Until a few days ago, I saw SSX Blur as being a fairly neat game...although...after reading what IGN AU wrote, this game's being in my mind as No. 1 Priority buy.
The Article that got me hyped about how insanly fun it's going to be:
SSX Blur AU Top 5The reasons it's going to rock.Australia, February 8, 2007 - SSX Blur has been getting some really positive press over the last few months, and it's not hard to see why. The game picks up where previous titles left off, with a compelling mix of racing and tricks, huge environments, great music and stylised graphics, only this time the level of immersion is just that much higher, thanks to the new control system. Here are our Top 5 reasons why SSX Blur is going to rock.1.) Flip it and Reverse it
EA Montreal has really worked hard to bring an intuitive control experience to SSX Blur, and has succeeded admirably. The motion sensitive controls aren't shoehorned in - they're an integral part of the game, bringing a tactile element that really raises the level of immersion.
Forget using an analogue stick to steer (although it does come into play if you need to do a really sharp turn). In SSX Blur you simply tilt the Nunchuk from side to side to get your powder carve on, then flick it up to catch air. Once you're in the air, different grabs are executed by holding the Z trigger and tilting it in a direction. Of course, why do a simple grab when you could be spinning and flipping at the same time? This is where the Wiimote comes in. Move the Wiimote left or right to spin, or flick it down or up for front and back flips. Hell, do all of the above if you've got enough air!
As in previous SSX games, sticking the landing is pretty easy too. The A and B buttons come in handy here, letting you finish your tricks as well as re-orientating your character into a landing position. Choke on the landing, mind you, and you'll have to shake both controllers to get back up again. It's the Wii equivalent of a brisk slap to the face.
SSX Blur really uses two control systems - one for air time, and one for the ground. Other ground controls you'll want to know about are Z button to boost, B to throw snowballs at other racers, and C for hopping into a tail press or to pivot when on skis.
The coolest thing about the new controls is that it's not just the big tricks that feel great to pull off, it's the small stuff too. Carving using the Nunchuk is its own reward, while flicking both the Nunchuk and Wiimote up to pull off a cheeky backflip on the flat is fantastic too. Of course, the big tricks are important as well, which leads us to our next point…
2.) Uber's in the Heart
Nailing big snowboarding tricks is all about rhythm, and this is something that EA Montreal has tried to bring to SSX Blur. Forget pressing buttons to execute Uber tricks, for Blur you actually have to "draw" specific shapes on screen using one or both controllers to unleash the biggest tricks in the game. There are stacks of these, ranging from a simple M or heart shape through to double loops and the like. Each Uber trick needs to be unlocked by collecting icons scattered about the game's runs. Get 20 pickups and you'll unlock a new Uber trick. There are 12 in all, and while the movements themselves are still somewhat abstract, they work well to bring a level of precision and rhythm to the game's most death defying moves.
3.) Get Your Groove on
Music has always been a big part of the SSX experience, and Blur takes it to a new level. As your build your Groove Meter (a.k.a. your boost bar) by landing tricks, the intensity of the tune you're listening to also increases. There are four levels to the Meter and as you move up through them, new elements come in to build the soundtrack, while musical notes start streaming out around your character; all to reflect how much butt you're kicking. Wipe out and the tune goes with it, before kicking back in at a slightly more minimal level.
4.) Stay the Course
SSX Blur has twelve tracks across three peaks. Many of these are remixed versions of old tracks, while some are entirely new. Veterans can experience some of their favourite old courses with a fresh coat of paint and completely different controls, while there'll still be plenty of new powder to carve up. One thing's for sure, this game is no slouch in the visuals department. Sure, it's not necessarily "next-gen", but SSX has always been about forbidden>Truely, I am pumped for this Nintendo Wii exclusive. EA Big might have made a wonderful first Snowboarding/Skiing game. Sw33t.
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