SSX Tricky is a fast paced free-riding
snowboarding
game in the framework of a high-energy arcade game. Being the second
SSX
release for the PS2 console, it effectively adds a significant amount of
excitement to an already fun game. This is because various tweaks have
been made within the game, two new levels have
been added, there are six new unique riders to choose from and most
importantly,
the "uber" tricks can now be much bigger. The result is a
game
that’s hard to put down.
The first thing that you’ll notice about SSX
Tricky is the well designed menu system coupled with the stunning visuals
and
bumpin’ beats. Within the menu you can choose to play
the game or to view the content of the DVD. The latter is worth
checking
out because it allows you to view out various videos and listen to the sweet
music tracks included with the
game. Once the game has been started, there are three different modes
of
play: practice, single event, and world circuit. Practice mode, which
includes trick tutorials, allows you to get a feel for the slopes, while
single
event allows you to work on level records or play against others
head-to-head in
split- screen format.
World circuit mode is the most important
aspect
of the game because it allows you to open up new levels, riders, outfits,
boards
and it also gives you a chance to increase riders’ stats. Within world
circuit are two different event types for each level: race and
showoff.
When racing, all that matters is speed. Getting down the hill in the
least
amount of time is essential, but completing tricks helps to meet this
goal. This is because the adrenaline meter, which fuels the boost
button,
is dependent on the riders ability to pull sick tricks. In every race
there are five AI riders, who’ll usually do whatever then can to knock you
down
(so you must do the same to them). There are three heats and a top
three
finish is required to move on to the next heat (or to win a medal in the
finals). Getting a feel for the game takes some getting used to, but
once
you get it down, SSX Tricky provides an unprecedented racing
experience.
Showoff, on the other hand, is dependent on
the
number of points acquired on a single run and also the race must be
completed in
a specified amount of time. This mode of play requires you to make
good
use of the jumps, rails, and everything else that can be utilized in order
to
come up with big points. The best way to get points is to fill up the
adrenaline meter, an event that sounds the sirens and the theme song –
"it’s tricky trick tricky." At this point, uber tricks can
be
pulled off. During an uber trick, the rider’s board comes off his/her
feet
and it usually spins around in one way or another (like a skateboard)
yielding
many points. These tricks looking amazing enough to drop anyone’s jaw,
especially when done with huge air.
The levels themselves are very unique,
detailed
and most importantly, fast. They range from city environments to the
snowy slopes of British
Columbia, Canada. Luckily, these levels are in no way confining as
alternate routes can practically always be taken. Not taking the
designated trails can also help you take the lead if you’re in race mode, a
strategy that can’t be overlooked. There are a lot of objects found in
each level, which means at high speeds there’s a lot that can be run
into!
Many objects are interactive too, such as in the city level where running
into a
fire hydrant causes water to come rushing out or if you smack into a parked
car
the alarm will sound.
The control setup in SSX Tricky takes a
significant
amount of time to get used to, but once mastered it proves to be very
effective. This setup is nothing like that of Tony Hawk Pro Skater and
similar games, which most have become accustomed to. Instead, the left
analog stick is used for steering, the right for shoving other riders, while
the
d-pad is used for spins (left/right) and flips (up/down). When
approaching
a jump, X (crouch/jump) must be held and then let off at the top of the
lip. Before releasing X, a spin or flip must be preloaded by holding
the
d-pad in the desired position. Once in the air, grabs are done using
combinations of L1, L2, R1, and R2. Lastly, square
(boost/adrenaline) can be used to tweak the grabs in the air. Sound
too
complicated? Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it
sounds!
SSX Tricky’s visuals are quite
impressive.
When cruising down the slopes at 60+ mph, all objects are crisp and
detailed. The colors throughout the game are very vibrant, which adds
to
the arcade-like game feel. As the characters bust amazing tricks
through
the sky, their movements are smooth and accurate. Their boards make
realistic trails through the soft powder snow, while the hard ice has
remains
unaffected. Both the new characters and the old are extremely
detailed,
from their outfits to their unique facial features. There are also
many computer generated videos found
throughout the game that highlight the boarders’ personality characteristics
and
also show how well done the 3D modeling is.
Another aspect of SSX Tricky that reminds me
of
an arcade game is the sound. At practically every given moment there
is
announcer saying something, such as "funky dope maneuver,"
"that’s
what the crowd wants," or simply describing the trick that
you just pulled off. If one of the announcers isn’t saying anything at
some point, one of the characters probably is. In race mode the
characters
often talk trash to one another when battling for position and in all modes
your
own character makes a lot of noise when consistently wiping out. You
may
recognize some of the voice actors in SSX Tricky, since the cast is quite
impressive: David Arquette, Macy Gray, Bif Naked, and more. The sound
effects are all extremely accurate, whether carving in powder or carving on
ice,
the noise produced will make you think you’re actually on the
slopes. The music also does its job to get you pumped up with
artists such as: Run DMC, John Morgan, Mixmaster Mike, and more.
SSX Tricky may not be the game of choice for
those seeking a simulation style snowboard experience because this is not at
all
what the game is about. Instead, it’s a game for those who are looking
for
a fun, fast, high-energy arcade experience within their own home. EA
Sports BIG has done a great job creating a unique and enjoyable game, and
it’s
definitely worth picking up.
This game is rated “E” for everyone and it
takes up 2MB on your PS2 memory card.
| Reviewer’s Scoring Details |
Gameplay: 9.5
Not
being your traditional snowboarding game, SSX Tricky’s opportunities to
catch
big air allow for amazing tricks to be pulled off at high-speeds in the
coolest
environments. Both the race and showoff modes provide gameplay that is
currently unmatched by any other title.
Graphics: 9
Fast frame-rates along with smooth renders make this one a beauty to
look
at. Each character is detailed to the maximum extent and each level
provides a very unique snowboarding landscape.
Sound: 9.5
SSX Tricky’s sound gets you pumped up and ready to ride like the champ
you
are. Funky beats, from techno to hip-hop, along with celebrity voices,
high-energy announcers and realistic sound effects – this one has the whole
package.
Difficulty: 8
This game may be a little difficult for the casual gamer, but it offers
quite a challenge to those who are looking for just that. The control
setup adds a significant amount of time to the game’s learning
curve.
Concept: 9
The concept of a
snowboarding game wouldn’t be too original, but SSX Tricky isn’t just a
snowboarding game. It is truly a unique gaming experience that anyone
(not
just snowboarders) will enjoy.
Multiplayer: 8.5
The multiplayer
mode
allows for split-screen head-to-head play in either showoff or race
mode.
Overall: 9
