New book is exploring rave legacy of '90s videogame WipEout
Launched in 1995, the racing game was known for its iconic soundtrack which featured The Chemical Brothers, Kraftwerk, Orbital and more
A new book chronicling the history and artistic legacy of the 90s cult videogame, WipEout, has been published by Thames & Hudson Ltd.
Compiled by journalist Duncan Harris, WipEout Futurism: The Graphic Archives delves into the game’s influential graphic design, concept art and rave-inspired soundtrack.
Beginning with the game’s early conception, the book charts WipEout’s journey from vision to production to legacy, with all the struggles and achievements that came with that.
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The futuristic racing game was first conceived by Nick Burcombe and Jim Bowers, who were working at Studio Liverpool (formerly known as Psygnosis) at the time. It launched in 1995 on PlayStation.
The dancefloor-ready soundtrack was composed by Tim Wright AKA CoLD SToRAGE and featured a number of renowned electronic artists including The Chemical Brothers, Orbital, Kraftwerk, The Prodigy, New Order, Leftfield, and others.
Over time the game grew a cult-like following amongst gamers, graphic designers and music lovers alike.
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WipEout Futurism celebrates this legacy with rarely seen reproductions of the game’s concept art (devised by Sheffield agency The Designers Republic) and interviews with the people that helped shape the series, including some of the musicians.
Last year, the legendary soundtrack was reissued by Lapsus with remixes by Kode9, Simo Cell and more.
In September, EA Sports dropped the 117-song soundtrack for football game FC 25 (previously part of the FIFA franchise), available to listen to via Spotify.
It too features a number of electronic acts Fred again.., Disclosure, Jamie xx, Nia Archives, Channel Tres, Justice, Overmono, Bklava, Skrillex, and Ben Böhmer, among others.
WipEout Futurism: The Graphic Archives is out now, buy here
Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram
