Kelly Slater Pro Surfer (Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * )

Surfing games have always fallen way short of anything that I could describe as being actual fun.

Trying to recreate the buzz of riding an ocean wave seems futile, like trying to replicate the high gained from skydiving or maybe the kick of karaoke.

But if you were content with the dreadful surfing titles of the past, Sunny Garcia on the PSX springs to mind, Kelly Slater Pro Surfer is well worth flipping your wig over.

I took a look at the Xbox

version and the most evident advance from past surfing titles are the mouth-watering graphics which are dramatic and crystal clear.

The beach locations around the globe offer left and right-hand breaks, as well as different lighting, backgrounds and wave sizes, but the idea is pretty much the same everywhere.

Just like the real thing, your primary goal is to stand up, which can be achieved with the press of a single button, but timing is important. From then on, you will score points for carving, barrel rides and more complex aerial tricks: everything you do on the wave is worth points except wiping out.

Unlike Tony Hawk or Dave Mirra BMX, freedom is somewhat limited because you are stuck on a wave, so it's not going to suit everyone.

Initially you will be falling repeatedly, but once you have a feel for the game and what you can get away with, the fun starts to flow and chances are you will develop a new-found love for virtual surfing.

There are numerous competitions to enter, where you have to achieve various goals, such as bettering 30,000 points or beating the top local. Add to this all the multiplayer options, a soothing soundtrack and millions of tricks to master and you have the best surfing title since California Games on the Commodore 64.

$129.95

jon@tenthplanet.co.nz