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RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2007-04-28
Provider: Rbmods.com
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
Wii SSX Blur Review
Disappointed with the melting of the snow on the slopes as summer approaches? Well, it’s always snowing on the virtual slopes. EA Sports, well-known makers of a variety of sports games, has released the latest version of their SSX franchise with the title SSX Blur. We’ll take a look at the version for the Nintendo Wii in today’s video game review.
Official site:
Check out the official website:
Link to the site
The Story:
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
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Like many sports games, SSX Blur doesn’t have a storyline in the traditional sense. Rather, you have the options of following a character through a series of “career” challenges/races in the snowboarding/skiing circuit. Along the way, you earn money, unlock new tracks, and access new characters. There are a total of 12 characters in the game. If you’re impatient like me and just want to shred, you can also play using the “quick play” mode. Here, you have access to the same tracks/races, such as slalom, big air, half-pipe, etc. The game has both single and multiplayer modes, with the option of having split-screen for 2 players or single for up to 4.
The Gameplay:
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Like other Wii titles, SSX Blur has a unique control system that attempts to take full advantage of the Wii’s unique controller. The game uses both the Wii remote and Nunchuk to control the action. The Nunchuk analog stick is manly used for steering, while the remote performs the flips and spins in the game. The game uses almost every button on the Wii’s controllers. I found the steering to be pretty responsive and easy to pick up, and the use of the remote for spins and flips took a little getting used to. However, after a few games, performing regular tricks became second nature.
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Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
While regular tricks are performed easily, it’s the harder tricks, dubbed “ubertricks”, that were significantly harder to perform. Performing ubertricks, which are complicated combos performed in mid-air, are done by pressing down a couple of buttons and then drawing a complex shape using the remotes. I never quite got the hang of performing these tricks, and I usually ended up falling flat on my face. But I’m sure with some more practice these also can be learned.
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The Graphics:
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The graphics in SSX Blur were similar to previous SSX titles; I find them to be adequate yet not too spectacular. The environments have good detail and are colorful, and I like the fireworks special effects. The characters aren’t drawn with too much style but look decent. I didn’t notice any frame-rate issues during my testing of the game, though I’ve seen other reviews mention some from time to time.
The Audio:
SSX Blur, like many skateboarding titles, has a fairly modern, young soundtrack with modern rock sounds. I think the sound track goes well with the gameplay and adds to the experience. The sound of the skis/snowboards carving into the snow is my favorite part of any snow-based game; it really gives you a sense of speed.
Movieclip:
We have decided to add a small ingame movieclip to our reviews from now on and here is the one for SSX Blur
Conclusion:
Overall, I found SSX Blur for the Nintendo Wii to be a very enjoyable title, with fun challenges, a variety of tricks, and decent graphics/sounds. While there is a bit of a learning curve with this title, the game does get more “user-friendly” as you go, and the tricks become second nature after a short time. While the harder, “ubertricks” can be annoying and difficult to perform, the overall depth in the game overcomes that weakness. If you’re looking to have some fun in the virtual snow, this game is for you.
Pros:
+ Fun gameplay using Wii’s unique controls
+ Variety of races/challenges
+ Fun soundtrack
Cons:
- Takes some time to get used to the controls
- Special tricks are hard to perform
- Career mode can be long
Current Real Time Pricing
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Related Articles:
Wii Monster 4x4: World Circuit Game Review (Wii)
Wii Elebits Review (Wii)
Wii Excite Truck Review (Wii)
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