Surf World Series

Surf World Series - Riding the waves of an arcade

If you miss those extreme sports games that reigned in the 2000s era, Surf World Series might grab your attention. This game developed by Climax Studios and published by Vision Games is a tribute to arcade surfing, with accessible gameplay and a colorful aesthetic that evokes the classics of this genre. However, the key question is: Does it succeed in offering an experience that engages and captures the essence of surfing, or does it just float on shallow waters?

Gameplay: Accessible and direct surfing

The core of Surf World Series lies in the simple but effective gameplay. We are not looking here at a deep surf simulation offered in other more realistic titles, but at an arcade experience that allows you to get into action quickly. We have an intuitive control scheme where performing maneuvers is a matter of synchronization and reflexes.

The game offers a series of challenges on different beaches inspired by iconic places such as Bell's Beach in Australia or Waimea Bay in Hawaii. Each location has its own waves and conditions, so you have to adapt your playing style. The maneuvers include turns, aerial and tubes, which can be combined to achieve high scores. However, the lack of a more elaborate progression can cause the title to lose attractiveness after some hours.

Visual and sound section: An ocean of colors

Regarding the visuals Surf World Series offers vibrant and stylized graphics. This game is not interesting in hyperrealism, but in a cleaner and more attractive representation of surfing. The sea, although it is not really impressive in terms of water physics, fulfills its function with decent reflections and textures. The animations are fluid and convey the feeling of speed and waves fluidity pretty well.

As for the sound, the soundtrack is composed of energetic themes that fit with the adrenaline of surfing, although it can become repetitive. Sound effects, such as the roar of the sea or the sound of the board sliding, help to reach immersion, but do not particularly stand out.

Game modes: A limited offer

The game has several modes, including a career mode where you complete challenges on different beaches, a training mode to practice, and an online multiplayer mode. However, the lack of variety regarding objectives and the shortage of online options reduce the replayability. The multiplayer mode does not have enough depth or dynamic to engage players in the long term, which is clearly a missed opportunity.

Conclusion: A passing wave

Surf World Series is a game that may appeal to those nostalgic for the extreme sports games of yesteryear. Its arcade approach makes it accessible and fun in short sessions, but its lack of depth and content can make the player lose interest quickly. If you are looking for a relaxed and hassle-free surfing game, it may be worth giving it a try, but if you are hoping for a richer and more varied experience, it may disappoint you.