Water Works

NEVER SURF THE SAME WAVE TWICE Most aquatic videogames are all wet — they don�t even come close to mimicking the physics of nature�s gnarliest waves. But the digital swells in Kelly Slater�s Pro Surfer will widen the eyes of even the most jaded shortboarders. In fact, the multiplatform console game looks so good and […]

NEVER SURF THE SAME WAVE TWICE

Most aquatic videogames are all wet — they don�t even come close to mimicking the physics of nature�s gnarliest waves. But the digital swells in Kelly Slater�s Pro Surfer will widen the eyes of even the most jaded shortboarders. In fact, the multiplatform console game looks so good and moves so fast, Slater himself is impressed. �Knowing how intricate and unpredictable water is,� the six-time world champ says, �I can�t believe what they�ve done.�

THE PERFECT SET
Most games use physics engines to render authentic action sequences. But the algorithm for a wave is so complex, it slows even the fastest processors. The makers of Pro Surfer instead relied on empirical data from top surfing spots, such as Hawaii�s Pipeline, to create lifelike facsimiles of the real thing.

STUNTS
Slide down a huge face into the barrel, carving switchbacks along the way. Perform well, and you�ll get your face on the cover of Surfer magazine.

SHINING SEA
A proprietary shader renders the water in no less than five passes. Each pass adds the view from a different angle and distance. You can catch the sun�s reflections on the crest of a wave and see down to the ocean floor.

OCEAN MOTION
The Activision game randomly adjusts each wave�s speed, timing, and appearance. It�s possible to play for months without ever surfing the same swell twice.

PLAY

Breaking It Down
Thievery Corporation
Water Works
Are You Hardcore?
Strike Force
Why the Top 5 F/X Powerhouses Rule
The Business of Mocking
Walkie-Talkies
Hot Flash
reviews
fetish
The End of VHS
Big Kahunas
Passing Notes