SSX TRICKY (PS2)


Afros, spandex, powder and stiffies...

By WILLIAM BARKER

Having never delved into what was probably a ripper game, SSX, I didn't know what to expect when tackling the brand-spanking SSX Tricky. Of course, the game is all about snowboarding down amazing alpine runs, but there's much more to it than that.

Before getting into the meat of the game, you can check out a number of cool DVD extras, such as interviews with the developers, character profiles, how they modelled the courses and so on.

It provides a nice insight into the game and allows players to see what goes on behind closed doors.

SSX Tricky offers players three main game modes from the outset. There's practice, single event and world circuit. The first two are self explanatory, with the world circuit offering players a 'season' mode, if you will.

You pick a player and race each track three times in a row. Qualifiers, semis and the finals. If you beat all three, you unlock new boards, players and tracks, plus you can increase your characters stats - a la Tony Hawk.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes SSX Tricky so playable, but I believe a large part of it is due to a combination of striking visuals and incredibly fresh course design.

The tracks, of which there are 10, are like nothing before them. 1080 Snowboarding seems insignificant and shallow compared to this - many sections of the track are more akin to a roller-coaster than that of a traditional skiing run. And while many of tracks are based on mountains and opt for a realistic approach, there are a few tracks in there that simply boggle the mind.

The Tokyo Megaplex, for instance, is a 13 billion dollar track set entirely indoors. There are all sorts of freaky pinball-like sections, turbine fans that push you miles into the air and plenty of interactivity.

And while the Tokyo Megaplex is an amazing array of paths, tunnels and slides leading in every which way, Mesablanca, on the other hand, is your typical skiing run, with flowing curves, steep drops, only much, much longer and with some seriously mad jumps.

There are multiple paths on each stage, heaps of secret paths and plenty of airtime to be had as well. The clipping range is way out on the horizon and the sheer variation on offer is enough to make your head spin. Even people who weren't into snowboarding were impressed by the spiffy track design.

Longterm value is ensured thanks to the 10 tracks included, with some tracks average lap times at six and a half minutes plus the variety of game modes adds much. It will take weeks to discover all the secret paths, rooms and grinds on the courses included, plus you can upgrade each of the dozen or so characters, open up new boards and even costumes.

To understand the gameplay, think snowboaring. Then add a pinch of intuitiveness, lashings of smoothness and groovy trick system, sure to have players grinning from ear to ear. The game can be picked up and played by anyone. Even your dumb friends who can't play games will be able to hammer down the slopes without too much trouble.

You can get away with using just the one analogue stick and nothing else. Up leans forward, and left and right carve. Simple stuff really. But there's a twist here. You could just race, throw a few punches and what no or, if you're feeling lucky, you could try and perform some raunchy tricks. Every time you land a trick your 'Tricky' metre fills. You can use this 'Tricky' metre as a boost, in an attempt to go faster or give you more air before you hit the lip of a jump, for instance.

The flipside is even better though. If you can hold out, without crashing (which reduces your 'Tricky' metre) it is possible for players to perform an über-trick. These score very highly, usually defy the laws of physics and are breath-taking to watch. They also take a long time to pull-off, so you'll need gargantuan air-time to survive the landing.

Playing the game, in general, is a complete and utter joy. It's the complete opposite of wasting time, whatever that is. Whether you're coming first or losing by a mile, carving the fresh pow-pow is undeniably enjoyable. I really can't think of the last time I've had so much fun, right from the start. Its testament to EAs clever physics model which lets players do what they will, in effect.

While the tracks are massive, the gameplay fluid and perfectly paced, it's good to know the graphics are also on par. Running at a solid 30fps with full-scene anti-aliasing, there's not a jaggie in sight. This is a good thing too, because snow isn't known to have many right angles.

The motion-captured snowboarders look wicked, the roller-coaster inspired runs are wide, smooth and highly detailed with the end result a sight for sore eyes. The eye-candy is truly next-generation and with so many things to look at, those with nervous twitches should always wear prescription eye wear before playing. It's hard to imagine a brand-new PC with a GeForce 3 Ti 500 being able to push the sorts of polygons that are flying around at high speed in SSX Tricky, such are the complexity of the visuals.

The audio is of a high standard also, falling in line nicely with other aspects. The music is predominantly electronica, but its very pleasing, not the shite variety that tends to annoy. Also of mention are the vocal taunts which all players constantly dish out during races.

The voice talents of Billy Zane, David Arquette, Macy Gray, Lucy Liu, Oliver Platt and that chick who played Cleopatra in The Mummy all came to the party. Like yours truly, Arquette is also a massive fan of the original game, part of why he signed up for the gig. Not only do these witicisms add charm, character and personality to the game, but you can check out the stars performing their roles in the DVD extras section. Impressive is a gross understatement.

SSX Tricky has all bases covered. It's a complete game. From the fully realised 3D menus, to the no-nonsense gameplay and pumping soundtrack, this is a gamers game. There's no story here - it's about enjoying the experience of flying down snow-covered slopes at 100km/h and little else. Not since 1080 Snowboarding (N64) have I been so captivated by a winter sports game. Truly, I love this game. There's no other way to put it.

SSX Tricky is heart-pounding, adrenalin pumping, head-banging fun and should be enjoyed by anyone who has ever taken an interest in gaming. Highly recommended.

ORIGINALITY 90%
SOUND/GRAPHICS 95%
PLAYABILITY 95%
ADDICTION 90%
ENJOYMENT 95%