Amazon.co.uk Review
In a bold move to take racing off the roads and onto the water, Infogrames--under their newly acquired Atari guise--have released Splashdown : the PlayStation 2's first jet-ski based romp. A combination of throttle-stop racing and trick-style events, Splashdown features four modes of play, challenging the player to take their chosen sea-doo (apparently slightly different to a jet ski) around a variety of courses ranging from harbour spaces to the Everglades of Florida.
The water-based nature of the game really adds an extra dimension to proceedings, allowing for aerial stunts and underwater manoeuvres to be executed in a bid to carve through big water quickly and efficiently. Top speed on the craft can be boosted by performing ludicrously dangerous tricks by launching yourself skywards from the many ramps around the courses giving a real feeling of speed.
Graphically this is a gorgeous title; the water effects are so good it's enough to make you feel seasick. One of the nicer graphical touches even reveals coral reef under the water's surface--it really looks the part. The visuals are complemented by a control system that really "feels" right. Movement is directed by the left analogue stick, with Up and Down governing the ability to dive and sky the craft. This allows for some fabulous effects as you hammer your unfortunate rider beneath the waves before throwing him/her into the air and performing an ungainly barrel roll. The feeling of speed is surprising good and everything runs at a fairly constant 60 FPS with the only the occasional slow-down at times of graphical congestion. The sound is also excellent, with a soundtrack including Blink 182 and Sum 41 --water-skate punk here we come...
It's nice to see old hands Atari back in the video-game seat again, and it's also good that their first outing on PS2 is such great fun. For those jaded by the more traditional racing experiences, Splashdown is definitely worth a look. -- Chris Russell
Amazon.com Review
Rainbow Studios created quality dirt racers with its Motocross Madness and ATV Offroad Fury games. Now it seeks similar success in the water with Splashdown . Featuring four licensed Sea-Doo watercrafts, nine playable characters, and 18 environments, the game packs plenty of features. Add in exquisite graphics, precise physics, tight controls, and challenging gameplay, and you've got one of the best jet-ski games on the market.
The game's water effects are simply astounding. This is among the most realistic water ever seen in a video game. Furthermore, it behaves in such a lifelike manner that you'll marvel at how accurately it reacts to movement. The detailed and lush environments are located in a variety of regions and cities, including Nice, Seoul, Tokyo, Venice, Loch Ness, Mission Bay, the Nile River, and the Bering Strait. While the controls are very responsive, it does take some time to get used to the game's challenges and master its more than 30 tricks. Musically, the game is a bit derivative, attempting to emulate the soundtracks found in other extreme-sports games. And while the game offers some variety in the its training, career, arcade, and versus modes, it's disappointing that the multiplayer option only supports two players.
Splashdown is not a perfect game, but it is an excellent title that offers plenty of replay value if you have the patience to get past its initial learning curve. Compared to the competition--specifically Wave Rally and the GameCube-exclusive Wave Race: Blue Storm --this game offers a superior experience with better graphics and deeper gameplay. --Raymond M. Padilla
Pros:
- Beautiful water
- Excellent control and physics
- Plenty of levels
Cons:
- Somewhat steep learning curve
- Multiplayer only supports two players
- Limited selection of vehicles
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