JetMoto

One of the best known "hits" of the Playstation canon, JetMoto is both innovative (retrospectively) challenging, and fun, presenting a new dynamic for the racing genre. What makes this game so distinctive is the diversity of its track sequence - balmy beaches and tropical forest, to dense swampland, icy cold mountains, formidable glaciers, and even a suspended track above an illuminated city. Yet the picturesque domains that dominate the backdrop do not take away from gameplay - the animation is capable of maintaining both scenery and agility in the forefront of racing, resulting in an extreme adrenaline rush.

Whether engaged in a jolting grapple turn, multiple stunt, turbo boost, or jamming into a rival racer, the excitement is certainly the prime ingredient that makes this game so addictive. As well, a futuristic element is added to the game not only in the technology of these versatile, airborne bikes but in the superstar-like mythology built up behind the "comic-book" characters themselves. Whether it be the Max or the Technician, each player's larger-than-life persona, along with their individualized vehicles create a more competitive and interesting atmosphere. Yet despite their strengths and seeming invincibility, these characters are not infallible - the courses are pitted with defiant obstacles poised to dismount an unwary rider, like the sharp reed turns in Cypress Run or the fatally open jumps in Nightmare. But what is racing without a little risk, right? Accompanying each course is its own soundtrack, one of the most nostalgic and anticipation-driving ones being the old 50's surfer music on the beach levels.
So the graphics are great (considering its age) and so is the music - what about controls? I found them pretty managable on the Playstation controller, and unlike many games in the racing genre, you don't need to forsake stability to initiate a triple flip, although you have to learn the tracks well and the timing it takes to perform a stunt successfully. Whatever is challenging or difficult is designed to be as such, to gouge out the subtleties of each bike and the complexities within the course. There is no awkwardness in terms of lack of good game engineering - this is easily one of the smoothest games I've played.
JetMoto is the stuff of 100% classic. It's got everything that ensures hours of intense gameplay, and even after the game is "won" it doesn't lose its charm - it still guarantees a great time. This is what I consider one of the more "light-hearted" games for Playstation - if you want to just kick back and chill but get a thrill at the same time, this is definitely the game to play.