A Snowboarding Title I Actually Want To Play
Written: May 25 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Minutes to learn, a lifetime to master--but fun during the whole journey.
Cons: Some levels just too hard for some players.
The Bottom Line: Over a year has passed since the PS2's debut, and SSX is still one of its best games ever.
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| nhan26's Full Review: SSX for PlayStation 2 |
Snowboarding?!? I thought I wouldn't care about this game, but my ex-coworker (who leads a charmed life) bought SSX in late 2000 and there were two discs in the box!!! His life was charmed even further when he sold me one of those discs for $35.
Everything I Know About Snowboarding I Learned From SSX
I knew nothing about snowboarding before SSX, but now know that it appears to be a very painful sport that can easily kill or maim you if you don't execute your moves properly. For that reason, I'll enjoy snowboarding vicariously through the characters onscreen, who catch more air than anyone in real life could. The gravity in SSX seems to be pegged somewhere between that of Earth and the Moon, but that only adds to the fun of the game--it IS a game, after all.
I also started learning the language of snowboarding, from Fakies to Stalefish to FrontSide 360.
What Else Is Good About SSX?
You can play in FreeRide mode, where you don't have to worry about timers or competitors, or duke it out against another human and/or several computer opponents. The more races you win, and the more tricks you perform, the more items you can unlock. What can you unlock? You can get new outfits and boards--and the boards have different properties when you use them in the snow. And, of course, you can unlock extra characters.
The announcer really makes the experience fun as well, and can support you or egg you on, depending on your snowboarding prowess. If you tumble, he might exclaim, "I'd take that OUT of the replay!" or "I didn't know backs could BEND that way!" You want to strangle the guy, but you're laughing too hard to get the chance.
The music and sound effects really immerse you as well, since they change with the pace and progress of your performance. In particular, this area is top notch in SSX.
But Is It Hard To Learn?
No worries, because SSX makes it easy. Find your line with the left analog stick, hold down the X button, and let go just before the crest of a jump. You can also "wind up" your character so s/he'll spin or somersault by holding the left analog stick in a direction of your choice prior to the jump. Once in the air, pressing almost any button (or combination therein) will make your character pull some cool stunts. Just be sure to release all controls prior to hitting the snow, or else you'll cringe as you watch your character wipe out BIG TIME. And even if you do, it's still a blast.
Difficulty
Though fun for most to pick up and goof around in, you have to dedicate yourself to the game if you want to make it on the tougher levels. Take that statement however you wish, because some players don't want much beyond a 5-minute fix, while others will play for hours.
Conclusion
SSX is still a great game, aging very gracefully. If you have a PS2, this is a must-have addition to your library.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nhan26
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Location: Southern California
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 16 members
About Me:
2D/3D Web/graphic designer/animator originally from Tokyo, Japan
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