This game eclipses the THPS series in almost every category. The environments look like the real thing, and the frame rate is smooth at all times. The layout in career mode lends itself to mutliple attempts at the many different goals and gaps. You may find yourself trying one goal for a long time. However, the experience is far less frustrating that in many of Activision's previous extreme titles.The gameplay is superb. Players can use a multitude of techniques to get high scores and complete goals. Activision has finally done away with time based level attempts, replacing the timer with a "Groove meter" that allows you more time as you pull of tricks and combos.Riding the rails has never been as much fun as in Unleashed. Rail balance is much easier than in the THPS series. This allows players to explore the nicely arranged pipes and ridges without constantly falling off their grind. Trick lines are laid out beautifully. After learning a level, players will be able to string together long combos for big points.This game is as fun as any game released on PS2 to date. The gameplay is addictive, and successful combos are as much fun to watch as they are to create.Players not familiar with the THPS series may find this game somehwat difficult at first. It does include a short tutorial at the beginning of career mode. Most players will find that they will become better at the game within an hour, but it may take months of gameplay to truly unleash your wakeboarding pot.