Visually the game does all the 5-year-old PS can handle. Fast frame rate, decent textures, wondrous lighting effects, and well crafted models of real aircrafts. The game does start off a bit slow, but boy does the blood get pumping in the later levels! Being this is an Infogrames title, . as much as I hate ports, one can only hope to see this gem ported over to the Dreamcast. You are treated to a numerous amount of tracks to race on. Mountains, valleys, etc, smoothly go by you with the slightest bit of pop up. Weapon effects are on the dull side though, but that is one of the few drawbacks. Not too many titles can top the overall visual effort of this game.

If techno is your thing, you will absolutely love what NGen does to your eardrums. The overall sound quality is iffy however, featuring boring afterburner sounds and not much ambiance. The music on the other hand is very cool. A few developers of the original Wipeout had a hand in this game, which explains the ultra-hip, bass filled, techno tunes that my neighbors complain about. You’ll definitely want to keep the music tracks on for this ride, or you’ll doze off into a mountain or something.

Controls had some issues, but nothing that showed extreme severity. My biggest gripe was holding the afterburner, thrust, and weapons button down at the same time. This is a real pain in the butt when hitting the demanding later stages. Handling your plane, on the other hand, is not a chore. You can navigate your craft with ease using the analog pad, which gives very responsive controls.

The most excellent thing about NGen is the amount of depth! You have to go through fun, but rigorous, permit earning stages. You can buy and sell your aircrafts. You can even upgrade your jet. You get this, and all the normal racing options you’ve come to know and love.

Even though the PS is at the end of it’s life cycle, there is no real reason not to purchase NGen racing. It’s the Wipeout wannabee we’ve all hoped and prayed for. Well, maybe not prayed for.