Reviews

• 

  Melwing

  Nov 5, 2021

  I have no idea what these positive reviews are talking about. This game is atrocious. Any bargain bin PS2 WaveRace clone is way better. I thought maybe it was just the Switch version that sucked so I checked this one too, once it was on sale super cheap--- oh boy it's bad.
• 

  Truther

  May 17, 2022

  Very nice game to have on the Steam deck.
• 

  HardWired

  Aug 16, 2016

  this do not feel like wave race 64 or have the same fun-faktor ... water feels like a wall and you can not dive into it?! -> you can only steer left or right and you can NOT lean forward or backward to change the mass centre?! :( ...fail. can not explain it further yet ...but very disapointing, even for the low price. much potential ... but can NOT recommend it at this moment...
• 

  Dr. Scramble

  Sep 19, 2016

  I loved playing Wave Race on the gamecube and hoped to get a game in the spirit of wave race and i have not been disappointed. The pros: - Great summer holiday feeling with really nice fresh water - Could be a successor to Waverace Bluestorm, very similar feel but also feels fresh - Good wave physics, makes fun to dive in - Tons of modes incl. Freeride (like in Waverace :-) - Very intense gameplay with good weather effects - Graphics is from clean/functional (what i like) to really beautiful - I counted 40 courses in 9 different enviroments! - Couldn't see any bugs (Early Access, but nearly finished i think) Cons: - No replays (that would make the game perfect to me) - No course with snow/ice Thank you Zordix-Devs for making this great game. I love to play it.
• 

  Doyefeellucky

  Sep 27, 2016

  If your looking for a water racer like Riptide but much better, then this is it. Decent enough arcade game for £15. Personally, I was hoping for an enhanced version of Wave Race 64 or Blue Storm(probably because plenty were saying it was a Wave Race successor). What I got is a kind of game you'd find in your local arcade with a full size Jet-Ski attached. Great for a few minutes fun with your mates. It just doesn't feel like your interacting with the water in general, and in particular the waves. There are waves(big waves at the 'Shipyard' course) but you can't utilise the wave, like getting air or dipping in to it to keep control- you just cant pitch your craft in the water or air. I can see waves, but it plays flat! Over a few days I ran 3 championships several times in Aqua, then 1 in Wave Race 64 on an emulator, then twice on Blue Storm on my old GameCube, then played Aqua again. Even Wave Race 64 seems light years ahead when it comes to riding the waves and overall interaction with the water. Why didn't the developers reverse engineer the Wave Race games(the 'classics' as the developer calls them) if that's what they were going for? Of course, I can't blame the developers that they chose not to make a next-gen Wave Race. I suppose they've got to produce what they think will make them money.
• 

  forloopz

  Dec 15, 2016

  A fast and fun advanced Wave Race + THPS arcade racer. I have been waiting for something like this for so long! Please, give this gem a chance :)
• 

  lokiss88

  Dec 20, 2016

  Gave this a bash again today after it sitting in my library since early access. Have to say the commitment from the developer has paid off, the updates have improved the game. Issues with the mechanics of the game have been mostly ironed out. Might be a high price point, but if this is you're niche in the world of gaming, it sure is a pretty looking update of those jetski games from the 90's.
• 

  Suntrooper

  Jan 25, 2017

  I got this game in Winter Sale and hoped that it was like the good old Nintendo Wave Race. I played it for like half an hour and was pretty disappointed: The setting and the races were just like Wave Race, but the handling wasn't at all, it was not that hard to control like Wave Race (except maybe for the big wave map "oil rig"). Another day I gave it another shot with 3 friends and i have to say that after I spent some time with it, I really enjoyed it and played the solo races afterwards as well. The setting and the graphics are gorgeous, the maps are diverse, you just have to feel good at these locations. Combined with the first person view it get's pretty immersive and you feel the flow (although you see less and it gets harder that way, of course). The gameplay itself is less based on just controlling the vehicle (like Wave Race as i mentioned before) but on fluidly and tightly getting around the markers, which feels like drifting with a car. If you get used to it (which happens quickly) it's remarkably enjoyable. In contrast to some other early access titles i played, this game has no (apparent) bugs and you can see that the developers put love into it. There are the small things like the ego view, the multiplayer minigames and of course the local multiplayer feature itself which will keep me coming back. The downside is, that for nowadays, it's not a lot of content. I think that the game is actually somewhat overprized, but if you get it in sale, it's alright. ...And I wouldve liked an polar type map, even if it's not realistic, but no blame for that.
• 

