Crank it up, baby!

No, no, not just the pedal action, but the volume. You are going to want to hear what you are doing as much as doing it.

Downhill Domination is the name of the game, a PlayStation2 release from Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc., and Incog Inc. Entertainment, not only is it a very good-looking ride down well-detailed mountains, but the game features elements of combat and an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack.

This is a game that is based on downhill mountainbike action, not just racing down perilous paths, filled with wandering hikers and wildlife, but in performing tricks for points as you soar off improbable jumps into the treacherous landing zones somewhere below.

And if you are on the big mountain courses, which can take in the neighborhood of six minutes to negotiate, you might also want to be prepared for some weather changes along the course. Yes, that was lightning that just ignited that tree, and the accompanying downpour has created puddles along the route.

But therein lies one of the joys of this game. Yes, those puddles are there, but the water parts and splashes away as you rip through it. The Red Rock trails shows dust trails as riders fly along the dirt courses. Not that either of these elements seems to affect what you are doing, but they are nice little details that add to the visual appeal of the game.

And when it comes to the visual candy, this game is filled. The animation is very well done, from the speed bursts on the bikes, to the crunch of a bad landing. The game does have arcade features, but these are in the forms of power-ups which add entertainment value to the title.

Game features include first and third-person perspectives, 14 riders (you begin with six but can unlock new riders), three course styles, and five gameplay options (including single race, career, arcade, moshbowl, and super jump).

The bikes are customizable, there are 30 tricks you can pull off and then there is the combat element. If that competitor is getting a little too close, a quick backfist to the face can have them back off a bit. Or maybe you are afraid of bruising your hand. No problem - just kick out the tire from under them.

The game will have players skidding across the tracks but in true arcade style, you are back on your bike within seconds and ready to try to catch the field. The AI of the game is quite good and riders will wipe out on their own if they take a jump wrong or head into a corner with too much speed or the wrong line.

The game also features three types of racing - time trials, tricks and free rides. There are also a number of ways to head down a mountain, so the path you take is completely up to you. You start at the top and, sooner rather than later, cross the finish line at the bottom.

Downhill Domination is about speed, control verging on chaotic risks, and fun. Flying down a mountain, avoiding obstacles, marveling at the scenery and knocking out the competition is certainly good sport, but is it a good videogame. Yes, it definitely is.

Gameplay: 8.5
There are some options that need to be chosen prior to the start of a competition, but once in a race, the game moves very quickly. The courses must be negotiated with precision. Any bad track, or bobble over a jump can cost you time.

Graphics: 8.8
This game looks very good. The three-dimensional environments are lush and beautifully rendered. There are some minor flaws with obstacles that are not, but for the most part, the mapboards are detailed and wonderful to look at, as they whiz past. The animation is also very well done.

Sound: 8.7
The soundtrack features some great tunes as well as an array of familiar tunes bridging the alternative, thrash-punk, hip-hop, techno and classic rock genres. The announcer does a great job, and the rider comments are typical of the style of game.

Difficulty: Easy
The control elements are simplistic, but the pace of the action allows gamers to challenge up. You can jump right in and go, but succeeding is another matter. There are three difficulty levels to choose from.

Concept: 8.2
This game borrows a lot of gameplay elements from titles such as Arctic Thunder, but gives them a nice feel in this outing.

Multiplayer: 7.5
This game will allow up to four gamers to play in head-to-head competition. This is split-screen competition and is only average.

Overall: 8.5
Downhill Domination is a great deal of fun to play. Graphically it is strong, and the audio tracks are superb. This is a game that will draw arcade racing fans and those interested in an amusing, and entertaining ride down twisting, jump-filled tracks. Put the push to the peddle and get ready for some entertaining mountainbike action with a twist