Every time I see the word Splashdown
I keep thinking it must be prefixed with "WWF" but thankfully it's got nothing
to do with those muscle-bound meatheads. It's actually a jet-ski rider game
which, for the first time ever that I've come across, is actually worth playing
when compared to an arcade original like Aquajet and knocks into a cocked
hat the ones seen on the first Playstation (and I never got to play Wave
Race sadly).
The basic premise is nothing to shout out about though. You're one of five
racers riding the ocean wave and getting round an obstacle course in the fastest
time possible. Go left or right of the bollards, jump ramps and perform simple
tricks to gain an energy boost or whatever it's called in this game (they all
have the same function).
Choose from training, arcade or career modes and start off on the easier courses
unlocking courses and riders as you progress up the ladder.
While this game looks and plays like a dream, I'd be tempted to give it 5/5
for graphics based on the water effects alone. I've never seen water so cool
and inviting. It's rendered brilliantly well and just makes you want to dive
right in. There's also some interesting fun to be had when you frequently
crash your jet ski and go flying into the unknown. On top of this, it's
incredibly colourful and everything you could expect.
Soundwise, there are no problems here but it's nothing particularly outstanding.
Your jet ski grinds along, or doesn't when you have an accident, while rock
sounds including the likes of Blink 182 blare away in the background.
These add to the ambience but the presence of Dolby Digital 5.1 would have
topped it off perfectly.
It's a very easy game to pick up and play, although attempting the stunts
themselves isn't always an easy experience when you have to keep up with the
pack at the same time. Also, if you do start to lose your way and fall behind
you'll have a hell of a time trying to get to the front again.
Overall, this is great fun, but for how long? It looks superb and sounds very
good indeed, but I'd recommend a rental first before you decide upon the
desire to play it all day and all night.
GRAPHICS SOUND EFFECTS AND MUSIC PLAYABILITY ORIGINALITY ENJOYMENT
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B
37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier.
PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
Since Jan 2011: Intel Quad Core Dell XPS 8100, i7 CPU 860 @ 2.80Ghz, 8Gb RAM, nVidia GeForce GTS 240, Windows 7
Since Nov 2005: Intel Pentium D 830 3.0Ghz, 1Gb RAM, 128Mb nVidia GeForce 6700XL, Windows XP
Since Aug 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.66Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb GeForce4 MX440 graphics, Windows XP
Since May 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.6Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb ATI Radeon 9600TX graphics, Windows XP
Since Jun 2002: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, 64Mb ATI Radeon 8500LE
Since May 2000: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, Voodoo 3 3000 AGP
Every time I see the word Splashdown
I keep thinking it must be prefixed with "WWF" but thankfully it's got nothing
to do with those muscle-bound meatheads. It's actually a jet-ski rider game
which, for the first time ever that I've come across, is actually worth playing
when compared to an arcade original like Aquajet and knocks into a cocked
hat the ones seen on the first Playstation (and I never got to play Wave
Race sadly).
While this game looks and plays like a dream, I'd be tempted to give it 5/5
for graphics based on the water effects alone. I've never seen water so cool
and inviting. It's rendered brilliantly well and just makes you want to dive
right in. There's also some interesting fun to be had when you frequently
crash your jet ski and go flying into the unknown. On top of this, it's
incredibly colourful and everything you could expect.
It's a very easy game to pick up and play, although attempting the stunts
themselves isn't always an easy experience when you have to keep up with the
pack at the same time. Also, if you do start to lose your way and fall behind
you'll have a hell of a time trying to get to the front again.
