SSX On Tour
If you've played any of the previous three trips down the mountain, then you pretty much know what to expect, though in addition to skis there are a couple more adjustments. For starters the fantasy slopes have been replaced with a realistic mountain (well, realistic as can be). So that means you shouldn't really expect to be going down through a city or gigantic pinball machine. Instead the slopes are loaded with trees and innocent bystanders to punch. Another new addition is basically the overall atmosphere and attitude of the game, since it incorporates a lot of rock paraphernalia and artistry.
Gameplay:
So here we are with the fourth SSX game since the launch of the PS2 console five years ago. Like I mentioned above, not a lot has changed really. This is both good and bad for the series, but I have to admit that I was hoping some more things would have been shaken up with On Tour. I'm not sure what, mind you, but I'd like a fresher take on the franchise that really takes it to the next level. That doesn't mean this game is bad though, it just feels like more of the same at the end of the day.
Of course the mainstay of the series (snowboarding) is still completely intact with as many crazy moves as before. Monster tricks have replaced Uber and are performed slightly different, though they have become much easier to do. All you have to accomplish in order to pull one of these tricks off is to fill up your Boost meter and press the right analog stick while you're in the air. You can adjust the style and duration of these Monster maneuvers, plus buy some more once you've racked up enough dough.
Skis have also been added, and even though at first they may seem to be different, for the most part they feel nearly identical to snowboards once you get used to the concept. Moves are essentially performed the same way and the changes seem to be mostly aesthetic instead of revolutionary for the series. Even so the skis add some new trick animations and do tend to break up seeing the same thing over and over again.
One thing that On Tour tries offering is a larger and more open environment to explore. While you do have to select events from the menu, the stages themselves do prove to be pretty vast indeed. Depending what type of event you select you have to contend with different things though. In many cases those tend to be winter foliage, obstacles and random people that get in your way. Luckily if you find yourself in an event where there are other folk on the track, you can easily punch them to get rid of some frustration and to help your Boost bar a little bit. The mountain itself is very open-ended and easy to get lost in, but the inclusion of these little diversions doesn't help an awful lot either.
So the tricks are a little easier, there have been skis tossed into the mix and the basic structure of the gameplay has changed slightly, but what else is new? Well, sticking with the style of On Tour you can also customize a character from scratch. Everything from facial features and body type to upgrading skills, equipment and hair can be tinkered with as the game progresses. Sure it mostly serves its purpose as a diversion, but it can be pretty fun to make a cracked out looking snowboarder.
Overall, this newest addition to the SSX clan feels a lot like the rest on the family tree. There just really isn't enough new stuff here once you get right down to it, but that doesn't mean that the game is bad. In fact it's just as much fun as the franchise has ever been, but adding some new style and flare doesn't change the heart of a game. Hopefully the next game in the series will try out some more new things and try to be a little different.
Graphics:
Easily the biggest change to SSX: On Tour involves some new artistic direction. You remember all of those drawings that Napoleon Dynamite did? Well, apparently someone at EA really liked that because every aspect of this game is dripping with pothead inspired imagery. From unicorns playing electric guitars to angry looking beavers, this game looks like an "extreme" artist took the reigns and was trying really, really hard to be cool. I have to admit that at first I thought it was interesting, but after a while it got pretty irritating.
The game's graphics themselves are still just as good as ever with some impressive environments, animation and design. This latest installment easily has the best sense of speed out of the franchise with a strong blurring technique and wild air time. There are often too many distractions for the game's own good unfortunately, and several nifty graphical additions really draw attention away from the gameplay.
Audio:
I have to admit that when I first heard Def Leppard start playing in the background, I knew the overall attitude of SSX had changed. There are a ton of heavy rock tunes as well as classic hair band songs that seep into every nook and cranny of this game. I think I can honestly say that I got into just about every song on the soundtrack, which is pretty good. Voice acting is generally a mixed bag, but the rest of the game sounds so great you probably won't hear what's being said most of the time anyway.
Conclusion:
With big air, a new style and a rocking soundtrack, On Tour managed to get me playing SSX yet again. I wish that there was some newer substance rather than style, but even so the additions included in this game are worth a look for serious fans. Skis are probably here to stay, but I honestly have to say that I wouldn't be too heart broken if the sketchpad doodles went away. The lack of online play hurts things a bit and the GameCube version is the only one that got some special characters (namely Mario, Luigi and Peach). I'm going to recommend the game, but am keeping my fingers crossed that EA will bring some more innovation to the series.