This game begs to be updated
This game puts you in the driver's seat of a rocket engine that has been outfitted with a fins to steer and grappling hooks. Because of the nature of rocket engines, steering with the fins is limited. The grappling hooks provide added turning capabilities as well as becoming useful in the different events in the game.
The three modes of play are Rocket Race, Rocket War, and Rocket Ball. Rocket Race is a fairly straightforward race against other jockeys. Navigate your rocket around obstacles and through the gates as fast as you can. in Rocket War your objective is to incapacitate the other jockeys before time runs out. Points are given for attacking your opponents in different ways. In Rocket Ball, you're essentially playing a game of soccer on the back of a rocket. Objects will appear for you to grab or ram into various goals in order to score more points than your opponents in the time allowed.
The physics in every aspect of the game is truely wonderful. There's a certain thrill that you get from watching a jockey get tossed across the ground and tumble into one of the barriers during rocket war. The various objects you pick up during Rocket Ball each react differently when grappled. Also, the damage your rocket takes affects the ability to steer, which makes the game dynamic from the first round to the last bell.
Last, and certainly not least, is the soundtrack. For whatever reason, Dick Dale's surf rock works perfectly with the game.
For me, I can think of nothing I'd like to see more than the whole game getting revamped for a console release. Just imagining the extra bells and whistles that could be added on even a PS2 release makes my mouth water. I highly recommend going back and trying this game out, if you haven't yet.