Even though it recycles a lot of tracks from SSX3 its still a great game with sublime graphics and great SSX gameplay.
So here we are with SSX On Tour on the Sony PSP. Although this isn't the first time an SSX game has made an appearence on the handheld. Both SSX Tricky and SSX 3 were on the GBA but in comparison to their console counterparts didn't really turn out that well.
Which is why its good to know that this latest installment is probably the best handheld snowboarding game ever. The trademark SSX gameplay is still there but also the visuals look absolutely amazing and come very close to matching the PS2's graphical ability. All this backed up by a solid soundtrack and wireless multiplayer make it all the more reason for a purchase.
So the trademark gameplay from the series is here?
Its all here. EA has managed to pack in full sized tracks into that small little UMD disc. You can grind on surfaces, pull off monster tricks and use your boost to to help win races against your rivals or to beat your current track times just like in the previous games. You have a boost bar which can constantly be replinished as long as you keep pulling of tricks to help keep it up and eventually 'On Tour' tricks which can be pulled off both look great and help rack up extra points to allow you to progress further on the leaderboard. So you have the familiar SSX gameplay rules here.
Unfortunately this all comes at the expense of load times which can tend to get on your nerves a bit but the load screens are actually quite fun to watch.
You will get hints and tips before you start playing on the tracks and the game has a really cool sketch drawn style which makes for a diverse presentation throughout the game thats second to none. The game itself has a great pick up and play feel to it too. You can jump straight into a race if you like or play the 'On Tour' mode to acquire new boards, clothing, skies and more to equip and customise your very own character with.
Customising your character does sound great but in the actual game its very limited. Compared to the console versions were you can do some extensive character creation, your only able to pick either a boy or a girl, snowboard or skis and limited clothing to choose. Everything that you customise your character with will change their stats so depending on which type of race or challenge your up against its not always a good idea to have the same equipment all the time.
Even though the game has made a very premature appearence on the PSP it would have been nice to see some online multiplayer too. Ad-hoc can generally be quite fun but taking on your opponents across the country at any time always tends to be a lot better. However considering how much gameplay there is to be had in the single play alone you really won't be disappointed. One major downside however is that SSX fans will be upset at the inclusion of almost every track ported from SSX 3. There are no news tracks whatsoever so do be prepared for some nostalgia. Newcomers however will be playing tracks that they have never seen before.
Visuals then?
As this game came out very early after the UK launch of the PSP I was amazed by how good the graphics were. The menus and presentation were good but as soon as you hit a level you can't help but be impressed by the smooth, flaky snow as your paving paths though it and the motion blur that kicks in when your going at fast speeds. The daytime levels look a bit more impressive than the evening/nightime ones though. The character modles look excellent too as well as the animation when your pulling off a trick or surfing through the snow. The frame rate still holds up almost perfectly too. Its a shame that more PSP games can't look as good as this.
Closing comments...
As a PSP owner you would be doing yourself a favour by purchasing this. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning. The likes of Iron Maiden, We Are Scientists, Bloc Party, Diplo, Queens of The Stone Age and many more make up the roster. There is a diverse range of hip hop, rock, heavy metal, indie and rap music which can appeal to pretty much anyone playing the game. The game's character speech has been cut off from the console counterparts so you won't be hearing any cheesy dialect whilst pulling off a trick which is actually a good thing considering how annoying it was to hear.
The gameplay is top notch and highly addictive, it looks fantastic and you would do well to check this out if you have not already purchased this.
Thank you for reading.