The Final Word game review

SSX -- EA Sports Big

R.I.P.
This game really is the must own title for the PS2. If you ever played Tony Hawk, and enjoyed it for even a second, then you have got to buy this game because it is about a billion times better. ...I'm not just talking graphics and sound, but overall gameplay, and game structure. This is probably the game I have played the most so far on the system, and unlike Tony Hawk, I've actually felt compelled to solve the game through with multiple characters.

Everything about the game shows a lot of thought and time was put into making this game right. Playcontrol is just right, and with a bit of practice you'll find yourself pulling off some pretty nice moves. Play it long enough to build up a character, and you can do some pretty amazing stunts.

Graphics are fantastic, and definitely set the bar for other games to compete against. Lots of large open, bright spaces. Lot's of detail on the characters and environments. A very nice frame rate with hardly any noticeable slow-down. The audio is impressive as well. Not only are the sound effects really well done, but the music is extremely well produced. I really appreciated how the game subtly altered not only the volume of the music, but the layers of instruments/vocals in the songs depending on exactly what was going on in the game. It also helped that the game had really great music as well.

All in all, this is probably one of the key "must have" games a gamers PS2 collection. It really showcases the system, and it's completely fun to play.

Wow, EA... nice job. I didn't know you guys had it in you to do something original these days.

(04/2001)