We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
Switch

North America

Aqua Moto Racing Utopia

by Justin Nation - September 24, 2017, 3:43 am EDT
Total comments: 1

While you'll still need to wait on Nintendo's decision to return to the water with a new Wave Race Utopia is looking to help you get your fix until then.

If you’re anything like me then the lack of a new Wave Race title since the days of the GameCube is an absolutely painful reality. The feel of the waves and their unpredictable flow absolutely made it one of my favorite racers of all-time. Thankfully it seems that if Nintendo isn’t willing to give us a sequel then the folks at Zordix are looking to step onto the scene to deliver wave-riding, stunting, and racing action to the Nintendo Switch.

As the latest iteration in their Aqua Moto Racing series, Utopia is showing a certain level of refinement in how it handles the waves and their action. While there were several other jet ski games on the market at the same time as Wave Race the majority of them failed to embrace the challenge, leaving them feeling more like slightly floaty driving games set on a water-covered road with some ramps. Utopia is obviously aiming for the fences and not only brings impressive water effects to the game reminiscent of Wave Race’s, it also in some cases makes them bigger and choppier! This is absolutely at the crux of my excitement for this title coming to the Switch.

The game offers 3 classes of competition with racing on both Runabouts and Jet Skis as well as a Stunt Mode. While, in theory, both racing divisions would mostly be similar I’m pleased to say there’s enough of a difference in their handling and style that both are distinct. The Runabout racing tends to be far more aggressive with people bumping and jockeying for position while the Jet Ski races require quite a bit more careful maneuvering and are more risky for getting physical. Stunting has never been something I’ve been much of a fan of but the number of possible stunts is pretty high. The movement and flow of them feels pretty fluid and consistent, and there are provisions for chaining so it seems to be well supported. There is online play available but at least the two times I’d tried to get connected there didn’t seem to be much going on at the moment. I’m not sure at this point in the game’s life on PC what the windows are where people tend to be ready to go.

While the similarities to Wave Race are numerous, and some of the locations in the game feel familiar, I’d say that as a whole the track layouts in Moto are generally more demanding. Not only are the waves typically bigger but there are often almost slalom-like sections to tracks that will demand you bring your speed down, carefully consider how you’re coming off of waves, and generally forcing you to race more carefully than I remember. This is actually an improvement and helps make the races more tense and engaging. Looking forward to seeing how this will translate on the Switch!

This preview is based on the PC version of the game but should be representative of both the content and general appearance of the final product on the Nintendo Switch.

Cross-Posted from Nindie Spotlight

Talkback

Order.RSSSeptember 24, 2017

I assume that work on the Wii U version for this has been abandoned in favour of a Switch release right? Can't blame them at this point of course.

Share + Bookmark





Switch

Game Profile

Genre Racing
Developer Zordix
Players1
OnlineYes

Worldwide Releases

na: Aqua Moto Racing Utopia
Release Apr 26, 2018
PublisherZordix
RatingEveryone
Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement