For starters, Wave Rally features an impressive track design, complete with varied difficulty level, curves, buoys, among other obstacles. As you progress, the level design increases in difficulty from buoy formations, to insane, intricate twisty tracks.

There are unfortunately, a few problems in terms of the game's water-ski handling, which doesn't reflect the realism accurately. For example, the turn radius is too wide, which is mainly evident when your craft is underpowered. (Note: While I am not very privy to the behaviors of water-ski handling, I've come to understand that Wave Rally isn't doing it just right). Digressing here, the water skis issues are quite an annoyance when trying to manipulate tight curves, and unlike cars - these crafts aren't capable of doing this on the water.

While the wave dynamics are admirable, they're a bit too random. Thus, there will be times when it's either pushing your craft more than you'd like, or pushes it backwards when you've reached a corner that can leave you of course, a major damper to your strategy. This is where Wave Race can be regarded as being substantially better...players want a challenge, but definitely aren't looking to be aggravated.

Beyond that, there's not much else to highlight. The frame rate is very smooth for the most part, aside from when there are multiple racers on screen at once. The character models are rather solid, although they don't consist of joint-modeling (which would've made their movements more realistic); however, they do animate well when handling the turns and landings in accord with the water's behavior.

Speaking of which, the water is perhaps one of the most distinct compared to what's currently on the market; composed a surreal, reflective look. The weather patterns, are also depicted in a realistic manner, which alters the behavior and look of the water's behavior. Perhaps the only nitpick players may have is how water effect tends to warp the background when its in motion (unlikely I am sure, but that's if you're really looking to find issues to complain about).

The bottom line? Wave Rally is a decent title. Though it won't unseat Wave Race as the king of water sports racing, it does have some merit. It's definitely recommended as rental before slapping down the cash, and perhaps coming away as disappointed.

· · · Bahn