Ever since EA's great SSX series swanned off On Tour back in '05, then maybe experimented with a spliff or two and ended up losing the plot somewhat, we've been bereft of any decent 'boarding sims. After all, 360 launch title Amped 3 might have been genuinely rib-tickling in the humour department, but as a recreation of the adrenaline-pumped, massively baggy-panted sport it left a lot to be desired.
But, after a three year hiatus, there's an avalanche of loveliness coursing down the peaks toward us, and at its head stands snowboarding prodigy Shaun White - out to do for the white stuff what Tony Hawk did for ollies and kickflips all those eons ago.
In truth though, Skate is possibly the more valid comparison. Featuring a Himalaya-full of sweeping mountain ranges to explore, Ubi want to furnish the game with an unparalleled sense of freedom - whether it be leaping across ravines, competing in lightning downhill races or racking up big scores in half-pipe compos.
Snow job Visually, the game looks downright stunning - no surprise really given that it's running on the powerhouse Assassin's Creed engine. The crisp powder of the snow, the soaring vistas, rocky outcrops, insane level of detail on the riders, the sheer primal scale of the mountains - if this doesn't turn out to be one of the prettiest sports title ever made, we'll eat our beanies whole.
Gameplay-wise, we're hoping it hits that sweet spot between the best SSX instalments and the N64's delectable 1080 - that is, an arcadey blast with just enough sim-style depth on its side to keep us hooked. Ubisoft are keen to stress that you will be putting your life on the line at times - especially when roaming the off-piste wilderness - but whether they can live up to such lofty claims (Can you die horribly in a boarding game? CAN YOU?) remains to be seen.
Snow way out But it's Ubisoft's community vision for Shaun White that's making us throb where we shouldn't. Not only will you be able to record great swathes of your on and off-piste exploits using the game's filming tool; just like Skate, you'll also then be able to upload your 'Greatest Hits' (best times, most spectacular wipeouts, biggest airs) on Live for all to see, admire... and possibly mock. Perhaps best of all, Shaun White's multiplayer potential sounds nothing short of - yes - gnarly. Unlike Skate's eight-player open world, Ubi are aiming for a full 16 boarders haring around the mountain at any one time - teaming up to search for new lines, going head-to-head in compos or chilling out together and scoring bitchin' snow tans. Sounds brilliant! (Of course it does, Leather Boy - Tim)
Finally, a snowboarding odyssey to get stoked about - backed by an iconic figurehead, a huge publisher and, most importantly, an engine developed by the gods themselves. Consider us both surprised and intrigued...
The gameplay looks absolutely diabolical in the videos I've seen up to now - maybe they're early, but the animations are awful and the whole thing looks awkward.
Amped had the best controls in any Snowboarding game, imo, and Amped 3 was just awesome with all the extras you could do.
After all, 360 launch title Amped 3 might have been genuinely rib-tickling in the humour department, but as a recreation of the adrenaline-pumped, massively baggy-panted sport it left a lot to be desired.
Are you on crack?! Amped is closer to being a decent recreation of snowboarding than SSX will ever be. SSX, like 1080, is pretty much a racing game with loose handling. I personally don't want Shaun White to be anywhere near those.
From the videos I've seen so far SW's animation looks ropey as a mofo. There seems to be zero compression on landings and you seem to be able to land on an edge and still keep going.
Also... Haven't we gotten past all that stupid 'It's a skate/snow article so let's all talk like southern Californian retards to try and be "down"'?
If this game is like SSX I'll be buying it, if its more like the phenomenally awful Amped 3 then Im gonna leave it alone. I hope they stick to simplistic but deep gameplay, with racing as well as tricks and splitscreen as well as online. Personally Im hoping for a next gen SSX On tour
Having played this game I can confirm that its much worse than the videos would have you believe. The whole thing is clunky and awkward, especially your character. I can't understand why anyone would release a game this mediocre, let alone at a time when the average gamer is overwhelmed with must have games.
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