This is an old snowboarding game for the now legendary Xbox. This game was released when the console was first launched upon the unsuspecting world. So, this game had a lot to live up to, and showed how the xbox faired against other systems. It is created by Microsoft, and shows that they can create fun and enjoyable sports games.

Since this original game in the series was released, there has been a sequel that really didnít reach the high mark. Due to lack of sales for both titles, it is fairly unlikely that Microsoft would create another game in the series. While it doesnít quite reach the high standards set by EA with the SSX series, Amped impressed us with many other techniques. Xbox also has a short gap where snowboarding games are concerned, but does this help?

Gameplay

Like most of the extreme sports games, this one also involves a lot of movement and speed, usually replicated with boards of some kind. Except this is definitely not a skateboarding game, but is about snowboarding downhill and pulling off fantastic stunts.

The main core part of the game is the Career mode, which is quite good as it allows the player to increase in power and learn with the difficulty curve. This can be done by going through races, stunt challenges, and everything else in-between to get enough money to purchase skill improvements. Furthermore, you can get unique sponsorship deals that enhance your popularity and get you on the front cover of magazines.

All of the traditional control methods arise again in this extreme sports game. Unfortunately, the controls are a little unresponsive. For instance, when you press the ëjumpí button, it seems to take an eternity for the boarder to do that required action; by that time, you will have probably smacked into the snow and the result is that you have to start all over again.

There are 1000 tricks to do in the game and 1500 jumps and rails to these with, which is a huge amount for a downhill snowboarding game. Also, there are many ways down each mountain to get to the bottom. The various tricks and stunts are easy to perform, with button bashing the key to implement combos when you grab air and grind the rails.

Graphics

The graphics are all of what we could ask for in an extreme sports game, with you being able to see down the mountain with a great view. Sometimes, there are pop ñups with trees and much more besides as you go along. Referring back to the old frustration theme outlined in the gameplay section, you end up smacking into them as they simply come from nowhere at all.

The characters all look great, but you only get to see their back for most of the entire game. It is extremely easy to see the fantastic coats, pants, hats and goggles that adorn the various characters, and it all looks very ëtrendyí in an extreme sports style. The characters are also animated very well, and look perfectly natural when performing tricks and stunts. Obviously, the characters are based on their real-life counterparts, and match accordingly. The same goes for the real mountains included within the game, and are absolutely great.

Audio

The audio in this game is truly excellent, with 150 indie music tracks. This works out to be around 10 CDs worth of music and is a vast amount of extreme songs to go downhill with. If this amount is not enough for you, it is possible to rip your own tracks to the Xboxís hard disk drive and play them back in game. There are also many other types of music available, including Electronic, EMO, Hip Hop, Rap, Punk, Rock, SKA, Reggae and Surf Rock which should be suitable for any music fanatic.

Lastability

This is an old game that can probably be found in bargain bins up and down the country within discounted stores and in various games retailers in pre-owned form for under a ten pound note. This is a clear and huge bargain in our profound opinion.

To get through the career mode fully, it takes a very long time and continued effort. However, it is totally worth it as it is incredibly rewarding as it allows for more mountains to be unlocked for the single player and multiplayer options.
There is a multiplayer option for up to 4 players, but you have to pass the controller from person to person to play it properly. The modes for the multiplayer option include getting the highest score and media points. King of the hill is where the first playerís run becomes the set challenge for the others to match up to and beat.

Summary

This game has a 3+ age rating given by the ELSPA. As this title is old now, it is a great blast for the cheap price it is available for. The modes within the game are plentiful, and are pleasing to the extreme sports enthusiast.