Wave Rider

Wave Rider Overview

Wave Rider puts you on a surfboard and sends you straight into a never-ending ocean run. There is no relaxing cruise here. Waves keep carrying you forward while rocks, logs, gaps, and other hazards wait for the slightest mistake. The controls are easy to pick up, but staying on the board for a long run takes some practice. As your speed rises, even a tiny steering error can turn a great attempt into a very short swim.

How to Play

Your job is to guide the surfer through the course without hitting the obstacles. Look ahead, choose an open section of the water, and move into it before the hazard gets too close.

The early part of a run gives you some breathing room, so use it to get used to the movement. Later, the pace becomes much quicker. Floating logs and rocks can leave only a small gap to pass through, while waterfalls and deep openings can make the route even trickier.

Avoid holding a direction for too long. Quick taps are often easier to control when several obstacles appear close together. The key is to think about where you want the board to be next, rather than reacting to whatever is directly in front of you.

Controls

• W: Move upward.
• A: Steer left.
• D: Steer right.
• Arrow Keys: Move the board in the corresponding direction.

The A and D keys are particularly useful for changing lanes and slipping around obstacles. If you prefer the keyboard arrows, the Left and Right Arrow keys provide the same kind of control.

Collect Starfish

Starfish are scattered throughout the route, giving you something else to look for besides a safe path. Pick them up during your run to build your currency total.

Once you've collected enough, you can spend your starfish on different surfboards and jet skis. These unlockable rides add some variety to your sessions and give you another small goal besides simply surviving.

Don't become too greedy, though. If a starfish is sitting beside a nasty obstacle, it may be smarter to leave it alone. Your board has a better chance of staying in one piece that way.

Survive the Speed

Wave Rider gradually turns up the pressure. The longer you remain on the water, the quicker your board travels, leaving less time to correct a bad move.

Try to keep your attention a little farther ahead. Spotting a hazard early gives you more time to choose a direction. Smooth steering is also safer than constantly switching sides.

Why Play Wave Rider?

Wave Rider is a simple arcade game with a surprisingly demanding survival challenge. Its bright ocean setting keeps things cheerful while the increasing speed keeps your fingers busy. Collect starfish, unlock new rides, dodge whatever the water throws at you, and see how far your next run can go. Just remember: the ocean may look friendly, but it has absolutely no interest in letting you relax.

Other Games to Try

• Curve Rush
• Tap Road 2