SSX Tricky
Some derided the 'Tricky' tag as a not-so-subtle way of getting out of making a 'proper' sequel - but when the second SSX did everything so much better than the first, how can you possibly complain? Courses were beefed up and jammed with even more shortcuts, to the point where entire levels can be done out-of-bounds. Characters were voiced by stellar-at-the-time talent like David Arquette, Macy Gray and Oliver Platt. Shortcuts were simpler, thanks to the addition of idiot-proof glass signs to point the way - but then made more difficult again by being labyrinthine. Two new courses were added at either end of the difficulty spectrum - the soft-as-cushions Garibaldi and the hard-edged, ice-studded, breathtakingly unforgiving Alaska. Finally, the 'Tricky' suffix referred to tricks swiped from disciplines as diverse as breakdancing, rollerblading and MX riding - beautifully stupid, impossible tricks that still somehow don't break the game's sense of reality. SSX might have repopularised the 'do tricks to go faster' dynamic, but Tricky took it to its beautiful, inevitable conclusion. And Run DMC did the theme tune. Astonishing.
Best character: Eddie might be a bit genero on the skill settings, but his ginger afro and menu-screen bodypopping still make us smile.
Best course: Merqury City gains about three miles of grind, and jumping over the motorway becomes slightly easier, making it accessible to non-hardcore lunatics.
Best character: Eddie might be a bit genero on the skill settings, but his ginger afro and menu-screen bodypopping still make us smile.
Best course: Merqury City gains about three miles of grind, and jumping over the motorway becomes slightly easier, making it accessible to non-hardcore lunatics.
