Gaming Target - Xbox: Splashdown

Written by Nick Doukas on July 24, 2002

Full Review: She clings to me like cellophane, fake plastic submarine, slowly drivin' me insane, but now that's overЕ

I remember the first time I saw Wave Race 64. Even though I already had a Playstation, the double whammy of Mario 64 and WR dictated instantly that I add a second console (well, truth be told, I would have purchased an N64 anyway, but Wave Race made me want it sooner, rather than later). Never had a console game reproduced water in quite the way it was portrayed in WR. I was blown away every time I played the game. Well, Blue Storm non-withstanding, I've now seen the finest water effects on a console to date. Splashdown, from developer Rainbow Studios, is an incredibly fun and addicting title that puts you in control of a Sea-Doo wave runner and encourages you to go nuts.

Visually the game is fantastic. Everything from the individual rider models, to the wave runners themselves, are faithfully reproduced here to perfect scale. The environments, which range from the deep blue waters off of Maui, to a somber and twisting river in Germany (and everything in between) bristle with detail, and draw in is virtually non-existent. Riders are well animated and look impressive when tricking. The setting sun casts an orange glow over the water, and white droplets of foam spray everywhere as you plow through the courses. The water itself is perfect, and waves bounce your Sea-Doo to and fro. The frame rate is solid and gorgeous lighting effects are evident everywhere in the game. All in all, Splashdown is a visual feast for Xbox owners, and is easily a system showcase.

Upon boot up, the game assails you with options and modes (hey, what good racer doesn't?!). You'll be able to race against opponents, or the clock in arcade mode. If you prefer, you can choose to take some lessons on basic riding skills in the training mode. To open up the 40 or so courses available, you'll need to race in career mode, which of course places you on a worldwide circuit, battling your way to a shot at the brass ring on Lake Havasu, where the world finals are held. The game also features a versus option, where you can go head to head with a friend in multiple racing modes. There are adjustable music and sound effects levels, as well as optional controller configurations.

The default controls allow you to steer (which your rider accomplishes by leaning to the left or right) with the left thumbstick, while the right adjusts the camera. Your craft's throttle is mapped to the A button, and you can look behind you by pressing X. Stunts, which are required to keep your performance meter topped off, are controlled with the B button, as well as the left and right trigger. All of the courses feature slalom buoys, and you must take care to pass them on the designated side, (the side where the flag is pointing) as this translates into gains on the performance meter. Conversely, if you pass the buoy on the wrong side, the meter takes a loss (the performance meter only improves top speed and acceleration). The trick system is cool, and features tons of stunts, including the spade and the rollover, as well as the more advanced whirlybird and cliffhanger. Hold the trigger (or button) and use the control stick to choose the stunt to be performed. Different combinations will yield different stunts. In addition, each of the eight riders has a signature stunt, so if you pick Andy Pierce you'll perform the Cyclone, while Juana Lopez struts her stuff with the Swan Ton Plancha (say that three times fast!). It's little variations such as these that keep the play mechanics fresh and interesting.

The game controls very well, and you'll find yourself ripping through the courses in no time. You can choose the Free Ride mode to explore each venue, and learn the shortcuts and strategy to beat the track. Pulling back on the stick will cause your craft to hydroplane, which is necessary to achieve top speed. You can also push forward to submarine, and believe me when I tell you, you haven't lived until you've raced through Mission Bay at insane speeds, duck diving beneath an anchored sailboat and popping up through a wave to whip past your opponent. Each rider has pros and cons; some handle their wave runner better, while others have greater speed as their advantage. In career mode you can choose to run a three lap qualifier to place, or skip that and accept a fifth place pole position. In an interesting twist, each time you beat a character in the Challenge Round (which can be optioned every three or four career races, and takes place in the indoor circuits of Seoul or Madrid) he/she then joins your team. You can then choose to race as that character on any remaining courses. By the end of career mode you'll be able to choose from 5 different characters on your team. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, you'll have to unlock many of the courses. In addition, only four riders will be available at the start of the game, though diligent play will release additional characters in due time. Last but not least, different wetsuits for each rider can be unlocked as well. As you can see, there are lots of extras, and players who enjoy tearing open every last secret in a game won't be disappointed here.

The in-game sound is well done, from the whine of your Sea-Doo's engine, to the gentle lapping of the water as it meets the land. Riders shout as they rocket past, and your own character makes goofy announcements when you wipe out (DUDE!!). The music is great, featuring power-pop gems from Blink-182 and Sum 41, as well as the ability to rip tunes from your hard drive into the games soundtrack. Whatever you're into, Splashdown's got you covered. If you're looking for a great racer with phenomenal water effects, Rainbow Studios has what you're looking for. Now roll on down to your local game spot and get wet.