Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mike Stewart’s Pro Bodyboarding delivers a surprisingly deep control scheme built around timing, positioning, and a varied trick list. From the moment you drop into a wave, the game challenges you to line up your maneuvers—forward spins, reverse spins, air rolls, backflips, double barrel rolls and more—to chain combos and maximize your score. Each of the twelve tricks feels distinct, and mastering the input rhythm is rewarding when you nail a long, high-scoring run.

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The six game modes—Contest, Arcade, Slalom, Practice, Training, and a hot-seat two-player option—offer a solid balance between structured competition and free-form experimentation. In Contest mode, you compete against the clock and other riders to impress judges; Arcade mode ups the stakes by ending your run prematurely if you smash your board too many times. Slalom focuses on precision as you weave through buoys, while Practice and Training let newcomers refine their skills without pressure.

Obstacles like hidden rocks, floating buoys, and unsuspecting swimmers keep each session fresh and on your toes. Hit one at full speed, and you’ll wipe out—triggering a brief dismount sequence that costs you precious seconds before climbing back on. Time management becomes as important as raw trick prowess, especially in modes where every splashdown chips away at your leaderboard ambitions.

Graphics

As a late-’90s sports title, Mike Stewart’s Pro Bodyboarding features textured 3D environments that still hold up for fans of retro charm. Waves are rendered with convincing translucency and dynamic motion, giving you clear visual cues on where to enter and how to position for big air. Sunlight sparkles on the cresting surf, and shorelines vary from tropical sands to rocky coves.

Character and board models are relatively simple by modern standards, but each rider is distinct thanks to bold color palettes and oversized gear. Trick animations are smooth, with clear poses for each maneuver so you can immediately recognize when you’ve executed a forward spin versus a double barrel roll. The underwater camera angles during wipeouts add a fun, cartoonish flair to your missteps.

Varied global locations keep the backdrop visually interesting: you’ll cruise waves off Hawaii one minute, then tackle heavy swells near Australia the next. Each locale offers subtle changes in wave shape, water hue, and shoreline detail. While draw distances can exhibit occasional pop-in, frame rates remain largely stable, ensuring your combos flow without stutter or slowdown.

Story

Mike Stewart’s Pro Bodyboarding isn’t driven by a traditional narrative, but it taps into the real-world legacy of its namesake—nine-time world champion Mike Stewart. The game positions you as an aspiring pro, chasing Stewart’s record across a global tour of iconic breaks. This loose “career” structure gives purpose to each mode without bogging you down in cutscenes or over-written dialogue.

Between heats, simple event banners and announcer voice clips evoke the atmosphere of high-stakes competition. You won’t find a deep branching storyline or character interactions, but the sense of progression—from rookie contender to world-class showboater—carries you through the six modes. Each successful run unlocks new locations or tougher rival boarders, keeping you invested in climbing the ranks.

Ultimately, the narrative is minimalism by design: you are the hero, the next Mike Stewart in the making. The emphasis stays firmly on your skills and scoreboards, which aligns perfectly with the pick-up-and-play arcade spirit. For players looking for story-driven drama, this may feel light, but for enthusiasts of pure sports action, it’s refreshingly focused.

Overall Experience

Mike Stewart’s Pro Bodyboarding strikes an appealing balance between arcade fun and realistic wave-riding mechanics. The tight trick system challenges you to hone your timing, while multiple modes and global venues ensure variety. Casual players will enjoy quick rides in Arcade or Slalom, whereas completionists can tackle Contest runs to perfect every combo.

Although the graphics and presentation show their age compared to contemporary sports titles, the core surfing simulation remains engaging. The learning curve is approachable—early waves feel forgiving, while advanced swells demand precise board control. Multiplayer hot-seat sessions add a competitive edge, making it a great party game for two players.

Prospective buyers who love extreme sports or retro ’90s sports titles will find Mike Stewart’s Pro Bodyboarding a solid addition to their library. Its faithful tribute to Stewart’s legacy, coupled with varied tricks and modes, delivers hours of wave-riding excitement. If you crave a laid-back yet challenging bodyboarding experience, you’ll be riding high with this classic.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10