Wipeout 2097

Wipeout 2097 refined the anti-gravity racing of the original into something faster and far more readable, with wider tracks that let you actually use the speed instead of scraping walls. Ships hover rather than grip, so cornering is about air brakes and anticipation rather than traction, and the weapon pickups turn each lap into a running argument with the pack. Its licensed electronic soundtrack and Designers Republic visual identity made it as influential on nineties design culture as it was on racing games.