TransWorld Surf

What makes the game so good is just how well the sport has been transported over. Like I said, I'm no expert, but this is how I'd imagine surfing. Something that is a major factor in this is the incredible visuals. As you'd guess, the star of the show is the water effects. Easily some of the most realistic and utterly impressive you will ever see. The wave effects are very convincing and the backdrops will immerse you into the whole experience. On the complaint side, the character models are lacking and could have been much better, but they do animate well. No doubt about it though, the game is engrossing.

Just like a good-looking woman isn't complete if she's a moron, a game isn't good just because it's pretty. And I'm happy to announce that Transworld Surf plays just as good as it looks. Showing just how inspiring the Tony Hawk games have been, this game borrows a lot of the same concepts. The main focus of the game is pulling off tricks and combos, from basic jumps and cutbacks, to УbarrelsФ and УfloatersФ. A УfloaterФ is basically a grind on the top of a wave, and a УbarrelФ is when you ride in the middle of a wave that is closing around you. Additionally, there a many different УspecialФ moves that can be done once your trick meter is full. Like other УextremeФ games, the gameplay is very addicting and fun, but it's not perfect. It has a very repetitive feel to it. Other games in the genre are repetitive in their own right; however, they offer a lot of diversity in the level design, something that is hard to do with surfing seeing as it has to be set in water. Plus, the game doesn't pack as many moves, which is understandable considering the circumstances.

An interesting feature in the game is something called УkarmaФ. This basically determines how the sea-life and other boarders will treat you as you surf. To receive good karma, try and avoid riding other people's waves and stay away from the sharks, otherwise you will be knocked around and will more than likely have a rough run.

Take the few gameplay problems, then throw in the fact that the game can be frustrating at times, and you have a game that's going to take a great deal of patience. Especially from the get go, as you'll have a helluva time just learning the basics. But the effort will be worth it because the game has much to offer. Transworld Surf is packed with 13 real-life pros and over 30 different breaks, which are modeled after 9 real-life locales. Modes of play are also aplenty, both in terms of the single and multiplayer experience. Just like all games of this type, there is a massive career mode to sink your teeth into. One that should be very familiar, as each level has certain tasks to accomplish, varying from the basic match this score to more annoying level specific tasks. And each of the levels has different objectives for two different times of the day. The game certainly has more than enough modes and challenges to keep you busy for a good while.

Lastly, I can't forget to mention the awesome soundtracks in the game. It's massive and covers a broad range of musical styles, so everyone should find something to their liking. Remember though, this is surfing, so don't expect any country music. Additionally, they advertised the ability to rip your own music on the Xbox for use in the game; however, I have had trouble in finding where to take advantage of this function. If it's there it's hidden darn good.