Hyperthrust is a gameplay feature that was introduced in and remains exclusive to Wipeout 3. This mechanic effectively replaced the Turbo item as means of boosting, with its own dedicated button for the function, and is thus treated more as a standalone function rather than a power-up.
The Hyperthrust basically allows pilots to divert some of their ships' shield energy into the thrusters, resulting in a reasonably potent speed boost for so long as the function button is held. However, Hyperthrust cannot be used with the shield energy below 25%. The strength of the ship's shielding will also determine how much shield energy is consumed from use of the Hyperthrust.
Trivia[]
- There is currently no explanation of how the Hyperthrust was introduced into the F7200 League at the expense of the Turbo item, only to be deprecated thereafter. However, it is likely that the reason for the discontinuation of the Hyperthrust at the end of the F7200 League was because it was considered impractical.
- Activating the "Infinite Shield" cheat will also activate "Infinite Hyperthrust", as the former cheat effectively eliminates the restriction on how the Hyperthrust can be used by making it impossible for the shield energy to deplete under any circumstances.
- The design and purpose of Hyperthrust is almost identical to the boost function in the F-ZERO games (starting with F-ZERO X), where players can sacrifice their shield energy for a speed boost at will.
- The Hyperthrust mechanic is also identical to the boost function in XGIII: Extreme G Racing, when the player's shield gauge acts like boost.
- The idea of expending shield energy for a speed boost in the Wipeout series would later be revived in Wipeout Pure with the introduction of barrel rolling.