Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild vs Wave Race 64
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild puts players behind the handlebars of powerful jet‑skies as they race across exotic waterways, performing daring jumps and battling rivals. The sequel builds on the original's fast‑paced action with new tracks, split‑screen multiplayer, and a variety of unlockable vessels. Developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ, the 2003 PlayStation 2 title delivers arcade‑style thrills with realistic water physics, offering both single‑player championships and competitive split‑screen races for friends.
Wave Race 64 delivers exhilarating jet‑ski racing with realistic wave physics that react to every turn and jump. Compete across nine exotic courses, each with changing conditions that keep the challenge fresh. Choose from Championship, Time Trials, or Stunt Mode and race solo or with a friend in split‑screen multiplayer for endless replayability.
- Exciting split‑screen multiplayer
- Responsive jet‑ski handling
- Varied and colorful track designs
- Good replay value with unlockables
- Realistic wave physics that affect handling
- Three distinct game modes for varied play
- Split‑screen multiplayer for local competition
- Diverse exotic courses keep races fresh
- Limited to two players
- Graphics show their age
- No online multiplayer support
- Limited to original N64 hardware capabilities
- No online multiplayer support
- Graphics appear dated compared to modern titles
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataWave Race 64 offers classic N64 wave physics and three modes on a single console, while Splashdown provides newer (2003) jet‑ski handling and unlockable models but both lack online play.
Key differences
- •Platform: Wave Race 64 is N64 only; Splashdown runs on PS2.
- •Release era: 1996 vs 2003, affecting graphics and hardware limits.
- •Vehicle type: Wave Race uses karts on waves; Splashdown uses jet‑ski models with unlockable stats.
- •Content count: Wave Race lists nine courses; Splashdown mentions a championship series with multiple tracks but no exact number.
- •Pricing info: Wave Race MSRP $39.99 is disclosed; Splashdown price not specified.
Gameplay & fun factor
Splashdown adds unlockable jet‑ski models and varied water hazards, offering more progression than Wave Race's static kart set.
Platform availability
Wave Race runs on Nintendo N64, a dedicated console; Splashdown requires PS2, limiting buyers to that hardware.
Price & value
Wave Race MSRP $39.99 is known; Splashdown price not provided, preventing a clear cost comparison.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support split‑screen two‑player local multiplayer only; neither offers online play.
Content & replayability
Splashdown includes unlockable models and a championship series with progressively harder tracks, adding replay incentive.
Difficulty & accessibility
Wave Race advertises a simple control scheme for newcomers, whereas Splashdown’s handling complexity isn’t described.
Graphics & performance
Splashdown, being newer (2003 PS2), generally outpaces Wave Race’s 1996 N64 graphics, though both are noted as dated.
Choose Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild if…
Buyers with a PS2 seeking more vehicle variety, unlockables, and slightly newer graphics.
Choose Wave Race 64 if…
Buyers who own an N64 and prefer classic, easy‑to‑learn wave racing with known price.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Wave Race 64 lists an MSRP of $39.99; Splashdown's price is not specified.
Do either of these support online multiplayer?
No. Both only offer split‑screen local multiplayer for up to two players.
What platforms do I need to play each game?
Wave Race 64 requires an Nintendo 64 console; Splashdown runs on PlayStation 2.