Downhill Domination
Score: 82% ESRB: Teen Publisher: SCEA Developer: Incog Inc. Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: The graphics in Downhill Domination are those of a mixed bag. At first glance, the visuals won't make your jaw drop. However, upon closer examination, you'll begin to notice the little things. The surrounding scenery is highly detailed with lots of activity; hikers, animals, forces of nature, all are doing their own things. They are also part of the track, making them more than superficial. The soundtrack is made up of a good mix of different types of music, connecting the gaps between different genres to deliver an adrenaline inducing score. The commentary and sound effects are also very solid, and neither seem to get old, even after long hours of play.
Gameplay: Downhill Domination is all about the speed. It is undeniably inspired by games like SSX, but it also takes the whole genre on a tangent. Huge mountain courses, usually angled at almost ninety degrees, are what you are going to have to navigate, all while having to pull off tricks and fend off opposing riders. Besides the single Career mode, where you can unlock up to 14 different riders and multiple bikes, Downhill Domination also offers some other variations on the gameplay. Moshbowl and Superjump are the most notable, giving a good mix of fighting and high flying maneuvers. Did I say fighting? Hell yes I did. Downhill Domination not only has its roots in SSX, but also in Road Rash, which offered some of the best violence on two wheels ever. As in the older 16-bit game, you can upgrade your fighting tactics from punches and kicks to deadly weapons. The tracks are as lethal as your opposition, as each can take around five minutes to complete. Huge gorges to fall into, perilous jumps, boulders, mountain slides, lava, avalanches... you name it, they've got it. There are also plenty of short cuts to be found, and the level design is what you would expect from the folks at Incog Inc. (Twisted Metal: Black, War of the Monsters).
Difficulty: Despite the high speeds thrills of the game, managing your way around the course isn't as difficult as you would think. The high speeds mean plenty of spills (which look as if you'd never walk again if you incurred that type of pounding), but the game whisks you quickly back onto the track, alleviating the annoyances of watching your opponents speed by as you lie in a broken mess on the ground.
Game Mechanics: Regardless of how you do it, coming in first will usually be your main goal in Downhill Domination. Pulling off tricks will gain you boost, and kicking the crap out of your opponents will put the challengers behind you just the same. Aside from that, you'll need quick reflexes to avoid the treacherous mountain paths you're taking. The controls are simple, but victory is not. Mother Nature is your biggest threat, and one bad fall late in the race could spell doom. Downhill Domination may not be as intricate a game as SSX, but it is something different, it's done well, and that's all you can ask for. Hopefully this one will catch on enough to warrant a sequel, but for now, you'll have to settle with what they've already delivered. And it's not that bad.
-Snow Chainz, GameVortex Communications AKA Andrew Horwitz
Defender FIFA 2004