Power-Up #26: Quake Disruptor (wipEout XL)

As somebody who lives on the West Coast, I can tell you that earthquakes are no laughing matter. One of these days the big one is going to hit and my house will be floating off the coast of Idaho. Thankfully, today's episode of the 29 Questionable Power-Ups of Christmas isn't nearly as scary. Discover one earthquake that might actually be good for you!



Purpose: Just like those missiles you're packing, the quake disruptor is specifically designed to slow down the competition. This powerful weapon sends a wave of destruction straight ahead, temporarily giving the player a speed advantage. WipEout's quake disruptor is the easiest way to secure that first place position.

Legacy: First introduced in wipEout XL, the quake disruptor has been in every subsequent sequel. The developers have tinkered with the weapon's speed and effectiveness, trying to find the right balance for this high-speed racer. Some installments allow players to aim the quake backwards, while other versions of the game feature cars that can keep up with the ripple. These days, the quake disruptor is still a fan favorite, even if it's not nearly as effective as it once was.

In Real Life: No matter how many people demand it, there's almost no chance we'll see car combat by 2048. Rear-ending somebody at the demolition derby is one thing, but nobody is going to insure a sport that involves missile launchers mounted on cars. Things only get less realistic when you introduce the quake disruptor, which destroys the track every time it's used. All that sounds cool, but let's not forget that even future sports will be based around making money, and there's nothing cost efficient about the quake disruptor.