ic-games Review - SSX On Tour - Reviews, Previews and Interviews for PC, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and Wii

ic-games Review - SSX On Tour - Reviews, Previews and Interviews for PC, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and Wii ic-games Review - Home - Review, Preview and Interview for PC, Xbox,Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and Wii

SSX On Tour

Information
Reviewer: James Collins
Developer: E.A Big
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Reviewed: PS2/Xbox
Genre: Sports (low realism)
UK Release: 21st Oct 2005
Article Date: 30th Oct 2005
Difficulty: Medium
Retail Price: £39.99
Price Comparison:
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Score Breakdown

Experience:
Game Play:
Graphics:
Sound:
Overall Score: 89%

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Pros

Top Notch Presentation

Great Graphics

Audio Delight

Addictive

Cons

Not For Everyone

Screenshots

34 of 46

Many people were asking where the SSX series could possibly go from here, and even though SSX on Tour will be instantly recognisable by the many fans of the series, the developers have managed to incorporate so many neat new touches and refinements to the game it still feels like a brand new experience, an improved one at that.

Right from the start things have been improved noticeably. For starters the production value of the menu system is perhaps the greatest yet seen from an EA game and for a publisher that prides itself on glitz that is certainly no mean feat. Put simply the presentation is nothing short of amazing, from the opening sequences which feature animated doodles of a rock concert to the dynamic menu’s and options that open up gems like the detailed stats, generously large jukebox and other extras.

The in-game visuals are certainly not that shabby either. Pushing the PS2 to its absolute limits the game certainly contains its own fair share of new graphical trickeries. Both day and night races look spectacular and feature anything from wooded areas to roads with vehicles that must be avoided. All this whilst keeping the frame rate adequate during all of the races. Special mention must also be given to the 'boost' that displays a nice blurring effect which only goes further to completing that ever present illusion of speed. For all these visual improvements, one of the new refinements we noticed which surprises us the most was the actual pace of the game with SSX on Tour definitely being blessed with a more refined and noticeably nippier engine from last year

As we have mentioned already, SSX on Tour contains an abundance of cosmetic changes right from the offset, but one alteration that really grabbed our attention was the introduction of skiers to the mix. Now not only do you have the choice of haring down the mountain at suicidal speeds on a snowboard but you now have the option of using old school' skis instead. It is worth noting that the actual control method remains the same and there is no evident advantage over one mode of transport to the next but the choice was still a welcome one, and it did make an interesting deviation from the usual SSX experience.

Another new feature that might go down well with the control freaks is the ability to customise your character. Even though the editor is basic you can still alter the usual eye colour, hair style and height of your character until you finally name your creation and take them on their first event to start earning reputation. It’s certainly a welcome break from the generic characters that were usually selectable in previous encounters.

The ‘Uber’ moves have gone only to be been replaced by ‘Monster’ moves but with a more refined control scheme this time. Once you have filled up your boost bar by performing the standard tricks you’ll unlock the ability to perform these special moves, which of course net the most points. In previous versions these tricks were performed by confusing button combinations but now they are activated by the right analogue stick. Further Monster moves can be purchased after accumulating the correct amount of cash and for the ultimate control, tied to specific analogue sequences of your choosing. Once again production value is kept sky high with some amazing slow down effects coupled with exemplary use of sound effects when you perform these monster moves.

EA are becoming synonymous for their use of licensed tracks (or EA Trax’s as they are known in game) and SSX on Tour is certainly no different. Rock giants Iron Maiden get things started with the excellent “Run to the Hills” and after that the pace remains relentless throughout. Tucked away in the options is the jukebox which allows you to de-select any irksome tracks but for once we rarely found ourselves reaching for the mute button, certainly a testament to the selection process. The tracks are split into genres so there will certainly be something for everyone as their character hurtles down the slopes.

SSX on Tour now plays out on an open course which brings new possibilities to the table score wise. Unlike previous encounters where the mountain was closed to the public, SSX on Tour now introduces civilian skiers into the mix. Taking a bow to the likes of GTA it’s even possible to score extra points for mowing down the novices, performing near misses and generally causing as much havoc as possible. Actual collisions will cost you dearly however and will certainly do you no favours with the snow patrol.

The actual tour is the single player experience that makes for the main crux of the latest version. The whole idea of the tour is to rank 1st out of all the rival skiers on the mountain by accumilating reputation. The more reputation you earn the higher up the ranks you will climb. The tour is played out on a single map of the mountain with events becoming available depending on your skill level. As you would expect you start the tour as a ‘nobody’ and must climb the ranks from amateur to professional by winning races and increasing that all important rep. Ultimately there are around 135 challenges and 49 medals to be won on the gigantic hill spanning across multiple difficulty modes so it should take a while to see everything. As each challenge is completed more events are unlocked giving the illusion of an almost free-form competition although ultimately you will want to unlock everything.

Many people thought we were insane to prefer the on snow antics of Amped 2 in place of EA’s exaggerated SSX series but finally we have succumbed to the magic the franchise actually had to offer all along. It might not bring earth shattering extras to the table but this time SSX on Tour has managed to fix everything we hated about the series in the first place and has ultimately matured enough to be an essential purchase this time around.

DETAILED GAME INFORMATION

Version Reviewed: PS2 Promo, Xbox Retail
Other Versions: No
Muliplayer: Yes (profiles)
Price: £39.99

SSX Trailer - DOWNLOAD HERE

PEGI Rating

UK Release date - 22nd October 2005

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