SSX Tricky

`SSX’ debuted with the Playstation 2 in October 2000 and quickly became the “must-have” title. Now, the game’s developer, EA Big, has released the next in the series, `SSX Tricky’, and it stands to take its place as a must-own title as well.

The best way to think of `Tricky’ is `SSX’, only bigger, better and flashier.

For starters, the graphics have improved, with more spectacular levels, flashier effects and more fluid animation. The game is more detailed and fleshed out overall, making it pure eye candy.

EA Big took the already solid soundtrack and added more variety to it to give the game a better atmosphere. Talented voice actors, including famous talents such as Lucy Liu, Oliver Platt and Macy Gray, help bring the characters to life.

What ultimately made `SSX’ a great title was the solid arcade-snowboarding action. `Tricky’ is no different with much of the same action and more of it. For starters, the trick system has been redesigned to include bigger, better and wilder tricks. There also are a total of 12 characters to play. Two very amazing new tracks have been added and the previous ones have redesigned.

While some additions don’t fit well with the design of the level, the tracks still flow and have plenty of secrets and shortcuts.

To top off a great package, EA Big has included a “DVD extras” section where you can learn more about the voice talents, listen to the music and see making-of and behind-the-scenes footage.

Although you will eventually master the game and run out of a challenge, this is one game even owners of the original will want to check out.

Rating: A

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

The venerable skateboarding series is back, and this time it’s making its debut on PlayStation2. `Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3′ manages to do everything the others have and push the series to the next level.

The game uses the familiar trick setup, but adds new options for even higher scores. To help you master your tricks and combos, eight new levels have been designed. Each level is spectacular and really adds more to the game than imaginable. While many of the same goals of collecting things remain, Neversoft, the game’s producer, has designed the levels to be highly interactive. The game has you impressing bystanders, helping people out or utilizing the environment in unexpected ways.

Also, there are many options to go through with your skaters, including a new store system and a massive create-a-skater mode to help tweak your character. The game has the usual slew of hidden characters and items as well, and the create-a-park mode lets you continually make the perfect place to test all your skills.

When you finally master the game, there are enough multiplayer options to keep you going. This includes online play, so you can compete with other skaters from around the world.

On PS2, the game looks great and has a very smooth and finished look to it. Some levels lack detail, and some effects are seldom seen, but the sound is packed with great music that perfectly fits the game’s mood.

Some players may get bored by the repetition necessary to unlock all the challenges.

Luckily, online play and inventive levels make it more fun.

`THPS3′ is certainly the best in its field. I have enjoyed it far more than other games.

Rating: A+