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SSX On Tour for PSP takes the best of the most recent console version and SSX 3. SSX On Tour is able to make the SSX series the best it has been after a strong start as the defining title of the PlayStation 2 launch. The game retains the drastically changed art direction that SSX On Tour introduced for consoles, but again it works very well.
The game’s main single-player mode is the Tour mode. Unlike the console versions, there isn’t a huge resort to pick tracks from but the game still progresses very naturally. You’ll participate in the typical SSX events – race, trick and big air (aerial moves are encouraged in this mode) – against characters from previous SSX games and some new faces. The focus of SSX On Tour is your character though.
One of the console version’s biggest gameplay changes was the addition of skis. This feature is available in the PSP version. You can even make your custom player a skier instead of a snowboarder. The skiers have plenty of new moves not available to snowboarders, thereby increasing an already extensive list of moves for players to master. “Ubertricks” called monster tricks in the console versions are available in the PSP version though they aren’t nearly as easy to pull off.
The game features local wireless multiplayer for the PSP. Like the console versions, SSX On Tour does not support internet play. All three game modes are available in the regular game, including the ability to use skis. The game doesn’t seem to lag in multiplayer which is always a plus.
The series’ visuals have always been top-notch and On Tour for PSP is no different. The game’s characters are wonderfully modeled and animated, though not as impressive as they were on consoles. SSX On Tour for consoles featured a massive mountain littered with people. SSX on Tour for PSP doesn’t have this but retains the much defined, tightly designed courses. They are packed with shortcuts, secret areas, and alternate roads. While the tracks were littered with other snowboarders and skiers on the consoles, they are much emptier on the PSP. The sense of speed in SSX On Tour is simply amazing. The handheld version has a very stable framerate that helps maintain the sense of speed. Unfortunately, some clipping and camera issues mar the game.
Of course, we couldn’t discuss the visuals without acknowledging SSX On Tour’s new visual style. The game mimics the deliberately crude hand-drawn art that could very easily have come from a boarder day dreaming in class. This new style perpetrates the entire game and works very well.
The game’s sound is fitting for the new theme. You’ll find some heavy-metal tracks from Motorhead and Iron Maiden, coupled with new indie rock, punk, and hip-hop. The vast scope makes sure that no one is left behind thanks to EA Pocket Trax. They all fit the game’s new art direction. The sound effects are very effective.
SSX On Tour provided just enough new stuff to please fans of the series. The PSP version of the game very accurately keeps up with the console versions of the game. While some sacrifices were made to make the game work on PSP, overall the developers did an admirable job. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Oct 23, 2005
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