SSX Tricky GameCube

Already available for PS2, and XBox, SSX Tricky finally arrives on the Nintendo Gamecube. A sequel to the original SSX, released during the PlayStation 2's infancy, SSX Tricky returns the player to the World Circuit one year later. Since the first outing, the courses have witnessed a few redesigns with more of an emphasis on tricks and stunts. Play takes place across eight courses initially, involving the usual downhill racing, accompanied by trick-performing and general showing off. Riders, boards, tracks, tricks and outfits are all unlocked through battling, one heat at a time. As mentioned before, the emphasis is on the 'Tricky' side of things. Tricks can be learned through practice but must be performed in a race in order to count as part of the characters' arsenal. Also, tricks must be completed from a specific trick book before one can progress to the next stage. A respectable amount of consistency must be maintained throughout the course of play, as the tracks get progressively more difficult, thus requiring higher levels of accuracy and speedier reactions. Opponents on the piste can be either friend, enemy or neutral. Friends and neutrals more or less keep out of the way, letting you get on with things. Enemies are more likely to chase you and try and knock you over, especially on big jumps. So skilfully negotiating the tracks is essential as friends and neutrals can be turned against you if you bump into them too many times. For those of you unable to wait for Nintendo's own Gamecube update of 1080 Snowboarding, SSX Tricky is definitely one of the strongest titles in the genre.