Overview
Snowboarding as impossible spectacle. SSX launched with PlayStation 2, showcasing the hardware through massive mountains, impossible tricks, and characters with actual personality. The boost system—build meter through tricks, spend it on speed—created risk-reward decisions mid-race. EA Sports Big found its flagship.
Fast facts
- Developer: EA Canada.
- Year: 2000.
- Platform: PS2 launch title.
- Label: EA Sports Big.
Boost system
| Mechanic |
Function |
| Trick performance |
Builds meter |
| Boost activation |
Spend for speed |
| Risk/reward |
Style vs safety |
| Super Uber tricks |
Maximum style |
Character roster
| Rider |
Personality |
| Mac |
Showman |
| Kaori |
Japanese racer |
| Elise |
Competitive |
| Psymon |
Unhinged |
Track design
| Course |
Feature |
| Snowdream |
Introductory |
| Elysium Alps |
Technical |
| Tokyo Megaplex |
Urban fantasy |
| Untracked |
Backcountry |
Series progression
| Title |
Year |
Innovation |
| SSX |
2000 |
Foundation |
| SSX Tricky |
2001 |
Uber tricks, Run-DMC |
| SSX 3 |
2003 |
Open mountain |
| SSX (2012) |
Reboot |
Deadly descents |
EA Sports Big
| Identity |
Approach |
| Arcade focus |
Fun over simulation |
| Style emphasis |
Presentation matters |
| Extreme sports |
Niche dedication |
| Personality |
Character-driven |
See also