Graphically the game is fair, but not pretty. The character models are very disproportionate to the point of goofy, with crazy hair and space age gear. The levels are vast and richly detailed, and vary nicely from level to level. You get the sense of sheer size, not only in the length of the levels, but in the height of the jumps as well. Even the water effects are taken almost from the pages of the Splashdown series in terms of beauty. The game does rear those nasty jaggies, and the animation and effects almost resemble a first generation title. The complete package isn’t unbearable, but unforgivable due to the developer and generation we are in. What should have been the die-hard, must-have follow up of sorts to Jet Moto, will go down in history as another franchise bites the dust.

The blandness doesn’t end with the front end either…the audio leaves a lot to be desired as well. Quirky and juvenile one-liners from the riders, lame soundtrack, and so-so ambient sounds round out a forgettable experience for the ears. Even the watercraft engines are boring and whiny. You would also figure that since the system has a built in optical output for 5.1 surround sound that in 2 years it would be utilized better, but not here. Typical stereo and simulated surround is what you get, nothing more.

Jet X2O does play rather well on the other hand. Virtually “stealing” the control scheme from the SSX series, fans of EA Big’s titles will feel right at home. The controls are very tight and responsive, and the button layout is simple and easy for pick up and play. The trick system is also easy to maneuver but tough to master. With over 30 tricks, and plenty of air to complete them in, finding big point combos are a breeze, which adds to the game’s fun factor. The game’s A.I. isn’t all that brilliant either, as you’ll find yourself easily catching back up after a wipeout. What does provide a challenge is the fantastic wave physics, which makes even the Xbox version of Splashdown seem like a kiddy pool. Your craft will change momentum and shift you positions when the water gets rough, which is nice to see finally done right in a watercraft title. Overall, if you can get by the mediocre presentation, there is a lot of fun to be had in the game.

Jet X2O also has a nice amount of options. 8 tracks with multiple paths, 8 characters with different attributes and styles, Single event (1 or 2 players), World Tour mode (with 3 difficulty settings), and even a big wave no rules, no time limit, practice type of mode. Unfortunately you’d figure this game would’ve supported Sony’s network adaptor, but alas, it doesn’t. This is a shame, as it would have done wonders for its score, as replay value would’ve been vastly improved. Nonetheless the game does have a decent amount of options to keep the gamer satisfied for a few rides.

All in all Jet X2O isn’t a horrible game, but it should have been more than it turned out to be. Lack of online play, so-so visuals, and familiar gameplay doesn’t really bode well in the end. At least Sony does have a winner in the wings with ATV 2 just around the corner. As for this title, you should just play Splashdown instead, as it is a far superior title.