Price: £39.99

Players: 1-2

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
OVERALL

Review copyright © Dominic Robinson, 2002.