Android review: 'Riptide GP' by Vector Unit

Today I'll give a brief review of Riptide GP by Vector Unit.  Riptide GP is specifically for Tegra 2 Android devices, which is unfortunate for non Tegra 2 users.  I'm running this on my Acer Iconia a500 tablet and it rocks.  The graphics are unbelievable for a mobile device.  The water has amazing water physics and real-time reflections; which make for a gorgeous experience.

The game is on the Android Market listed at $6.99 and is worth every penny.  For $6.99 what do you get:
-12 raceways/tracks
-6 jet skis
-Race, Hot Lap, and Championship modes
-Includes OpenFeint support for online scores and achievements.

I played for awhile last night and was blown away.  The controls a pretty simple, you steer your racer/jet ski by tilting the device in either left and right directions.  Once you go airborne swipe your thumbs in each corner to pull of trick moves.  These moves usually require some big air to give you time to land them before crashing.  Swiping your thumbs in different directions make your racer do different tricks, so don't be affraid to experiment with different combinations.

I cleared the first race class last night and felt that every track gives you something unique.  Some tracks are longer and provide bigger jumps than others.  It does kind of feel like they tried to stretch the existing tracks a little far, because once you clear the first few tracks the remaining tracks in that class are simply the first tracks with their layout reversed.  Which at times actually allows for some pretty impressive stunts.  If you have ever played any of the Hydro Thunder or Wave Race (N64) games, this is a similar experience.

In terms of gameplay and graphics I was blown away.  The game is smooth and a blast to play.  There is a free demo version in the market so I'd recommend trying it out first to see if you like it.  It limits you to one jet ski and the first track.  I tried it and immediately purchased it after clearing the first track a couple of times.  In my opinion this is one of the best looking games (if not THE best looking game on the Android Market).

If you'd like to check it out swing by the Android Market:
Full Game $6.99   https://market.android.com/details?id=com.vectorunit.blue
Demo                      https://market.android.com/details?id=com.vectorunit.bluedemo


Checkout the demo video from the Vector Unit site:



*Vector Unit owns all Riptide GP properties. This is just a game review.