SSX Tricky Review

The original SSX was probably the strongest title at the Playstation2âs launch, itâs mixture of impressive graphics and fun gameplay ensured it quickly became the best snowboarding title around. So here we are with the sequel, promising improved visuals, new courses, characters and Hollywood voices, ooooâ¦



As with itâs predecessors the main mode for SSX Tricky is the World Circuit mode, select a character and compete on two heats of the course, and then ultimately the last final race where you need to place at least third to continue. Complete the final and youâll earn points to improve your characters attributes, open up new characters, costumes and courses. 

One new and excellent introduction to this mode is the ability to develop friendships and rivalries over a race, knocking players over will cause them to become enemies whoâll do anything to stop your progress, whilst friends will wave you on, get out of your way and generally be unhelpful to your enemies. The rivalry/friendship aspect is also played out excellently during the post-race
cut-scenes, which really help to bring the characters to life. Adding some extremely funny comedy to the proceedings, and benefiting from high production values, not only in the direction and visuals but because theyâve got the top brass in to do the vocals, including the likes of David Arquette and Macy Gray⦠ok so theyâre not exactly AAA but this is a videogame!



Of course SSX Tricky is all about showing off, which is reflected in the number of outrageous stunts you can perform. Starting off youâll have the basic grab and aerial moves, but thanks to a superb tutorial you can open up and easily learn some frankly gob-smacking tricks. Whilst building up your adrenaline bar, by knocking over opponents and pulling off tricks gives you access to the games
new âuber tricksâ, these outrages stunts require a certain move to be activated within 20 seconds, if youâre successful just sit back with a smug grin on your face, especially if youâre playing in the games multiplayer mode.

The stunt system found in SSX Tricky is arguably the best found in any sports
title thanks to a wonderfully intuitive control system.  Using the top four
shoulder buttons as different grabs, and the X button as a jump, moves are
easily pulled off, whilst the game gives you a great sense of satisfaction as youâll pull off the
harder moves, which never seem impossible, just a case of practise makes perfect.

SSX Tricky maintains the excellent, crisp cartoony visuals of the original, each character is brimming full of personality and style. Whilst the games animation is top notch, moves roll smoothly in to each other, and the cut scenes will have you in stitches. The same attention has been paid to the games courses, lovingly rendered with detail; snow fireworks go off whilst youâre racing, nearby crowds cheer you on.



The only complaint you could possibly level at SSX Tricky is the lack of new courses, only two new ones are available, Garabaldi (a beginners' paradise) and Alaska (king of the big air) are welcome additions, you'll find that the rest of Tricky's outings are merely reworked SSX courses.



One major factor in the original was the sound, which changed depending on your performance on the course, building up as you performed big stunts, slowing down as you crashed. This has been carried across to the sequel with again magnificent results, Beastie Boy
Mix Master Mike is in charge of the mixing, as youâll find some recognisable tunes from the likes of Run DMC that respond accurately to your actions on screen.