Pure has a number of different racing modes to keep gamers occupied; Single Race and Time Trial are available to test speeds through courses in one of five different classes with or without computer-controlled opponents. Vector, the first class, is relatively slow and should be easily playable by most. But from Venom on, be prepared for some serious challenges. I recommend that players unfamiliar with Wipeout's controls spend several hours in Time Trial or Free Run modes to get comfortable handling the vehicles and getting accustomed to the course layouts. There's plenty of gameplay to be had prior to unlocking the later classes, as well, so don't worry about it getting too quick, too fast; by the time Flash, Rapier, and Phantom were unlocked, I was able to deftly navigate all of the courses.

Tournament mode requires gamers to finish a series of races consecutively before being awarded a medal. While I do enjoy this mode, playing through some of the early tournaments in Pure was somewhat frustrating. Computer-controlled ships tend to finish in the same place in each consecutive race meaning that it was a constant battle between myself a one other ship. Based on the way points were divided at the end of a four-race tournament, I was pretty much required to get first in three of those events, and second in the other. It's not that I mind the game pushing me to become a better driver; I simply wish the results were more varied and realistic. In later tournaments which require players to compete in more than four races, it's much easier to stay in the game, even with poor placement in a race or two. As such, I found these events more enjoyable.

One of the best features in Pure is Zone mode. In it, players will race through marvelously abstract circuits adorned only with speed boost pads. As the race progresses, the ship will zoom through zones. (lap fragments) Without the ability to grab power-ups, there's no way to recharge the power meter. Thus, the race continues until the vehicle explodes into tiny pixelated pieces. The object, of course, is to reach the highest zone possible. The catch, then, is that as each consecutive zone is reached, the vehicle's top speed increases. In very little time, the track is simply soaring by which in turn makes it that much more difficult to navigate. It's quite exhilarating, quite inventive, and a rather nice distraction from the standard races. There are four courses exclusive to zone mode, with the last being the finest. I'd like to reiterate just how enjoyable it is, in fact. If you want a preview of just how speedy Pure will get in the late game, there's no better way than to hop into the Zone and enjoy.
BERJAYA
Like many of the titles in the PSP launch line-up, Pure does support Wi-Fi play for up to 8 gamers. While the racing is smooth and wonderful once connected, I was a little disappointed in the lobby system; that is to say, there really isn't much of one. After a host has created a game and players connect, the race begins. Once it's over, all players are booted back out to the main menu. So if you feel like playing again, the whole process must be repeated. While I'm wishing for better, I would have loved for online play to be included, but I'm not very bothered by its absence; while we've yet to see exactly what Studio Liverpool has produced, the promise of downloadable content is almost more interesting anyway. I love the idea of new tracks, skins, music, and vehicles hitting the game after release. We'll see what Sony and the developer deliver in time.