SSX: Deadly Descents (Xbox 360)

Tested and reviewed based on the Xbox 360 version.

Review by Ben Nacca

(Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BenNacca )

XBL GT: Darkeyes1991 PSN ID: Darkeyes2k11

Now it can be argued that the current console generation has been lacking in the extreme sports section. Sure, Shaun White gave it a go and Amped 3 started well on the Xbox 360 when it first launched. Then there is the Skate series, with the ever-present fear you might fall and cut your knee but as far as extreme sports go…none of them lived up to the SSX games on the Xbox and PS2 “back in the day.”

Now technically the 5th instalment, since the Wii’s SSX Blur is completely ignored it seems, SSX has been given a reboot by EA Canada with an attempt to bring it to the next generation consoles in style. Not that you need an excuse to snowboard around the world but there is a story to explain why you are there.

The plot revolves around the 9 Deadly Descents which are the most dangerous mountains in the world. Team SSX re moving from one to another in a bid to conquer them all. The problem? A former SSX member, Griff, is planning to do it first and that is simply not acceptable. So off you go to kick ass as the race is on to the mountains.

The worry is that the mountains, which act as areas, will be repetitive and are only a name with different events in them. EA Canada have worked hard to ensure this isn’t the case with each mountain range having its own specific feel and vibe. China, Siberia, Alaska and Africa (yes, I didn’t think there was snow in Africa either…)are just some of the locations on offer and with each having their iconic locations and jumps, SSX remains fresh and exciting. It will take the utmost skill and timing to perfect everything in each of the various slopes.

The last SSX games I played were SSX 3 and Tricky and those were about grabbing points and grabbing lots of them. Same order over here then as you can use the thumbsticks and buttons to pull of some incredible, defying stunts. The controls are slick enough to combo various tricks together to rack up those points and keeping the combo up is where the skill lies. Baring this in mind when you are pulling off tricks one after another will be crucial for getting those big highscores and we are talking over 15 million for those purists. If you feel like you were godly in the original games as I mentioned above, the classic controls are also available if you would like though the new controls work so well, it might be worth adapting to them.

Race events and trick runs can mean you are snowboarding down the same track but approach it entirely different. More air time means less speed in sense so the jumps you would take to get the combos and points will be avoided during the races as you look for the quickest route and the fastest lines possible. There are branching routes with secret tunnels and canyons for those brave enough. The sheer options leave this game very wide open and it is hard to see how it can ever get old.

In addition to the Race Events and trick runs, you have Survive It courses. These are deadly, and surprisingly are part of the Deadly Descent challenges. Each of the 9 mountains feature on of these and you need special equipment to even start it. Some of them are dire and seem hardly exciting but others, like the wingsuit, are pretty damn cool, and useful. So why are they deadly? Well simply put, the course will kill you if you do not hit the powder quick enough and in an adrenaline injected race where avalanches will crash behind you trying to swallow you up, dangerous rock and tree formations check your agility and icy temperatures check your speed. Keep cool yeah?

The EA Need for Speed games recently have came with Autolog, a form of NFS Facebook for gamers to post times, challenges and other content to other gamers. SSX offers a similar package in the form of RiderNet which tracks your progress. It also alerts you what your friends are doing, scores posted and collectables found. If you are feeling competitive or in the need to earn some bragging rights, RiderNet sets challenges based on your friend’s progress.

There is a lack of traditional multiplayer though. You can’t go board to board with anyone anymore however you can compete in Global challenges, either against the world or just your friends as you complete these EA set challenges to set the best score or time you can and compare this with your friends. Other people competing will show up on the course as you compete but it isn’t the same. The closest you can get is with the custom events where you can invite your friends and make your own rules – which is pretty cool. It may be modern and seem bizarre but it lets you go at your own pace and for those who do not like multiplayer, you do not need to worry. Those who do, the option is there and it works rather well as a whole. RiderNet is a lot more worthwhile than Autolog so kudos to EA this time around.

SSX 3 had one of the best soundtracks in my opinion for a sports title which was only ever threatened by FIFA 2003. This new SSX has tracks which are stuffed with drum and bass with a bit of dubstep thrown in to appease everyone. The Quemists and Skrillex form largely the above contribution with rock lovers appeased by Foster the People and The Naked and Famous. SSX auto remixes the songs though and even does it to your own tracks which is pretty sweet.

Visuals 10/10

Various mountain ranges which are each huge and diverse in their own right while remaining individual and detailed is an impressive feat. The style of characters are great and the presentation is just so slick from the menus to the game itself. I have never loved seeing snow so much.

Audio 8/10

A fun soundtrack featuring some big artists and some fantastic beats to cancel out any complaints. The only real let down is that there is very little in the way of voice acting but as mentioned earlier, SSX isn’t really for the story.

Gameplay 10/10

Extreme sports. Extreme Snowboarding. The next gen consoles finally have one worthy and no other game really comes close to SSX. Great controls, superb longevity and plenty of events to suck you into.

Delivery 9/10

RiderNet and the global events ensure you keep hold of this game as they are fun and challenging. The lack of traditional multiplayer holds back the score but that is generally the only complaint. Everything else SSX does is done to a pristine level.

Summary 9.3/10

It feels odd that the Xbox 360 has been out for just over 6 years now, the PS3 for nearly 5 years and it has taken this long to produce a game like this. No other snowboarding game can compare to SSX as it feebly attempts to recreate the adrenaline which is generally just lost. SSX is the product of carefully crafted magic rather than churning out a title every year. Simply put, SSX is impressive and even if you don’t ‘board yourself; it is well worth checking out.

This guide is the property of Ben Nacca and is for the sole use of www.lanraiders.co.uk, www.dailyecho.co.uk and www.ciao.co.uk. No copying to other websites or other mediums without written permission first.