Simple, but fun
The game is pretty simple and straightforward. You pick a character, then you join challenge runs that will ask you to perform things that will enable you to win passes that will later allow you to enter races. The only thing that is somewhat new here is that you cannot accomplish every single challenge in a single go since the slope branches out into different sections. The game allows you to pick the direction that you want to go through depending on the challenge/s that you want to accomplish. Gather enough passes and you'll be able to join all the races. Winning will cause you to open up locked maps, items, and characters ... you know the drill right?
If you have played any Tony Hawk games before, this game should be pretty familiar. There are rails and ramps along with the usual amount of obstacles that you can perform tricks or slam on to (ala SBK animation when you hit a tree). Movements are controlled via the touchscreen but they made it so simple that you will get the hang of it only after a few minutes of gameplay. Performing tough/combo tricks rewards you with a small speed boost, while the rest simply gives you the usual additional points. The game doesn't force you to follow a single line on the slope, they tend to branch out into multiple areas and exploring rewards you with additional board decals etc. There are also add-ons that you can attach to your board that will help you get a speed boost, perform tricks better, and have better balance. And speaking of speed boost, I think the only time that you'll really get a good sense of speed is when you acquire one. Other that that, the game feels somewhat on the slow side. Giving the snowboarders a little bit more speed could have made the game a bit more exciting.
Graphically the game looks pretty smooth but the characters are cartoonish. They tend to stick out but not bad enough to make it look like they don't belong in the game (ex: Zombie BBQ). Drawing distance is nice, and you will probably never experience problems like unable to take a turn or ride a ramp because the game displayed 'em a bit too late (like with some racing games).
The sound effects department is okay but the game's soundtrack is excellent. It can somehow affect how you'll play the game because the music kinda gets you going and gives the same effect as ... say ... Need for Speed (specifically Most Wanted).
All-in-all, this game is pretty good. The developers obviously didn't want to experiment and offer anything new with the game. And I think to some extent they have succeeded. Hopefully, the next version of this game will feature additional modes to satisfy SBK or Mario Kart fans who want to use power-ups and throw stuff on their opponents. A little bit of violence like trying to push your opponent off his board might be a good addition. They need not force that into the game, but an option for those who wants those kind of things is a good idea so they can attract more people to purchase their game.
.:My reviews are only as good as everyone else's. Take every single one of them with a grain of salt:.