Graphically I expected more, as with the little a volleyball game has to represent should have been cleaner and more polished. Player models actually look better in replays when shown up close, as from the default distance they appear grainy. Even though the game claims to have over 40 pros, they all look the same in skimpy outfits. Backdrops consist of sand, net, crowds and beach, and while objects loom in the background, not enough detail is present in the objects. A flat "garbage" crowd is present with no signs of form for the onlookers. All in all a very bland looking game.

Audio is slightly better than its visual counterpart. The sounds of the beach, crowd response, and other ambiances are done pretty decently. A lack of any commentary, including a vocal score keeper really hurts the sound department. What sounds are there are realistically represented. Even the flat and dull sound of the volleyball being hit is accurate. You are also treated to grunts, groans, and advice from your partner; unfortunately it’s all very repetitive. Sounds could’ve been better, but they are far from being the worst heard in a sports title.

The game controls rather floaty and awkward. You only have a few moves to deal with and the motion capturing doesn’t help make the game feel any more precise. The folks at Carapace could’ve really taken a lesson from Virtua Tennis on the DC for correct collision detection. Not that the game is unplayable it just doesn’t feel comfortable.

Options are pretty decent for a first time V-Ball title. An adequate amount of game play modes are offered, including the ability to create your own beach bum. Regrettably there is a limit on how much you can do to your creation, which is a letdown. Championship mode is the most enjoyable as a feeling of competition can be felt and heard. In actuality, the game suffers more on its looks and game play than on what it offers. If the engine could have been tweaking; this could be a very good game. As it is though, it’s really not much fun.

Not much was really anticipated with this title, and it shows. With a little more effort, and more development options on a better platform, this could have had good potential. Maybe Infogrames can get to work on a sequel for the PS2 or DC to see if my prediction is true…but don’t count on it. This probably won’t start any new trends.