PS2 Underrated Gem: SSX On Tour

Описание: This kind of review is usually teh2Dgamer's territory, but I've got opinions of my own to share, so...


A lot of fans look at this game as the black sheep of the SSX series, whether they've played it or not, and considering this game's lack of that "arcade" look and feel of the previous games, I can totally understand where they're coming from, but I can assure you that On Tour is just as over-the-top as the previous entries (and in my opinion, it seems more true to the SSX formula than the new one coming to next-gen consoles).

The main campaign of the game has you completing challenges and working your way up a list of ranks, from 100 up to numero uno (I've been stuck at 12 for a while now). The events get more challenging as you move up the ranks, but as you win money from challenges (and finding cash on the tracks themselves), you can buy attributes, tricks and gear to improve your moves. Along with that, you create your own character from scratch. you can customize this character from the helmets they wear, down to the footwear. And there's plenty of clothing to buy, so that adds replay value.

During the campaign, you'll occasionally go up against popular characters from the series (Mac, Kaori, Psymon, etc.). Beating them will unlock them for Quick Play mode. The Gamecube version has various Mario characters available to play as.

The control scheme hasn't changed much. If you're familiar with the previous SSX games, you'll feel right at home. The "Monster" tricks (this game's version of the "Uber" tricks) are activated by moving the right analog stick in a direction, then turning it in another direction. While you perform these tricks, time slows down a bit, allowing you to chain them together to get more points/boost.

Another change is the addition of skiing. I have nothing to say about that at the moment, as I rarely ever use skis. It more-or-less plays the same way, though. :P

Graphically, the game looks great. I haven't played the Gamecube version, but the PS2 runs at a smooth 30 fps. The fish-eye lens and motion blur effects give you a sense of speed you never really got in the previous games. Lighting effects look nice, as well--you'll be seeing levels in both day and night. The level design is good overall, but it could use just a bit more color here and there; the mountain has enough variety so it doesn't get old, and you can race the entire mountain from top to bottom in a single freeride if you want (which is what I'm doing here, though I left out the last few minutes).

This game's soundtrack strays from the upbeat techno of the others, and focuses on more rock, metal, and rap (no original John Morgan music here, unfortunately). The rest of the sound design also works well.

I got this game for $15 at a Dollar General, and that was a few years ago; I'm sure you can find it online or at GameStop for way less. Trust me--if you're a SSX fan, I have a feeling you'll like this one just as much as the others. ;)