As a
snowboarding enthusiast and a fan of snowboarding games, Stoked came as a
pleasant surprise when it was first released. It wasn’t a serious snowboarding
title nor was it too arcade-like so there was plenty of everything for fellow
snowboarding fans to like despite its few problems. Stoked: Big Air Edition is
the same game with a few improvements and new additions to make this the
ultimate version of the game you will definitely want to play.
Into the
great white open
Once again,
you start the game editing your nameless snowboarder and adding little touches
such as slapping on different clothing options, picking different nationalities
and even customizing your board. You then hop on a helicopter and try your hand
at your first mountain such as Almirante Nieto in Chile. With 2008 Transworld
Magazine Rider of the Year Wolle Nyvelt as your guide, you begin your run on the
mountain as well as start your career attempting to make a name for yourself on
the slopes.
Starting on
the top of the mountain, you can take on a few tutorial challenges to learn the
basics tricks such as the tail grab, grinds, ollie and aerial spins. From there
you can freely take on various challenges you’ll find scattered throughout the
mountain. These challenges usually have you attempting to beat another rider’s
run or pull off the tricks called out by another rider. Some challenges even
have you attempt to string combos together to make X amount of points.
You can also
participate in a number of sponsor challenges to earn sponsorship in known
companies to the point that even your gear options can change. Before you get a
sponsorship, however you must prove yourself in photographer challenges. Your
best tricks can be captured in still photographs by sports photographers and
later even yourself. Once you’re sponsored, you will find yourself competing
against the likes of famous snowboarders from around the world including Tadashi
Fuse, Bjorn Leines, Nicholas Muller and Travis Rice among a list of others.
Rocky
mountain high
As far as
the new features are concerned, you can race many of the snowboarders I just
mentioned as you attempt to beat a “ghost” of their run. The races are fast
paced and the run is actually quite challenging. There are even new sponsored
events such as Big Air and Grind Fest events. There are two new summits as well
to join the new mountains to accompany the original summits such as Mt. Fuji or
K2. Each mountain as different sides you can ride and, thankfully, at one point
you’ll even be able to earn the right to pilot a helicopter to find your own
spot.
The gameplay
sees some improvements as far as the tricks are concerned so the big air tricks
feel a lot smoother to pull off in the game and so is the grinding. Sure, some
of the more complex tricks like the Annie Boulanger Crail Boned are still a bit
tough to pull off but the rest of the tricks are handled beautifully enough in
this version of the game. It certainly makes the trick challenges more fun this
way.
Unfortunately, many of the original release’s problems are back and they still
hold this game back. Never mind the long load times, the problem with the game
is that your career feels directionless and you don’t feel like you’re
accomplishing a whole lot. Then there’s the fact that the challenges and
competitions start feeling alike as well so the fun factor dies down quickly in
this game. Even the multiplayer is fun in short bursts.
Visually,
nothing has changed in the Big Air Edition of Stoked. The good news is that the
summits look decent enough and the weather effects are actually quite
spectacular. On the other hand, everything from trees to lodges look awful and
so do the riders even though they kick up snow realistically.
The sound
of snow falling
The sound
hasn’t changed at all either, which is fine seeing as the game did have some
detailed sound effects as you swoosh down a hill. You’ll hear from the pros in
the game but it’s mostly to criticize your failed attempts, which becomes
annoying because there are also invisible hecklers that will get on your nerves.
At least the game has a rocking soundtrack with music from artists such as
Quietdrive, Thrush and A Kiss Could Be Deadly just to name a few of the indie
artists.
Stoked: Big
Air Edition for the Xbox 360 is the definitive version of a rewarding and fun
snowboarding game. While there are a few improvements to the game, those pesky
weak spots that kept this from being a truly great snowboarding title and not
just a really good one. Sure, there are even new mountains to play on but it’s
the gameplay that counts. Still, if you missed out on this game the first time
around I highly recommend you buy this version instead.
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Gameplay: 8.0
With two new
mountains to conquer, hitting the virtual powder is still just as fun as it was
the first time around. Sure, you’ll feel like the main career mode doesn’t
really push you in the right direction in terms of making a name for yourself
but it’s all about the arcade-styled tricks.
Graphics: 7.0
I must say that
this is not the prettiest Xbox 360 game but it does do the mountains and the
snow perfectly. We just wish the snowboarders didn’t look clunky or the trees to
look so lifeless in a game that doesn’t give us a lot to look at in the first
place.
Sound:
7.5
The sound effects
feel like you’re on the snow, alright, and that’s a very good thing. You’ll hear
from other real snowboarders in the game and that’s even better but what you’ll
be glad to hear a lot of is the game’s excellent eclectic soundtrack.
Difficulty: Medium/Hard
It’s not easy
pulling off a Stalefish Tuckknee Tweaked or a Chicken Salad Boned without eating
snow a couple of times. Some of the challenges will really make you wish your
fingers were double jointed to pull off but they’re not impossible stunts
either.
Concept: 8.0
From Mount Fuji
to the gorgeous Chilean mountain of Almirante Nieto, the different locals are
sure to add some variety to each of your runs. The emphasis is on fun and the
game plays up the tricks and challenges to make the game enjoyable. It’s too bad
the Sponsor challenges don’t have too much variety to them. There’s also online
multiplayer snowboarding fun to be had in the game.
Multiplayer: 7.5
The multiplayer
mode is strictly online so up to eight players can hit any of the mountains and
compete in a number of fun challenges. The best part is that your score can be
posted on the leader board so you can challenge players in your skill level.
Overall: 8.0
The Big Air
Edition of Stoked makes for a bigger and somewhat better game that makes for a
far more complete and completely gratifying snowboarding game for the Xbox 360.
There are still a few issues that really haven’t been improved in this version
but we are still looking at one addictive snowboarding game well worth buying.