  CoolRonZ

  Feb 14, 2017

  Its more of a simulation with weak turning. I think its a little too realistic, I was expecting more of an arcade experience. With games like Riptide 2 and Riptide GP: Renegade being such fun and arcade like, this one just feels sluggish to me. Its definitely more realistic than both Riptides, and considering the prices of both Riptides and HydroThunder in the windows store, this one is a tough sell unless 80% off. Sorry to sound so negative, but it you are like me and love arcade racers, this is just boring. But in the defense of the game, there is no mention of arcade anywhere, so maybe I just have unrealistic expectations.
• 

  Aqua_Puma

  Feb 15, 2017

  Important note for review: There are two types of personal water crafts (PWCs) in this game. Runabouts (the large sit-down type) and Skis (the nimble stand-up type). A review after 4 hours: Let's get the negatives out of the way first, because you're probably worried about them and decided to look at some reviews first. I was aware before buying this game that it had a reputation for aggressive AI, or in other words: opponents that like to ram you. Well that's not quite the case. The real cause of that is the vehicle "mass," or "weight." Both you and your opponents are very easy to knock around. In the Ski division this isn't really a problem, but it heavily affects the Runabout division. Why? Size. You just make contact far more often, and frustratingly it really does affect your racing lines, which is already tough to keep tidy because you're driving on water. Also, in theory, the runabouts have longer tail sections (sticking out past the axis on which the watercraft model pivots) making them easier to spin out. Now, I was sure to play at least two thirds of the tournaments to get good data, and while these things do occur, they don't happen near enough to deem it "game-breaking." But they sure are noticable, so you can never quite feel safe knowing your lap can be ruined in an instant. Player Solutions: Never intentionally make contact, and if you're hung up on an opponent just get off the throttle. Usually their racing line is messed up too, so the sooner you get off of them the sooner you can pass them. Developer Tweaks(?): Maybe try increasing the "weight" of the runabouts so they don't react so drastically with collisions with opponents. Also, if it doesn't make aerial spins look weird, maybe trying moving the turning axis a bit to the rear so it's less easy to be spun-out by opponents. And now for the Positives! -This is easily the best looking PWC racing game I have ever played. -Fun, especailly in the ski division. -Sense of humor. -Surprising amount of customization, including 1 or more areas for color changing on the PWCs AND a satisfying character creation including height, build, gender, multiple faces, eye color, clothing & gear, hair, and even some basic tattoos. -Don't like the announcer? You can pick a different one! Don't like either of them? You can turn them both off!! -Satisfying controls and trick system. -Challenging tracks! The other racers won't be the only thing challenging you as you progress, and there are many variations of the tracks and 3 weather presets. I'm 2/3 of the way done with both divisions and I feel like I haven't raced the same course twice! -Pop culture reference from the year 2000. I won't ruin it for you, but it made me smile and I had to mention it somehow. -Decent music. It's not licensed music like back in the days of Splashdown for PS2 but it's enjoyable and not too weird or generic. -Compatible with an Xbox One controller but will also automatically detect an Xbox 360 wired controller. No setup required, from my experience. -Free roam mode allows you chill out and check out each unique area that each of the multiple races are routed through. Conclusion: If you're a fan of watersports games new and old from Splashdown to Wave Race to Riptide GP2, then Aqua Moto Racing Utopia is totally worth the buy. At 30 dollars, this game looks great, has plenty of features for a modern entry to the genre, and presents a good challenge. I'm happy with the purchase, and I hope the developers continue to support this game and maybe make an outstanding sequel in the future! One can only hope. Devs, thanks for keeping the genre alive and here's hoping you get even more funding for the future.
• 

