One look at the intro movie of X2O and you’ll notice how SSX’s flavor has infused this title. You’ll be able to choose between 8 different international characters, each featuring their own individual quirks and personalities. These qualities also define the stats of each rider. For example, Taylor Jordan, the laidback surf rat from Detroit, is awesome at pulling off tricks, while Vittorio Calabria has a need for speed. Obviously, a rider is only part of the equation in a jet skiing game, so ten different watercraft are available to burn up waterways.

The tracks you’ll find yourself speeding through can be summed up in one word: massive. With multiple waterways, you’ll find that you’ll spend at least three minutes navigating your way through half of each level. This doesn’t include ramps or shortcuts, which can bring even the slowest rider to the head of the pack with a well-timed maneuver. When you race down the course, you’ll have to keep an eye out for rogue waves and the wakes of other riders, both of which can affect the speed and control of your craft. Also, as you speed along, you’ll notice multicolored gates placed along the way. Ranging from light green to bright red, passing through each gate will earn you turbo boosts. Similarly, successfully completing tricks will increase your turbo meter that you can use to increase your speed, augment your tricks, or, if you’ve gathered enough, pull off your rider’s signature move.