SSX: DVD Preview

It's no secret that EA's SSX was, in the minds of gamers, the PS2's premier launch game. Fully realizing this, and hoping to milk the brand for all it's worth, EA Canada is cooking up SSX: DVD--a fully remixed, DVD-enhanced version of the popular snowboarding game.

Few things about SSX: DVD have been confirmed at this point. The company has hinted, though, that the game will see some of the previous version's tracks significantly altered. The game will be not so much of a grand redesign as a natural evolution, and EA Canada wants to depict the passage of time in its tracks by opening up new areas and shortcuts and subtly changing the landscape. This is undoubtedly in response to complaints about the original SSX's often steep learning curve, and it will give EA Canada a chance to flex its creative muscles, while enacting the will of its fans.

Within the actual races, a host of scripted elements are said to be in the works. Apparently gamers have taken well to SSX's cast of edgy characters. Looking to build on this, EA Canada will deepen some of the character-to-character interactions in SSX: DVD. While specifics have not been released, the publisher has hinted that there will be more interaction during the actual races, leading to genuine long-term rivalries that will have an effect on the overall story. EA has hinted at redesigned character models, celebrity voice work, and character-specific cutscenes. New in-game music is also a strong possibility.

Judging by the lack of concrete information available, it's easy to see that SSX: DVD is still very much a concept-in-development. We've no doubt, though, that the final product will give fans of the series more of what they want: big air, fast action, and hip, edgy characters, in that order. Because the game is largely being developed around the feedback of fans, it's clear the company is aiming to please. Expect to see more on SSX: DVD in the coming weeks. The game is sure to be a strong presence at E3, so EA will want to build up steam in the meantime. The game's release date is by no means set in stone, but a fall 2001 release seems highly likely.