In terms of graphics, a lot of people have compared this title to the other console versions of this game which I don't think is entirely fair. The PSP is not an X-Box or PS2, so it should be judged on its own merits. This said the visuals look fantastic on this version of SSX, the snow effects are fitting, yes there are occasional clipping issues and sometimes odd vertical lines appear on either side of the character but I doubt you'll even notice unless you are specifically looking for them. The runs are expansive and often it's nice to just cruise around taking in the view. The characters have been modelled well, especially when airborne performing flips, grabs and those ridiculously difficult looking aerobatics. There are some nice motion blur effects too giving the effect of insane speeds.

The other standout graphical element is the user interface. Styled like a note pad with bizarre animated sketches, this really does add a unique edge to this game and helps bind the whole package together. My personal fav is the snowboarding cat!

In terms of graphics, a lot of people have compared this title to the other console versions of this game which I don't think is entirely fair. The PSP is not an X-Box or PS2, so it should be judged on its own merits. This said the visuals look fantastic on this version of SSX, the snow effects are fitting, yes there are occasional clipping issues and sometimes odd vertical lines appear on either side of the character but I doubt you'll even notice unless you are specifically looking for them. The runs are expansive and often it's nice to just cruise around taking in the view. The characters have been modelled well, especially when airborne performing flips, grabs and those ridiculously difficult looking aerobatics. There are some nice motion blur effects too giving the effect of insane speeds.

The other standout graphical element is the user interface. Styled like a note pad with bizarre animated sketches, this really does add a unique edge to this game and helps bind the whole package together. My personal fav is the snowboarding cat!

There is a great line-up of tracks on this game and I really think this significantly enhances the game, making it feel like taking part in a snowboarding/skiing video. Some of the big names include classics such as Iron Maiden, Def Leopard and Motorhead. You can also expect to hear more recent tracks from the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Jurassic 5, classic skater punk like Pennywise and there are even moody instrumentals from Bonobo and Diplo. The list goes on. As you would expect; no option to use your own extensive collection of swoit tracks! :(

There have been some criticisms about the EA pocket tracks widget popping up during gameplay, while I haven't noticed any slow down as a result often it will obscure your view, which is crucial if you are trying to line up a rail slide.

I think the sound effects could have been beefed up a bit to complement the impressive soundtrack.

I would have liked to hear a bit more carving, crunching and grinding effects or perhaps some vocal displeasure from the characters as they head plant into rocks or to their inevitable death at the bottom of a chasm. Occasionally you'll hear a bird call that seems to be louder than most other sound effects which appears out of context. These are only very minor complaints as the impressive score will soon make you forget about this.

I cannot get that "Red Flag" track out of my head! :)

SSX is about unlocking stuff like tracks, clothes, boards, stats, SSX Legend characters; it all depends on whether you get gold, silver or bronze rankings on the different modes available.

In game, SSX primarily revolves around getting to the finish of a run as fast as possible or scoring big points or a combination of both. A power meter will increase with the more tricks you perform, similar to Tony Hawk's special meter. Hit the top and you'll be able to do monster tricks, alternative use the power meter to extract some turbo to get you back in the race.

The analog stick control can be touchy and initially seems too sensitive but you'll soon settle into a rhythm. The controls are easy to get the hang of after a short while and it doesn't take too long to pull out the big SSX monster tricks; just make sure you have enough air to do them!

On Tour introduces skiing to the franchise for the first time which is a nice addition. Even though I personally prefer the snowboarding, this feature should appease the skiers among us and it is nice to see that even though the controls are identical for both skiing and snowboarding there is definitely a different 'feel' to skiing. (Skiing backwards looks nice!)

Occasionally you will find that the camera will get caught up behind the character and you will have no idea which way is up. While true to mimicking a real life snowboarding stack, this can get annoying during the game! Fortunately this only occurs occasionally.

Loading times are not unreasonable; the good point being that once a course has loaded you can keep replaying it without having to reload.

I didn't get the opportunity to try out the multiplayer mode so can only speculate. I'll update this review if I get the chance in the near future, or please comment if you have tried it out.

SSX is a game you can start playing almost immediately, albeit with some big stacks and some difficulty adjusting to the analog control. It has intuitive controls and the concept of the game is easy to understand. It's only when you attempt to win gold medals that you find that it takes a lot of practice to master this game.

SSX is the kind of game you can pick up and put down at a moments notice. Alternatively, if you want a good hour or more session, it will keep you more than occupied for the entire time.

The difficultly level is staggered to avoid frustrating road-blocking levels but will still provide very real challenges ensuring you won't finish the game in a hurry. There is a variety of different modes to try, so that you can always take a break from that one challenge that is busting your chops.

There are a suitable amount of music tracks on the game ensuring you won't get sick of them; at least not for a long while.

If you have played SSX on other consoles you may not get as much out of this title as newbies, although can you take the other versions on a plane, train or automobile?

I'll get to the point. SSX consists of sleek graphics, addictive gameplay, complimented with an excellent soundtrack.

Naughty or nice this x-mas, this is definitely one you want the fat man to shove in your stocking along side GTA:LCS (if it ever comes out in Oz! :().

Although this is the only snowboarding/skiing game on PSP thus far, I think it will be a long time before another title will knock SSX off the summit.

Graphics: 8
Sound: 9
Gameplay: 8
Difficulty: 6
Value: 8

Score: 8.3