Xbox Original: SSX Tricky (COMPLETE)
Already available for PS2, and soon to be released on Gamecube, SSX Tricky arrives on Xbox complete with a few enhancements in the visual and audio departments. A sequel to the original SSX, released during the PlayStation 2's infancy, SSX Tricky returns the player to the World Circuit one year later. Since the first outing, the courses have witnessed a few redesigns with more of an emphasis on tricks and stunts. Play takes place across an initial eight courses, involving the usual downhill racing, accompanied by trick-performing and general showing off. Riders, boards, tracks, tricks and outfits are all unlocked through battling, one heat at a time. As mentioned before, the emphasis is on the `Tricky' side of things. Tricks can be learned through practice but must be performed in a race in order to count as part of the character's arsenal. Also, tricks must be completed from a specific trick book before one can progress to the next stage. A respectable amount of consistency must be maintained throughout the course of play, as the tracks get progressively more difficult, thus requiring higher levels of accuracy and speedier reactions. Opponents on the piste can be either friend, enemy or neutral. Friends and neutrals more or less keep out of the way, letting you get on with things. Enemies are more likely to chase you and try and knock you over, especially on big jumps. So skilfully negotiating the tracks is essential as friends and neutrals can be turned against you if you bump into them too many times. The Xbox version of SSX Tricky impresses, visually. Character animation is extremely realistic with the riders' bodies moving and contorting with very life-like mannerisms as they shift their weight around corners and pose mid-air. Draw distance shows off the much-heralded brute power of the machine, giving fantastic views to the bottom of the mountains. This is definitely one of the stronger snowboarding titles to grace Microsoft's new toy of late.
