Needs Some Work Under the Hood
I commend Over the Games for trying something cool with Millennium Runners, especially considering that Sony won’t. It’s got most of the spirit of Wipeout intact, and working on its own accord. However, it’s still got some work ahead when it comes to overall performance, as well as a blur effect that leaves a lot to be desired. Plus that AI behavior is annoying. At least the music is banging and the gameplay holds up.
With a little more work under the hood, Millennium Runners could very well be a piece of future goodness. As it stands, it needs a little more time in the pit.
GAMERHUB RATING: 2.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Over the Games for providing a review code! Millennium Runners is available now for PC/Steam.
Want more racing goodness? Check out our review of Forza Horizon 5 for PlayStation 5!
