Wipeout HD brilliantly surprises in some areas, and devastatingly disappoints in others.
Running over a boost pad results in a cheap FOV change to emphasise speed, briefly warping the stunning curves of the track. An FOV flash during a speed boost is an old parlour trick used in the days of the N64, why did they feel the need to add this? As a veteran gamer, I was left feeling a little patronised.
Second annoying aspect is the introduction of the side shift. A double-tap on a shoulder button will result in your craft instantly shifting left or right, about the distance of it's own width. As any experienced Wipeout pilot is aware, drifting round corners using those same shoulder buttons is a necessity. When needing to correct a drift whilst cornering, you may need to press that shoulder button twice. Previously, this would allow you to perfect your turn allowing you to find that perfect line round a corner. However, because of this new side shift, any corrective drift you apply is read as a side-shift and slams your craft into the wall. Note to the developers: There are four shoulder buttons on the PS3 pad. Use them.
Good points are that this game does look stunning.
The ability to play any music from your collection whilst racing is just amazing. It's surprising how much your own favourite piece of music adds to a game. May i recommend numerous tracks of thumping electronica. :)
Another pleasant surprise was the Zone game mode. As if you thought the Zone mode from Wipeout Pulse couldn't be improved... various multicolours washing the track as you step through speed categories is just amazing. Imagine the whole track, and world surrounding, turning black and red as a voice announces, "Phantom".
Overall though, the amazing good points certainly don't make up for the terrible ways that the gameplay is let down. I, for one, am beginning to lose my faith.