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I mean, name another surfing game besides Surfing World Series from the last 10 years

by: Randy -
More On: Surf World Series

Surfing games are very few and very far between. Surf World Series, out now on PlayStation 4, is paddling out into an empty ocean. So, while I'm not wowed by the water tech—I mean, it beats the still life water in most games—it is only $15. When I say I'm not wowed, it just means that the waves at Bell's Beach in Australia, or Waimea Bay in Hawaii, etc., sorta kinda look exactly like the waves rolling into Supertubos in Portugal, or Cacimba do Padre in Brazil. 

There's no way I'd know without getting my hands on Surf World Series, of course. But, at first glance, the only differences appear to be in the backdrops. I mean, maybe Jeffreys Bay in South Africa plays out differently, but I suspect it doesn't. Or, if it does, then this trailer doesn't convey those differences. It's got single-player, but there are three online multiplayer modes: Big Heat Battle, Championship, and Survival. You'll be one of 2–16 players competing there.

Otherwise, it looks like you get some decent customization options for your surfboard. You can pick from 15 attractive surfers, too. Surf World Series doesn't look like it's going to change the world, but it doesn't need to. The fact that it exists is a gamble in and of itself. Every two-bit RPG comes with a fishing mini game, but name two that let you hit the waves.  

Surf World Series only released this launch trailer yesterday, but the game's apparently been available in the PlayStation Store for a couple weeks, since August 29.

Grab your board and take on legendary waves in Surf World Series, the arcade surfing game that brings you to 5 of the world’s most infamous surfing destinations, including Bell’s Beach (Australia), Waimea Bay (Hawaii), Supertubos (Portugal), Cacimba do Padre (Brazil), and Jeffreys Bay (South Africa). Enjoy afternoon, evening, night, and bad weather variations with different waves and visual aesthetics. Perform surfing’s most intense tricks, including the Superman and Sushi Roll, against 15 different surfers. Design your own signature surfer with 6 playable characters and thousands of customizations to have the freedom to design your own unique slick style. Compete in 3 multiplayer online modes: Big Heat Battle, Championship and Survival.

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