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25 Years After Not Touching His Board, 1988 World Surfing Champion Returns to the Sport With a Million-Dollar Twist

Published 09/27/2023, 2:30 PM EDT

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Whenever news of a new surfing video game surfaces, anticipation soars. The reason is simple; these games are rare gems, and they’ve struggled to match the high standards set by “Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer” in 2002. Despite the existence of cult classics like “Sunny Garcia Surfing” & “Transworld Surf,”  legendary surfer Kelly Slater still reigns supreme. This leads to a burning question among both the gaming industry & surf enthusiasts: Can surfing video games make waves?

Along similar lines, a surfer, who hasn’t touched his board in the past 25 years has come up with the biggest update of 2023. “Barton Lynch Pro Surfing,” a game by an Australian surfer is ready for a global release on  Xbox, PS5, & PC.

Barton Lynch and Bungarra Software’s Resurgence of Surf

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A video was released on the YouTube channel a year ago, named “Worthplayingvideo” that showcases what all is in the game. From the features to the innovations, however, the date wasn’t shared. Now, in a recent announcement, the date of the game has been shared, which has shaken the surf enthusiasts. Two decades after clinching the title of 1988 World Surfing Champion, Barton Lynch, along with the creative minds at Bungarra Software, is resurrecting the world of surf video games with “Barton Lynch Pro Surfing.”. Take a look.

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This remarkable game is breaking new ground as the first surf title to grace the PlayStation 5, following the “Surf World Series” on PlayStation 4. Both share an arcade-style charm that makes surfing feel akin to skateboarding, catering to various gaming preferences.

Barton Lynch Pro Surfing” carries the proud endorsement of Barton Lynch, the iconic 1988 ASP World Tour champion, developed by the Australian Surfer Bungarra. What sets this endeavor apart is that Bungarra’s team of eight dedicated developers has spent the last two and a half years crafting this game on a modest budget. Bungarra isn’t new to the world of surfing games either; they previously released “The Surfer” for PlayStation 3 and PC in 2012. The game is poised for a grand release on all other platforms on November 17, 2023.

What’s all in the surfing game?

“Barton Lynch Pro Surfing” invites players on a thrilling global journey to conquer some of the world’s most exotic surfing destinations. Best part? all from the comfort of their living rooms. Many local surfers dream of competing with the world’s professionals and this transforms the dream into a virtual reality. From Aileen’s, Trestles, to Tokyo, it has covered all surf breaks.

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Additionally, it boasts an expansive world tour experience, enriched by a comprehensive leaderboard and immersive sports commentary, allowing players to savor the excitement of chasing waves & trophies. But for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, worry not. You can leisurely free surf amidst breathtaking locales, riding waves as they curl, crest, or crash into foam. Harnessing state-of-the-art graphics technology, Bungarra ensures that gamers remain glued to their controllers.

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The game’s pump control system empowers players to master the power of each wave, unlocking breathtaking moves with heightened speed. The inclusion of real surfing legends, including Barton Lynch himself, enriches the game’s appeal. A career mode mirrors the challenges of climbing the world rankings. On the other hand, online leaderboards allow friends to enjoy friendly rivalries. In essence, Barton Lynch Pro Surfing is total fun for surfing and gaming nerds.

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Written by:

Harshita Chawla

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Harshita Chawla is a US Sports writer at Essentially Sports. Having contributed to college magazine as a sports writer, she comes with a staunch knowledge in content creation for the sports industry. Along with this, Harshita is a huge fan of Gymnastics queen Simone Biles and has a penchant for writing about her favorite athlete.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar