This game is simply stunning.  First the concept is very original as far as
platform games are concerned.
You are an underwater treasure hunter.  Using a variety of subs, weapons and
diving equipment you must explore various dive sites around the world, recovered
rare artifacts, preserve endangered species, and fend off the attacking hordes
of pirate treasure hunters.
You start the game off with a small sub resembling a speeder bike from Empire
Strike Back.  You have an unlimited cannon to attack pirate, sharks and other
'larger fish" who would have you for dinner.  As you explore the dive area you
will pick up treasure in the form of coins, objects and hidden artifacts.
You also have a supply of nets with surface buoys.  Shoot these at objects such
as illegal lobster traps and the endangered green sea turtle  to trap them and
take them to the surface.   Don't kill anything endangered.  I accidentally hit
a lobster and it cost me a $1,500 fine.  That's expensive lobster without melted
butter and a bottle of wine to go with....
Other cool tactics include being able to exit your sub and swim freely about - a
must for exploring the sunken treasure ships.  You can also hitch a ride on a
passing manta ray if you time it right.  These large and beautifully animated
creatures can take you to places your sub cannot reach so learn this skill
early.  You are not allowed to surface until all objective are complete so
finding air and medical kits are very important to completing your quests.
Graphics:
Incredible.  They pulled out all the stop to use every special effect the
Playstation is capable of.  All the fish, enemy subs, divers, and other
creatures are all incredibly detailed and animated.  Swim up close to some Nazi
gold bars and you can see the writing on the bars.  Sunken spitfires and other
fighter planes have broken canopies, authentic markings and even those painted
teeth on the nose.  Sunken ships are half buried in the sand, wood slats reveal
what's inside, masts are broken, fish swim in schools and dart out of dark areas
when you startle them.
Sound:
Awesome.  They have captured every sound you would expect to hear.  The faint
WHIR of the propeller, the bubbles, the hollow breathing, all presented in full
surround sound so if you hear bubble behind you chance are an enemy pirate is
sneaking up on you from behind.  The music is good but too loud at its default
setting.  Turn it down and enjoy the sound effects.
Game Play:
Controls are easy to learn and easier to master.   The information on the screen
is useful and very well positioned so it doesn't detract from the main gaming
screen.  You can play first person or from a chase view.  Chase is recommended
for exploring while 1st person is best for combat situations.  I'm not sure how
many missions there are total but the ones I have played are great.  I am slowly
building a map from a frame and stone tablets that I am finding on each dive.
When complete I should have a map to some super treasure hunt.
You earn money to buy bigger and better subs.  There are some setup screens you
can use to customize and outfit your expedition before you "get wet".
Replayability:
Dives are pretty linear with branching points like those found in ACE COMBAT 2,
etc.  You always have a couple missions to choose from on the 3D spinning globe.
One you are "wet" you are free to explore the dive area.  You are only limited
by underwater canyon walls.   It is quite easy to miss lots of treasure so I
would say there is some replay value if you wanted to explore ever square inch
of terrain outside of just performing your primary goals.
Even if you only make one pass through this game it is well worth the $45.  For
all you "renters" out there - you may have to check this one out for a few
nights - it ain't easy!