I love snowboarding. I live in Minnesota, so how could I not? In turn, I had very high expectations for this game. I was hoping for great powder effects, carving, and (most of all) huge tricks. I not only had high expectations from being a snowboarder myself but also because SSX is a great series with great games, and few plunders. Does SSX Blur totally disappoint me, or is it the downfall of the SSX series? You will find out in this full review of SSX Blur.


Story
In SSX Blur there is no real story. At least in past SSX games there were little cut scenes to tell you about the rivalries that you have with each different character. In Blur, you simply go to races and such to climb up the champion ladder. So the point is to become the best on the mountain. It'ss good but, the lack of cut scenes bugs me just a little. Otherwise it was just fine.

Graphics
In SSX Blur, I felt that there was more of a styleized and artistic look to it. The lighting also made the powder, background and everything in between awesome! The powder effects were GREAT, especially for the Wii's graphics abilities. There may be a few ugly textures behind a rock or tree but for the most part its really, really, really great!

Gameplay
The games controls are not at all easy and it took me a while to get used too. Basic movement, speed, carving and jumping is controlled by the Nunchuck, while the Wii-mote is used to do tricks when in the air. The remote is also used for throwing snowballs at people during a race. As the player races down the slopes they can complete tricks to earn points and to build up an always depleting boost meter. When the boost meter is full the player is then able to execute special "ubertricks" which require the player to draw a shape. You will know some ubertricks at the beginning but you get more as you go through the career. Ubertricks are hard and do take alot of practice. They can be down right annoying at times but the thing is that the ubertricks take skill and add depth to really get down and perfect. So all in all, ubertricks will most definitely frustrate the non-core gamer but will most likely give a challenge to core gamer.
A great addition that Blur lacked was the option between a snowbaord or skis. I really liked the variation of skis and snowboards in past games. There were also some different types of gameplay in the game. Race, trick attack, and slalom. A race is a race. Trick attack is were you try to get more points then your opponents. And slalom is where you most weave in and out between red and blue flags. The only one of the 3 that I most complain about is slalom. Slalom feels really slow and is very frustrating! More towards the bottom of the hill, it get a little better but not by much. I can live with this though. It really is the only big noticeable flaw. Multiplayer in this game was mostly uneventful and was enjoyable for the people playing. But the thing that makes this a not good multiplayer game is that it is not a pick up and play game. So if you feel like getting some Blur action on with your BF/GF, plan on them getting really frustrated! Other then the slowness and frustration of slalom, the gameplay, and controls seems to be a core gamer type of game. With skill needed and depth like this in wii game, nintendo should attract more of the hardcore crowd.

Music
Like in all SSX games, the music plays a big role. When you have alot in your uber meter then the music reflects that. If you're going fast the music reflects that as well. Other than that I found the alternative pop/rock style very appealing. I wish that there were more games with music like this!

Story---7/10---No cut scenes that explain rivals hurts this score
Graphics---9/10---Great lighting and powder effects!
Gameplay---8.5/10---Casual gamers will find frustrating!!
Music---9/10---Great music that reflects the mood of the game
Overall---8.8/10---Great game with frustration guaranteed! But, don't loose heart fanboys! Ubertricks come with practice witch makes this such a great game! You almost have to practice to win races or trick attacks!
Get this game---Depth and skill make this better for the hard core! Casual gamers who don't feel like putting in effort will most likely get very frustrated fast!

This post was last modified: 03-09-2007 11:45 AM by Kindrik.

I was gonna show this in the Portal but there's like 5 spelling and grammar mistakes per sentense. :S
If you wind fixing that stuff up, let me know.

.... so much spelling and grammar mistakes. I cleaned it up a bit but work on it for next time. :/

What? There is an option between snowboard and skis, if you did any of the challenges at all, and I prefer snowboard, anyway. Don't have to mess with turning around or any crap like that. They might be better than snowboarding in slalom events, though...

Someone didn't complete the game before writing their review....?

Ya, there is the option in the game between snowboard or skis....And i did perfer the snowboard, but the skis were still a nice addition....

I think the graphics in this game are great but you're totally right about the controls. This is not a game that you'll get the hang of in five or ten minutes. Hell, I failed the first couple of attempts at the training where all you have to do is snowboard and stop at a certain area three times...

That actually made me a little glad! I was glad that nintendo is trying to get more games for the hard core people! I did catch onto the controlls after a day or two.....

It's not made by Nintendo...It's made by EA. So EA brought us a Hard-Core game.

Well, its nintendos consle...But EA did make it so, great job EA!

I agree with both of you. This is a game for the hardcore gamer. This is not a pick up and play game for the casual gamer. If you love this series and have played this series then you'll love this as well. Some people may be put off by the difficulty level but it's a welcome to me since lately games have become too easy.

I WANT IT SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD NOW GREAT REVIEW

Yes! Something for the hardcore gamers! I want this game sooooo bad. Great review Luben!

I got it yesterday. F-U-N. Can't say much more since I'll be reviewing it.

Once again. Great Review Mr.Luben.

Thanks alex!