Jet Moto 3

"A solid return to form"

Opening Remarks: Only two games into the series, Jet Moto was getting long in the tooth. JM2 seemed more like JM7. It was slow, sluggish, dated, and tired. It's a good thing Singletrac left Sony so they could assign development to the relatively unknown Pacific Coast Power & Light. PCP&L has redesigned and rebuilt Jet Moto and returned it to its former glory.

Gameplay: The new game engine makes everything feel fresh once again. Jet Moto is a game that's supposed to move lightning quick, something the second game didn't accomplish, and fortunately, this game does. There are tons of tracks to race on and all of them are designed excellently. There are plenty of secret characters and levels to unlock. Overally a very welcome return to glory for Jet Moto. It's a shame most people will skip over it simply because 989 Studios isn't too popular, and it's their name on the front cover.

Graphics: Sharp as a tack and smooth as a baby's ass. Definitely a welcome change from the muddy, pixelated messes of previous two games. Animation can sometimes be slightly stiff in the riders and the grapple beam, but other than that, it's all gravy.

Sound/Music: The music is your standard racing game techno stuff. Nothing bad but nothing memorable. Sound effects are pretty much the same.

Play Control/Game Design: Riders control tightly and grappling around corners is easy. All of the tracks are cleverly designed and much more fun to play than any of the tracks from the first two games. Did I mention there's a ton of them?

Improve: Nothing. They hit the nail on the head.

Recommended if you like: There's none other like it.

Final Words: I'm glad Sony took a chance and handed this game off to Pacific. Singletrac developing a third Jet Moto would have been a nightmare. If you want a blisteringly fast racer (and have already beaten wipEout), give Jet Moto 3 a try. True, I had my doubts going in, but was pleasantly surprised, and I think you will be too.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/19/04