Don’t get me wrong, I really liked the majority of what SSX had to offer. It’s still very much the fast pace arcade snowboarding game we have come to love since 2000. But EA decided to bring some new ideas to the table, and these ideas feel more like a punishment for wanting a new SSX title more than anything. The biggest addition comes in the form of the “deadly descent” events, which put you through some of the most brutal, insanely difficult situations you could imagine. Sure, dodging trees isn’t too tough, but keeping your rider in daylight to prevent him or her from freezing to death isn’t really my idea of a fun time. Neither is racing through darkness or snow-blind conditions. For some reason, EA thought this would be fun. It isn’t.
With the whole issue of the “deadly descent” races aside, SSX still remains thoroughly enjoyable. The controls are easy to get into, and while using the second analog stick to pull off tricks take a moment of getting used to; it’s a concept that works much better and much more smoothly than using just the face buttons. The controls are tight and responsive, and the overall design of the game still reminds us that EA still reigns supreme when it comes to snowboarding games (and the choices this generation was barely there and stuck on the Xbox 360).
I really like how EA handles the online gameplay here, as well. Instead of putting gamers head to head in a typical matched game, SSX takes a bit of a cue on how Facebook games work. You participate in events and try to come up with the best time or score after the set period of time expires. Everybody has a chance to participate, and no one has to be around at the same time to do so. You can come back after the event ends and claim your credits, if you have any. Oh, and EA did take the online pass route for this game, basically not allowing you to bank the credits you win online if you win. You don’t necessarily need online play to gain more credits, but it’s a bit of a cheap way to cripple online play if you don’t hand over $10 or a code (and this option really isn’t worth $10).
The game looks great, but sort of lacks the look of previous SSX games. Past SSX games were overblown, colorful and garish, very much like a Sega or Midway arcade game. But this new SSX leans closer to a more realistic look. Everything runs smoothly, and the trick animations are still exaggerated, but the overall feel seems dialed down from the previous console generation. EA pulls off a neat trick if you opt to use your own music, as it incorporates it into the game much better than almost any other game I’ve seen. SSX will lightly remix your provided music depending on the situation. For instance, if you’re spinning on a rail, the music will repeat (which is funny for some songs on my hard drive), or it may echo or cut out if you’re in the air. It’s a neat idea, and I’m surprised no other developer implemented this concept before.
SSX for the most part is an enjoyable return to form, but the deadly descent events could ruin the experience for those who lack the patience of completing the event. I swore at this game so much, and at times I just wanted to smash the controller in anger from having to repeat an event over and over. And boy was I pissed to find out that there was no trophy or achievement for completing the final race, which was a really f-ed up feat to accomplish. Seriously, all of that for nothing. But, what can you do? SSX is still worth a try, whether you’re masochistic or not. It’s fun 90% of the time. Really.
RATING: B+
SSX may push gamers away with it's sometimes punishing difficulty, but outside it's rough exterior remains the same great snowboarding game we've come to know. Hopefully the whole "deadly descent" concept dies in the next installment.
PlayStation 3 version reviewed, also available on Xbox 360.
Game developed and published by Electronic Arts.
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