Splashdown

"The best jet skiing game since Wave Race 64!"

LONG REVIEW

Wave Race 64 showed that jet skiing could make for awesome racing action, and at long last a worthy successor has arrived. While Splashdown has a more sim-like, technical feel than Wave Race, its gorgeous graphics and deep, challenging gameplay pack just as much punch.

Like all extreme-sports games these days, Splashdown involves plenty of trick-busting madness, but its clever approach means you have to both race smartly and strut your stuff. Successful stunts gradually fill a performance meter that affects your speed and acceleration, so to compete with the pack, you have to be part Jeff Gordon, part Tony Hawk. It is definitely an exciting fusion.

But don't think Splashdown's a fluffy game. Crafty A.I. means the pack runs a tough, smart race, and even experienced gamers should expect tough, demanding races. The game's eighteen tracks offer plenty of cool scenery and will jumps as you tackle standard single races, two-player split-screen heats, or the absorbing Career mode.

Well tuned controls make the action easy to dive into, but still provide plenty of long term depth for pros to master. The action has a floaty feel that players of ATV Offroad Fury, Rainbow's first Playstation2 game, will instantly recognize. It feels a little weird at first, but only until you get used to it.

The most attention grabbing part of Splashdown, though, is its spectacular water, which ranks as some of the best ever. The waves and swells move with such fluid realism that you almost forget to notice because it looks so natural. Great reflections, spray effects, and rider animations add the luster to these impressing graphics. The only minor knock is the slight problems with fog and draw distance.

The games audio, however, could use a bit of help. While the soundtrack kicks ass with a star studded lineup that includes Blink 182, Smash Mouth, Newfound Glory, and more, the cheesy dialogue from the riders is stereotypical and lame.

Don't let Splashdown's minor flaws dissuade you from taking this slick racer for a spin. As long as you don't mind a slightly more technical feel and a hefty challenge, you will find the best thing to happen with jet skis since the N64's Wave Race.

SHORT REVIEW

Graphics: 9
Beautiful water adds a lot of oomph to Splashdown's races. Sharp trick animations and spray effects put some extra shine on the show. The only minor hiccup is occasionally excessive fog and draw distance.

Sound: 7
A star-filled roster of pop punk bands provide the perfect accompaniment to these trick-filled races. It is too bad that the obnoxious dialogue puts such a damper on things.

Control: 9
Responsive controls enable you to start zipping across the waves right away, but there is plenty of depth here to tackle, along with an odd floaty feel that takes some getting used to.

Fun Factor: 9
Splashdown isn't a milestone like Gran Turismo 3 was, but its excellent combo is stunts and racing makes for some thrilling competitions. Expect a fairly stiff challenge, but you will enjoy conquering these waves.

SCORE: 8.5 rounded down to 8.

Happy Gaming and ''Expect a challenge''

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/04/03, Updated 07/14/03