Product Review: SSX Tricky

SSX Tricky is a snowboarding game and the second in the sports franchise. The game focuses on the player competing in races using a character of their choice against NPC’s in order to win all races possible. Multiple game modes are available to be played such as the standard race format, and the ‘trick’ game mode which consists of players earning points by performing the best possible stunt. The game can be played either single player or local co-op in split-screen. As the player progresses through the different races that are available they will unlock new items along the way. This is where the main theory of the game comes into play which is Operant conditioning.

Different locations are featured in the game and all these locations contain a specific amount of races. If the player wins these races they will then be given a reward such as experience points. When they reach a certain level they will unlock new characters to play as and even alternative skins for that character. This is positive reinforcement for the player as they know that if they win the race or challenge they will unlock a new item and so will have an incentive to do that with as many races as possible to claim the maximum amount of rewards. The game also contains Negative reinforcement. Challenges are available for the player which gives them the opportunity to unlock a rare item. However because of the status of this item the challenge is made more difficult than what the player is used to facing. For example, the player’s speed will be reduced to 75% making them slower than their opponents. This is negative reinforcement as the player is being given a handicap but works as an incentive as they are driven to accomplish the goal.

Unique solutions is a very large part of this game specifically when in the races. When in the race the player follows a track trying to go through the corners at the perfect angle so that they can easily work their way into first place. However, the player does not need to actually stick to the course and can go off if they make a mistake. This is where unique solutions come into play as players can find tricks to cutting out parts of the track in order to complete a race quicker or easily move into the lead.

The game caters for as many different player types as possible. For the explorers, the players have the ability to roam around different arena’s and explore as they please as well as discover the secrets and different ways to complete the tracks. For the socializers, the players have the ability to not only play in local co-op with there friends but also there is a leaderboard aspect where players scores from time trials can be uploaded to the internet. With things such as forums existing it means different people from around the world can communicate with each other and compete. The Killers is a group which at first wouldn’t be associated with a snowboarding game, however, there is an aspect which does cater to this group. Within a race, the player has the ability to push over the other players meaning that if they wish they can purposely just ‘troll’ and go for them instead of trying to win. The achievers are people that aim to accomplish all the goals of this game and this can simply be done by them by just playing. But to keep the players going even after they have completed the base game there are all different challenges that are available relating to the race themselves and even silly things such as ‘wipe out so many people’

At first, this game seems like it only suits players that are interested in snowboarding or just sports but with the additional elements such as unique characters and skins, it means that it attracts all different players.