The latest in EA Sports BIG line of SSX (Super Snow Cross) games, SSX on Tour was a pleasure to play. Breaking out from the setup of the previous SSX games, SSX on Tour focuses on a custom character created at the beginning of the game and follows that character as they progress through the tournament on the mountain, concluding after they’ve defeated all comers (including the elusive Yeti). The easier to master controls, focused location, and removal of medal system in favor of a cash based reward system, are all changes for the series as well, for the better in my opinion.The graphics of SSX on Tour are simply serviceable. There are no eye popping effects or breath taking locals, but everything is rendered well and easily recognizable. The bright colors of the Gamecube version complement this well, giving the mountain courses a well lit and welcoming look. As the game progresses it’s likely you’ll become a little tired of seeing snow and trees (the most common feature throughout the many connected courses) but the monotony is broken up by the various tournament structures, buildings, rails, and random skiers/hazards. The character creation mode is full featured and fun, especially once some of the more outlandish costume elements have been unlocked (panda suit!). The Napoleon Dynamite-esque interface is interesting without quite being over the top, and the little touches do a lot to give it character.
The graphics soon become an afterthought once the game gets going, as the game play in SSX on Tour is totally absorbing. Mastering the controls is a quick and intuitive process, but deep enough that you’ll still be figuring out ways to chain in one more trick or eek out just a bit more speed even late in the game. Like most games of its kind, SSX on Tour starts out laughably easy and slowly builds up in difficulty. The one speed bump in that progression is the leap from expert to pro level, at which point the game becomes ‘kick you in the jim-jims’ hard almost immediately. Equipment and stat upgrades, as well as a little practice, evens things out soon enough though. The trick system is the core and star of the game, and a true joy to use. Chaining monster tricks on a big jump or chaining long grinds is a real visceral pleasure, made that much better as you hear the jeers of your competitors as you surpass them.
While the game play is the biggest draw, I often found it eclipsed by the simply fantastic soundtrack. The sound and voice work throughout the game are decent and never game breaking, but the breadth and quality of the music made playing on Tour a pleasure every time. Spanning everything from classic metal tracks from Iron Maiden to trance tunes from Bonobo, every track is interesting, engaging, and a joy to play. I haven’t heard this much quality music on the radio in years.
I really enjoyed playing through SSX on Tour, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in an extreme sport title. Long time fans of the series may be put off by the changes in focus and execution, but I found the game easy to get into, challenging to master, and fun throughout. I’m looking forward to the next in the SSX line, and would encourage anyone interested in the line to pick up this title. Once you start playing I think you’ll find you won’t put it down until you’ve finished it.
I am an IT manager and sometimes artist who has been playing games since his first ATARI. I generally enjoy playing RPG and Strategy games, and lately have been playing quite a few MMORPGs. I generally enjoy games which are both fun and visually pleasing, and I tend to play games until there is nothing left to do in them.