  ryan69erz

  Mar 1, 2017

  Great water racer! Thank you for making a really good water racing game. Positive: ^ water is beautiful ^ great track layout ^ varied environments with shortcuts ^ tough opponents ^ lots of game modes to chose from ^ good music and sound effects ^ no bugs found Negative: v no players online v too hard gold medals on some off shore tracks v no VR Overall: 8,5
• 

  shrubberylord

  Mar 7, 2017

  This game is simply amazing and quite similar to the old wave race series of games, but with more of everything. Solid gameplay mechanics with the simple concept of driving a jetski or a runabout model watercraft at sea and in canal races. It might be challenging at first, but a lot of fun and very addictive once you get the hang of it. All it brings makes it really stand out in the racing genre as special. Aqua Moto Racing Utopia gives you the option of playing two full blown career modes, a whole single player league full of championships for jetskis and one whole separate league for runabout models. On top of that - a freestyle league where pulling off the coolest stunts on time is all the fashion. There's tons of different maps and tracks that will immediately test your split-second reaction time as well as your tactical skills. While none of the diverse "exotic" worlds where the action takes place use their real name it’s obvious which they are. The quality of the sound effects, original music and the voice actors really help make it more entertaining. My best tips: * First make sure you got a great controller, like an Xbox, Steam controller, or similar. * After discovering the quick turn button and all the clever rotation stunt tricks I could do in the air I had a blast! * Use the right stick while you're driving to do stunts in the water. It will load your boost. * Chose wisely among the jetskis to find the right one for each track. * In the duckling mama party game you slow down if you have too many ducklings. Stay cool and steal the other's ducklings just before every 20 second pass when score is added. Then lose your ducklings and steal them back again before the next 20 sec pass. * Try out the first person camera for a truly great sensation of speed, especially in canals. To sum it up, it's like the classic wave race and stunt games combined, into the most addictive racing I've experienced in quite some time.
• 

  ChevyAndVW

  Apr 8, 2017

  As someone whom has 6 jetskis standups and sitsown. (Kawasaki 550,650 kawasaki x-2 tigershark 770, Wet-Jet, Wet-Bike and also a hovercraft and ride frequently, i know what it feels like to ride irl. This game has a very similar feel especialy in 1st person view that puts you right behind the bars. A similar feel but easier than actualy riding. Others have compared this to wave race and its more like wave race 2.0! Even better and more to do. +great graphics +runs very well on an average to date pc +never gets old (many jetskis to choose from, sitdown and standup, many tracks, different difficulties, many tricks) +easy to pick up and play +great game to play from a few mins to many hours +couldnt find any bugs +devs r nice and helpful -could use more upgrades but def not needed. I def 111% recomend this to anyone even looking at this game on its steam page. If interested in this game or already own it i would strongly recomend getting the devs other game that is coming out soon similar to this but with snowmobiles! I will def be buying that game as well. 64/10 -waverace =D
• 

  Sir, this is a bakery

  Jun 24, 2017

  I almost didn't leave a review for Aqua Moto because ultimately I refunded the game due to being dissapointed with it, but I would like to recommend it with certain caveats, as even though I wasn't toally happy it may be what you're after. If you're looking for a modern WaveRace, then this is the closest thing I have found, by a long shot - don't consider the other options. The controls are tight and arcadey - the water has movement and variation, there are actual waves to contend with. The graphics look decent, nothing impressive but they're certainly 'good enough'. There are several courses to race, all different. Ultimately though it all feels very low-budget. The audio design, the interface, even some of the models and visuals all feel very early-access - and I don't get the sense that the game will see any active development, which is a shame as it could really do with it. This is what ultimately led me to a refund - it's a game that feels like it has a lot of potential, but just falls a bit flat. As long as you're able to see past the above, and get the game in a good sale, then there's a good chance you'll enjoy it.
• 

