Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. GameNow
    100
    A wealth of multiplayer modes and minigame-like challenges give Murray the replay value of 10 lesser titles. [July 2003, p.58]
  2. A surprisingly deep game; its many features pushes the game’s replay value up into the stratosphere.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    90
    The stunts you can pull off on a wakeboard in real life are astounding but the stunts you can pull off in the virtual world are nothing short of amazing.
  4. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    Purely from a gaming standpoint, it's so brilliantly crafted, you should try it. [July 2003, p97]
  5. Interestingly the PS2 version appears to have the edge over the Xbox version, sporting crisper textures that seem to feature more detail. Along with the fact that the Dual-Shock 2 controller was conceived for the Tony Hawk control system, making the PS2 version the superior out of the lot.
  6. 89
    With its cleverly designed levels, sweet controls, and challenging gameplay, Wakeboarding Unleashed is an excellent game that action-sports fans will love.
  7. It’s a nice looking game and the controls are smooth. WU also offers more than any other game of its genre. The learning curve is pretty short making it versatile for all ages, both in single and two player modes.
  8. Feels like a successor to "Aggressive Inline" in that it does many new things, but still has a classic extreme sports feel.
  9. 86
    This is one of my favorite extreme sports games, despite some of the standard features missing from the game. It's challenging, it's incredibly long, and the gameplay is distinctly wakeboarding.
  10. Not quite Tony Hawk and not quite completely innovative, Wakeboarding Unleashed is an original take on the extreme sports genre that, despite breaking new ground in the field of wakeboarding, manages to get it right the first time.
  11. Game Informer
    83
    The missions are quite ingenious and the multiplayer modes are wildly entertaining. [July 2003, p.107]
  12. TotalGames.net
    83
    A very accomplished and well presented title, which although not exactly innovative, it does have that little something extra to make it stand out from the pack.
  13. Play Magazine
    83
    When you get the groove, it's really quite exhilarating. [Aug 2003, p.79]
  14. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    82
    This game gets no points for creativity whatsoever... That said, Murray is loads of fun and provides that twitchy instant gratification every well-implemented action-sports title should. [July 2003, p.108]
  15. After a few hours of gameplay it feels as though I’ve done this all before. Maybe it’s the whole trick system (again, nice additions with the co-op mode and rope mechanics), or the fact that it’s the same old "complete objectives to open new locations to reach competitions" thing that we’ve been doing since August of 1999.
  16. 80
    Wakeboarding Unleashed may have a few rough edges, but it is a franchise that is destined for greatness. Incredibly playable and lots of fun
  17. 80
    Has enough variations to satisfy extreme sports fans, and 11 levels, countless goals, and highly replayable two-player modes are sure to keep you busy for a long time. Still, if you’re a gamer jaded by the genre, the game lacks the level of innovation that would have left a lasting impression.
  18. Perseverance will pay off, but mastering this game can be frustrating.
  19. PSM Magazine
    80
    Just a hair shy of greatness. It's got some rough edges, but the idea of having to rely on a boat for propulsion is truly innovative. [July 2003, p.24]
  20. Control is dead-on perfect, and the gameplay is so polished and fun that it compensates for the somewhat lackluster graphics/sounds and the absence of customizable options.
  21. Interesting rope dynamics, solid control and creative levels make up for the redundant goals and challenges, leading to a worthwhile dip in the water.
  22. May not bring much new to the table for the genre, but the new additions offer enough of a twist to keep the game interesting.
  23. The game's real goals aren't exciting enough to carry the game, so once you've unlocked enough levels to be satisfied and gotten the hang of the controls, there really isn't a whole lot more to see. Fans of the genre will be left wanting more.

Awards & Rankings

36
99
#99 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. DerekW.
    Nov 25, 2003
    10
    I really like this game because I love to wakeboard but I wish I could at least do half of the tricks in real life.
  2. dephil
    Sep 17, 2003
    9
    Awesome asskicking game! The graphics are beautiful- especially the water looks incredible! The 9 levels are huge and full of detail. TheAwesome asskicking game! The graphics are beautiful- especially the water looks incredible! The 9 levels are huge and full of detail. The Soundtrack rocks! Everytime you pass a challenge, you will want to do the next one- this game will keep you in front of the TV for hours! Who needs sleep?? Grab the rope and get wet!! ...your girlfriend should be very creative, if she wants to get you off the TV... Full Review »
  3. dephil
    Sep 17, 2003
    9
    Awesome asskicking game! The graphics are beautiful- especially the water looks incredible! The 9 levels are huge and full of detail. TheAwesome asskicking game! The graphics are beautiful- especially the water looks incredible! The 9 levels are huge and full of detail. The Soundtrack rocks! Everytime you pass a challenge, you will want to do the next one- this game will keep you in front of the TV for hours! Who needs sleep?? Grab the rope and get wet!! ...your girlfriend should be very creative, if she wants to get you off the TV... Full Review »