SSX is a snowboarding game, well actually its boardercross. Its in development by EA Canada and will support two players. The fact that boardercross is not quite like snowboarding will no doubt make this game more exciting to play than any other snowboarding games. The reason is because in boardercross, up to six competitors race against each other at the same time while avoiding running into one another and by performing spectacular tricks on courses full of ramps. The sport is similar to motocross and is as competitive as say....F1 racing.

Here are some highlights of the new features in SSX. First of all, a lot of the game allows open snowboarding. This means you can cruise wherever you want on the course not just down a narrow passage way with sheer vertical rock cliff on either side. The other cool thing about the courses is that they are much larger than any other seen in a boarding game. Players will also be able to play a special "Hidden Snowflake" mode in which you explore the course looking to pick up some snowflakes. Jee doesnt that sound like fun! Well, it doesnt sound very rewarding but at least its something to do.

Here are the game modes which you can play; World Circuit, Free Ride, Adventure, Show Off, Single Event, Knockdown, Circuit License and Snowdream. Im not sure what all of these game modes include but they range from speed races, stunt contests, freestyle to free-roaming. The game clearly has a wide variety of gameplay modes and many innovative track designs that will keep players on the edge of their seat. In some races, the tracks branch off into multiple paths. Which ever one you choose is all up to you. It could be a nifty shortcut or a treacherous ride along the edge of a cliff but this is all part of the exploration of the levels, to discover which route is the best. There are many tracks to choose from as well from different locations all over the world. One of them is actually on a giant iceberg that melts as you race on it.

Although I havent been able to come upon many screenshots of this game, the ones I saw looked very promising. The tracks display vivid, sharp colors that are very nice to look at and the boarder dudes themselves look almost like real people. The snow effects didnt look so hot though. Specifically the part where the board cuts into the snow, it just looks too blurry and smooth to look like real snow.

The game however, has a rockin soundtrack featuring tunes from Mix Master Mike and Rahzel plus other artists as well. Some of them are even exclusive to the game! But probably the coolest part of the sound in this game is that it is interactive in a way. It changes depending on the action on the screen. One example of this is when your boarder catches some air from off a ramp the music goes almost completely silent as you hear the wind rush by. Then just as your boarder lands, the music comes back on with a heavy base note. It really molds the music into the gameplay in a unique way.

Unfortunately there wont be any real world characters in the game but you can pick from eight or more cool fictional ones. The best part is that each of them will comprise of up to 5000 polygons! Of course this doesnt guarantee that they will look ultra realistic but judging from the screens so far Id say those polys are being put to good use. SSX is due for a North American release in Fall 2000, possibly as a launch title. If your looking for an original game experience, this may be one to look out for.