  Ronguul Thatch

  Jul 11, 2017

  Fun jet ski racing game that rekindles memories of Wave Race on the Nintendo 64. Game looks great and controls well. Some of the races however can be difficult to navigate as the buoys are too close causing any kind of directional ques to be wasted and unfortunately getting you lost. Buoys should be marked better on harder to navigate races with maybe just the current one lit instead of more than one. It can be a little disorienting in the heat of a race. Overall though these are minor complaints. As you get to learn the tracks the buoy markers won't matter as much. Aqua Moto Racing Utopia is good for quick bursts of fun. Although AMRU is more technically polished and it's core gameplay houses a little more depth, I'm still drawn more to the arcadey in and out stylings of the Riptide GP series. Riptide just feels like the kind of game I would be standing (or sitting) in an old school arcade dumping tokens into. I'm recommending Aqua Moto Racing Utopia because it IS a solid entry into the genre, it looks pretty, and there are a lot of options and tracks to keep you coming back.
• 

  akumajobelmont

  Aug 1, 2017

  Kills me to say it, but Aqua Moto Racing Utopia isn't really worth your money. It can look stunning at times, but that illusion is shattered by the way your character animates. There's nothing in the actual feel of the racing here to suggest that the rider (or the jet) is actually racing on water, despite everything else on the screen telling you otherwise. Everything is extremely rigid, and has no flow. There's no depth here, despite some valiant attempts at it. The trick system, too, is fundamentally flawed. Not only do the moves lack pizzazz, they're just not satisfying to use at all. I have a massive, massive soft spot for b-grade arcade racers. Loved them through the 8/16bit generations, and that love was cemented in the Saturn/PSX/64 days. You don't need a massive budget to create a racer that feels right. The surface similarities to Wave Race 64 and Blue Storm do more harm to Utopia than good, as the game really can't match the sublime controls of either title. I was really, really hoping that Utopia would deliver the goods, but I can't in good conscience recommend the game. Riptide GP 2/Renegade are, right now, the far better option if you have a water racing scratch to itch. And in saying that, I honestly hope the developers go back to the drawing board and re-think their approach to the controls, animation and overall feel. The game has the content, and it's got the glitz, but without the core gameplay, it'll always just be a pale imitation of what's gone before. I hate writing negative anything, but it's my sincerest wish to see this game evolve and be the game that the devs, and we want it to be.
• 

  Enigmagmatic

  Jan 3, 2018

  I was really not a fan of how this game controlled or felt in earlier versions, but I really like how it turned out in the end! There is just a good, satisfying weight to the character and vehicles when leaning and turning now that was missing before. Props to the developer for continuing to patch and improve the game. There's a fair amount of content as well. You can use both standing jet skis and sit down waverunner style crafts. There is a full career mode if you want, or single races, time trials or trick runs as well as free roam in every map to just mess around or complete a little collection game. And online multiplayer as well. The graphics aren't exactly amazing, but they do the job and it also runs at 250fps in Ultra mode for me on a GTX 1070 so I can't complain too much.
• 

  Parrexion

  Feb 12, 2018

  The game is a bit rough in the beginning so the game doesn't give the best first impression. But once you manage to get through the first few championship and unlock some better watercrafts then the whole game gets so much better. It's definitely not perfect and it's not a game for everyone. But if you like racing which isn't super arcade-ish then this might be a game for you.
• 

  Lei

  Nov 23, 2018

  Wave Race 64 at 60+ FPS, and up to 8 racers. Great nostalgic fun.
• 

  OrgNized_Chaos

  Dec 2, 2020

  I bought this game 11/28/2020, the bundle with sled moto was 10 bucks... both games are pretty fun, but the main reason I bought this was to play online against other humans... That being said, I have yet to see anyone else playing this online. I have waited in the lobby for a while and no one showed up, the only players in the room were AI.. I would be pretty angry had I paid close to 30 bucks for this bundle...