When the Playstation 2 launched last year, SSX was one of the marquee titles on the system. It was the first title for Electronic Arts' new division called EA Sports BIG, which was set up to deliver over the top sporting experiences. SSX was born out of the desire to take Snowboarding to the next level and do things that defied human possibilities. The results were breathtaking to say the least. It was no surprise when EA Sports announced that a sequel was in the works. Early indications pointed to a retooled version of the original that would appear on more than one console. Therefore, when the final product showed up in our laps last month, we weren't too sure what to make of it. Now after spending a number of weeks playing through its extensive trick chapter books and modes of play, I have come to the conclusion that SSX Tricky is not an exact sequel in that sense but a super upgrade of the original with enough new features to warrant a recommendation.

If you thought the visuals in SSX were sweet then you are in for another treat as the developers have tightened the graphics engine for Tricky. Most of the original courses return with major modifications in addition to two completely new courses. Each course has been meticulously designed with a number of shortcuts and a slew of obstacles that double as possible trick combinations. Everything is presented in bright colour tones and edges. The snow textures have also been tightened and show more detail than last year. Even the character design looks great as riders hair and clothes move freely with the various weather conditions. Their animations are equally impressive, especially when you see the new uber tricks in fluid motion. Speaking of weather, the designers have utilized some of the more advanced graphical features of the PS2 in order to add in nice fogging effects and further fireworks effects thanks to particle systems. The icing on the cake is that all of these visual treats roll along at mostly the industry standard of 60 frames per second refresh rate. There are a few instances of slowdown when there are many riders bumping into one another but the gist of the game hums along nicely. The developers even added a couple of more camera options this year to give players more flexibility in how they want to view the insane action. The presentation is rounded off by an incredible soundtrack and zany character voices. Run DMC's Tricky sets the pace for a very lively soundtrack put together by superstar DJ Mixmaster Mike. Joining Mixmaster Mike's own unique tracks are remixes from Aphrodite, Hybrid, BT and Plump DJs. Each track has been carefully chosen to provide excitement and awe in each of the mind-blowing worlds. The wacky characters are now voiced by some big Hollywood and music types like Macy Gray, Lucy Liu, Billy Zane and David Arquette. While their presence makes the characters more lively, you would be pushed to really recognize who is who when trying to figure out the voices. Regardless, all of the character voices react to what is transpiring during and after the race. If you knock over an opponent, they will hurl insults your way and become an enemy in successive races and events.

The gameplay mechanics are a tightened version of last year's excellent controls. Now add in more tricks and the new uber tricks which take airborne stunts to the next level. In order to pull these tricks off, players must fill their boost gauge all the way to the top. As you pull off primary tricks, you gain turbo like momentum to push you further to do more tricks and eventually having enough boost to start performing the uber tricks. While the uber tricks are rewarding once accomplished, in many cases you will find yourself wiping out trying to master them. This frustration may turn off some gamers but for the dedicated it is a long yet satisfying road to become a trick master. The tricks this year have been broken down into trick books, which you need to work your way through if you want to unlock every feature in the game. With the tracks being overhauled, things are a lot more balanced. For example, the Elysium Alps is now more approachable than last year's glass wall infested areas. All of the tracks have be designed to allow you maximum air to perform the multitude of available tricks.

SSX Tricky screams replay value as you have the opportunity to control 12 unique personalities through 10 beautiful courses. This year's Pipedream course is just unbelievable. There are so may things to get involved on that course alone to warrant a purchase. The game modes include: World Circuit, Showoff, Time Challenge and the ever addictive Free Ride. Of course most of your time will be spent in the World Circuit where you take individual characters through each of the levels while trying to complete all of the chapters in their trick book. As you work through the tricks additional courses, outfits, boards and other riders will be unlocked. There is great satisfaction in working through the entire game with one character that with ten, you will be playing Tricky for months to come. Add to this what should be standard with video games is an extensive behind the scenes DVD feature that profiles how Tricky was made. This a very cool feature as it allows you into the minds and studios that bring us some of our beloved products. I enjoyed learning how the celebrity voice talent was really taken back by the technology and how the final product effected their previous assumptions about interactive entertainment.

If you owned SSX then you may want to rent Tricky first. Otherwise, those new to the genre owe yourselves to pick up a copy of the game to keep you enthralled for months. For those looking for a more sim approach, perhaps Shawn Palmer or ESPN would be for you. Otherwise SSX Tricky is the snowboarding game to own this year on the Playstation 2.