SSX on Tour is the rock ‘n’ roll version of snow sports. With a soundtrack that is an integral part of amping up your play, gamers will ultimately get the feel of how this extreme sport of racing and hot dogging is supposed to come together. Since this rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle is played out on the slopes, it is important to play to the crowd, with outstanding tricks and long hang times. The graphics of the game are better than average, which really helps give the feel of speed as you race down the mountainside. All the peripherals are nicely done, and everything, including lolly-gaggers on the hill, are as crisp as the night mountain air. Along with the graphics and sound, the art in the cut screens is extremely unique and all loud. With a sketchbook feel, it guides you through the many different features of the game. But enough about the feeling the game gives you of high-speed, high-flying adventure; we need to know how the game plays.

The concept of the game is simple: start off as an amateur on the ski hill, and mature into a snow sport extreme god (or goddess, depending on your preference of gender in your profile). Sounds easy enough but, though the game may start off easy, but the difficulty level quickly increases as the gamer moves to different events. The controls are pretty easy for any level gamer to become accustomed to, and the in-game tip screens do a great job of reminding the gamer of the different moves. Thumbsticks control the movement of the boarder down the mountain, while the A, B, X and Y buttons help perform various tricks and jumps as you travel down. Trigger buttons help you punch out and knock down other stranglers and racers down the slope, to help increase your hype points with the crowd. These controls are nice for any level of player to pick up and compete with any skill level. I hate to admit it, but I did have trouble using the thumbpad to help maneuver some of the monster tricks that increase your points.

What is nice about SSX on Tour is that there are many challenge sections that the gamer can play on their way to superstardom. Not only are there the typical races against computer opponents, with qualifying heats and final races, but also short skill events that challenge the gamer along the way. These little challenges at first are helpful in learning the slopes and the obstacles on the course, but later I was bogged down in trying to finish some of them. Though there were many different events, I did have a difficult time moving on, and this was extremely frustrating, especially since I just finished racing and was having a great time of it. It is important that you begin to master the moves and tricks during the downhill races. This is important in picking up your boost points and helping you down the hill to victory. This was my problem in advancing in some of the challenges - I did not master the tricks very well. The game will keep any person entertained for a long time, I just didn’t have the patience for not mastering some of the tricks that most people will.

Looking for a game to enjoy against other players, as well as one that puts you in high speed action outside of a metal car? SSX on Tour does an excellent job of keeping gamers of all levels entertained in all aspects of the game. I enjoyed the speed of the game, and the various challenges on the courses. It is a game that is different enough from most sport action games to add to your collection. Kids of all ages will enjoy playing this with their friends and family, since basic racing on the hill is simple, the feel of the game real, and even a new gamer can pull a monster trick every now and then. The downhill races have a good varied length to them, and each race can be a different experience. Tis’ the season for snow and cold, and if it is too cold get outside, or not cold enough for snow, fire up this game with some hot cocoa and enjoy the experience.