SSX On Tour

Based on previous console versions of SSX, SSX On Tour is the first SSX title to be made available for the PSP. The game features player customization, all-new tracks, tricks, and a multiplayer (adhoc) mode. The soundtrack features songs by artists like Louis XIV, DJ Z Trip, Iron Maiden and the Perceptionists. SSX On Tour is rated E10+ by the ESRB and sells for $49.99.

First things first, the game really holds true to its heritage. Although the presentation has changed into more of an animated punk rock theme as opposed to simple racing, the feel and speed of the original game are still there. Graphically the game looks good, if not great, and the controls are as tight as possible without a right analog stick. Added to On Tour is regular two-blade skiing, and while the controls while running on two blades somehow don’t feel as sharp as they do while snowboarding, it’s a nice change of pace addition that will be appreciated by many long-time fans of the series.

The game lets you chose from a guy or girl snowboarder as your character at the beginning of the game, and there are plenty more to unlock along the way.The meat of the game is in the single-player On Tour mode, which contains a variety of events including Board Races, Board Slope Style, Board BigAir, Ski Race, and Ski Big Air. There are over 100 different challenges in this mode — more than enough to keep gamers busy for a while. On top of this there is also an ad-hoc multiplayer mode and the game’s excellent soundtrack is available to listen to through EA’s Pocket Traxx feature.

Overall, SSX On Tour is a great addition to the PSP library. It keeps most of the attitude and fun gameplay that has made it’s console brethren so popular, while adding the convenience of portability. Online multiplayer could have taken this game to the next level, but as it is it remains one of the PSP’s best tiles to date.

Review Round-Up

IGN: 8.4
“SSX On Tour is an excellent addition to the PSP library. Skiing is a blast even though it’s not significantly different from boarding, and the rock infused presentation is a perfect fit.”

Modojo: 8.0
“SSX On Tour could’ve looked a little better, and probably would have benefited from some slight gameplay tweaks, but it’s very playable and thoroughly enjoyable.”

Yahoo! Games: 7.0
“All told, this may not be as great a game as its bigger brothers, but it’s still a feather in the PSP’s cap and another great example of just how much this powerful piece of hardware can do.”

Next Level Gaming: 8.5
“This is a really fun game to play, and maybe the lack of needing a right stick makes it easier for us old SSX guys to play with some consistancy.  Tricks are easy to do, and the runs are really well designed.”

Aggregate Rating: 8.2