Splashdown

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

Blast through the waters of Bali, tear it up over the Great Barrier Reef, and maneuver through the Venice canals. Become one of eight rebellious riders as you throttle a Sea-Doo watercraft over water that looks so real you'll need a wetsuit. Catch massive air as you jump wakes and launch off ramps, and then pull off insane stunts like the Metronome and the Cyclone. Battle your way to the finish line through 18 incredibly detailed courses all around the globe. Power four authentic Sea-Doo watercrafts, each with unique handling to put you in the hot seat and give you maximum control. Choose from eight over-the-top characters with unique personalities. Show off your 30-plus acrobatic stunts, such as the Lazy Boy and the Handlebar Handstand. Blast through 18 photorealistic environments, including Tokyo, Venice, and Mission Bay. Crazy stunts equal more speed, so get out there and defy gravity!

Splashdown Rides Gone Wild will send you blasting down incredibly realistic water rides with amazing sights around every corner! Animated events and path changes bring a new level to the water-racing madness Entertaining characters with plenty of funny dialogue and animations, to keep you laughing the whole time

Sony Triple Pack: ESA Foundation Compilation delivers a triple-shot of great action games. You'll move at top speed without leaving your favorite chair, thanks to this collection of intense, high-action games. Features Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild, ATV Offroad Fury and Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit.