The graphics aren’t stunning in the way you think Splinter Cell, but given the fact the game is blistering fast with huge and detail environments, Downhill Domination holds its own quite well. Player models are well animated and the game sports a variety of cool moves, tricks, character styles, gear, bikes, and crashes. The frame rate is locked in at a silky smooth rate that never hiccups even with tons of action going on at the same time. The colors are more of a watercolor look, which gives the game a more animated feel than in realism. This is a good thing as the environments and the things that inhabit them are anything less than over the top. Detailed locals in many different settings keep the look fresh track after track. There is a touch of grain, which is something Incog needs to touch up on if a sequel ever comes forth. All in all the game isn’t lush like most of you’re A+ titles on the market, but the speed and detail more than make up for the lack of beauty.

Audio is a bit disappointing from top to bottom. Sound effects are standard environmental ambiance, with gravel, dirt, and other particles that kick up under your tires. The music is your basic extreme, baby punk, music with some slight variety thrown in for good measure. Downhill’s cast of characters speaks one-liners in the game that just make your grit your teeth. Unfortunately with all the sound tweaks you can adjust, turning down the catch phrases spouted by the participants isn’t an option. Nothing to really kill the game for, but I wanted to after a few races though.

Game play is stellar, and unrivaled. If only all bike games played this well. Controls are tight, well responsive, easy to maneuver tricks, and have enough on your trick palette to take time to master. The game’s A.I. will keep your hands cramped and sweaty on the controller, providing an adequate challenge, without giving off the feeling of being cheated. The CPU will keep with you, punch with you, and bail hard with you. Nothing feels closer than a human opponent.

Downhill Domination provides a ton of ride for your buck. You typical exhibition modes allow you and/or 4 friends to race. The real meat of the game is in career mode, where you compete in many, many events through different terrains. Though out the mode you win cash that provides booty for your bike upgrades. You must not only win races, but your cash value is based on points. Doing the extreme is a must, whether your knocking out riders, doing amazing tricks, or just finishing minutes ahead of the pack, you are rewarded for doing on or all of these, the better you do the more cash you earn. This mode also enables you to unlock other riders in the game, who are more crafted and skilled in the art of Downhill Domination. Throw in some snazzy bike upgrades from real companies, and the game can go on for months if one were so inclined. There is far from a shortage of things to do in this title, believe me dear readers.

Downhill Domination in the end is a fast and fun game that does everything that hasn’t been done before. The game is totally fresh and unique, and will provide for many hours of enjoyment. I’m off to play some more and have fun, fun, fun, till my daddy takes my mongoose away.