03-08-2007, 11:39 PM
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!
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!
