Minty fresh (Splashdown (PS2))

Member Name: Tybalt348

Product:	Splashdown (PS2)
Date:	31/07/03 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Original, Fun, Graphics

Disadvantages: Not as good as a real one?

For a watercraft fanatic like me, there are precious few games available that help satisfy my need for all things Sea-Doo. I can think of four - Waveracer or whatever it was called on the N64, and then the sequel on the gamecube. Both good games, but for some reason they never grabbed me. Probably because I'm more of a sit-down fan than a stand-up jet ski fan. Then there was the truly dire Kawasaki Jet Ski watercraft - probably the worst let down of a game ever. It was more or less devoid of any entertainment value, no matter how hard I tried to develop a liking for it. Thankfully, the 4th game, Splashdown, is a cracker.

As everyone else has said, one of the first things to hit you is the graphics. They're beautiful, clean, bright and the water effects are truly superb. There is much fun to be had from just driving around the racing areas and checking out the landscapes. The game has a really positive feel, and sometimes you really want to be in the places you're racing around.

The sound, too, is fantastic. It has a good soundtrack, but you'll get tired of hearing those same songs over and over again. I suggest having a stash of CDs nearby, because the game is highly addictive and you'll want some different music after a few hours playing. I know I did - Limp Bizkit worked well for me, but you may prefer something else..

So the graphics and sound are great, what about the game itself? Is it a polished turd like the previously mentioned game? Definitely not. The action in this game is some of the most addictive, fun and - at times - frantic racing action you'll see. The added dimension of getting a performance boost by performing tricks is a great idea. At first, you'll do ok by just pinning the throttle and going for it, but later on you'll really need to use the ramps to do tricks to get as much of a performance boost as possible. The longer you hold a trick for, the more of a boost i
t can give you and the more complex the trick, the more boost it can give. You'll need to learn a few tricks to succeed, because the game will reduce the bonus for a certain trick if you use it again and again. Multiplayer is even better, and it'll keep you entertained for hours. You're spoilt for choice with tracks as well - there are lots to choose from and they're pretty varied.

One of the few problems I have with the game is the authenticity of it. The way the Sea-Doos handle ISN'T that realistic. In the game, take the SPX up to maximum speed, lean your weight back by pulling back on the stick, and then turn as hard as you can. You'll carve a long, wide turn. Do that in real life, and you'll either spin out viciously or come off the thing entirely. Probably both. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get it to spin. I was also amazed at how often the jet ski goes nearly entirely underwater. That doesn't happen in a turn on flat water in real life. I know I'm nit-picking, but the handling isn't that realistic.

That doesn't matter at all though, it doesn't detract from the gamplay or make it any less fun. What you have here is a highly original game that you can play for 5 minutes or 3 hours, either alone or with a buddy. It's a bit of light hearted fun that you shouldn't miss out on.

Summary: