It's just not what I was hoping for. With multiple bugs and a less than impressive single-player, this game is lacking.
The board movements are far from smooth. Running into a wall could possibly keep you there if you're at the right angle. Forcing you to restart your game, although it doesn't happen often. The AI of the computers riding around you is mediocre at best. Getting stuck behind benches, trees, and constantly running into a grinding rail and falling down can explain itself. Now the actual control of your character isn't too bad. The movements are simple enough, and at high speeds the control seems smooth and easy. Taking air or trying to make a quick turn doesn't make the game seem any less unfinished.
Bugs aside, this game can be actually enjoyable with friends. Playing online is quick and easy and can be rather fun. At least until someone with a bad connection comes into the room, then you're going to be seeing teleporting player models left and right.
I own the game and I've played it maybe twice since Christmas. I wouldn't recommend it to just any player. I would recommend it though to a player who is in DESPERATE need of a realistic snowboarding game. SSX was a great game. But like many others, it was all just racing. I really like the idea of being able to hop of your board and walk around. I just wish that you could actually go inside of the resort.
Well final thoughts time: The graphics were amazing. The mountains looked so real from far away. But the marks you make when moving around on your board didn't look as great. There are a lot of bugs in the game and if you can truly take them and live with them, then buy the game. Otherwise, if you're a picky gamer like me, you're going to find those bugs, want to expose them and be pissed at the good money you wasted on the game until you get over it and just let it sit in your game drawer or wherever you keep your games.
I've always thought this: Video game programmers need to tell themselves this over and over again while working on a game, "Gamers are picky. If we slack off on anything, they WILL find it. They will notice it, and they will mark us for it." If a company hands us an uncompleted game, we're probably going to tear it apart and tell everyone whats wrong with it. Half-assed games won't fly with us, so companies like Ubisoft (and OCCASIONALLY EA) need to step their game up. Literally.