Splashdown 2: Rides Gone Wild - PS2

Sequel to the 2001 Wave Race clone, Rides Gone Wild returns with all the wet-and-wild jet ski action of the first game, but with a wealth of new features and a generally wilder experience. This time around, the inspiration behind the game comes from the spectacle and excitement of theme parks and thrill rides and, as such, sees players jetting their way through huge, imaginative locales, packed full of impressive sights and events.

A total of eight expansive outdoor, twelve tricky indoor, and five freestyle courses play host to the action, each one packed with an assortment of animated elements, triggered events and changing paths. Subsequently, these dynamic environments make for a more involving experience, as the surroundings feel a lot more alive. As far as the game modes go, the game features an all new Technical Time Trials mode - designed with the more professional PWC racing fan in mind - a new Freestyle mode, Time Trials, and an in-depth Training mode.

As was the case with the first Splashdown, stunts play a key role throughout the proceedings - Rides Gone Wild comes complete with a revamped Stunt System. You can now perform over 75 stunts, which link into a total of 360 combos, while a Performance Meter assists you by improving your speed through three boost levels.

A key element to a game such as this has to be the water and Rides Gone Wild doesn't disappoint in that department. Improving considerably on the first game, the visual effects now deliver bigger waves and swift currents, as well as recreate such occurrences as treacherous downhill rivers.

All in all, Rides Gone Wild does what the majority of sequels do in the fact that it enriches the whole experience of the first game with improved gameplay, prettier visuals and more general content. There aren't a great deal of jet ski racers for the PS2 - at less than 20 notes, this is well worth a look.
more