The fourth instalment of the series, "Wipeout 3", was positively received upon release; critics lauded the graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and music, although many reviews felt that the game's steep learning curve was a major fault. "Wipeout Fusion" was more negatively received by critics; the graphics received mixed responses, with one reviewer saying that it looked like an "early first generation PS2 game", despite another opining that the visuals had improved over all of its predecessors. At the time of "Wipeout Fusion"s release in 2001, critics recognised the fact that techno music was an integral part of the series.