Riptide GP: Renegade

Fun racing game for all ages with easy to learn mechanics, simplistic control scheme, unique wave system and varying level environments. The trick system is fun and quite intuitive in how basic trick positioning naturally leads into more complex tricks. Each of the nine maps has hidden shortcuts (and "Easter eggs") to discover which may help you get an edge on the competition. Game features a career campaign with different race modes, stable online play and most importantly a split screen mode. Only negative would be the lack of levels and how nearly impossible it is to complete the harder difficulty bonus career levels. I received this game as a gift to play with my family.

First thing I will say, Hydrojets!!!! Enough said! Just kidding but still, the concept of hydrojets in this racing game is brilliant and so much fun.
Controls
This game has great, easy to remember controls, with steering and acceleration using the direction keys, as well as tricks (“Z” on the keyboard) and boosts (“A” on the keyboard). Honestly, the controls felt really smooth, and I found myself navigating the courses with ease once I got used to them. As for the vehicles, the most customization that I saw within the game for them was different colours. You can, however, obtain new hydro jets by defeating bosses. The hydro jets obtained through said boss fights tend to have higher stats and a nicer looking body.
Maps/music/visuals
While some maps are quite simple in layout, but there are more crazy maps which throw different things at you. One map had ships launching rockets into the structure we were racing in. You’ll often find yourself in situations where you and an enemy are both trying to go off a ramp at the same time, and odds are, one of you is being tossed into a wall. Honestly, the music isn't the type that I would consider memorable in this game I would definitely give it a pass because the visuals are awesome.
I wouldn't say that there were any negatives for this game. I would have loved more maps but other than that, I can't complain.
Overall, it is a very enjoyable and fun game that I play with my family. I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy racing games that are more simple and kid friendly with the controls and visuals.

Experience a future of illicit hydrojet racing, where armored riders kick out death-defying stunts over massive waterfalls, dodge cops, and boost across surging waves. Unlock new vehicles, characters, and customization features as you take down bosses and build your crew in Career mode.

This has been my addiction for the past couple of months on my Steam Deck
Great for a mid-ability gamer

Great game though it feels like something you'd play on your phone. Matter of fact, I actually remember playing its predecessor (Riptide GP2) on my tablet, when these devices were all the hype. Either way, still a good game, not the best looking but it sure is fun. Also a very unique idea, I don't think I know any other game that is entirely dedicated to jetski racing.

Immediately had fun with racing!
It has an old school structure, but some in race events really made me say: WOW!
Especially the wave system makes this special.
The trick system is fun, and the assignment is quite intuitive how basic trick positioning naturally leads into more advanced tricks.
Also runs extremely smooth with 165FPS on my 6 year old PC.

As far as water racing games go Riptide GP Renegade is a fun one. Good for fans of the Wave Race games or Hydro Thunder, but as a note this one is definitely super arcadey compared to Wave Race. It also has a small amount of tracks that really become apparent as you try to 100% it. It feels like a mobile game but I don't think that's a negative, it has a pick up playability that keeps you coming back to want to three star it. It's not wowing but its a solid little racing game.