Game Review: SSX Blur
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know kids will be standing up and waving
their arms around -- read: exercise! -- while playing this fun
snowboarding/skiing game. This game for the Nintendo Wii is a
blast for players 6 years of age and older.
Families can talk about how this game is the first in the SSX series that uses your body to control your movement, speed, and tricks -- so it's a lot closer to the real deal than its predecessors. Do you like playing video games this way? Which boarder/skier is your favorite? Is it more fun for you to try tricks or to be fast?
Common Sense Media Review
Snowboarding enthusiasts and armchair shredders alike have
likely spent days racing down mountains and performing sick
tricks with EA Big's
SSX franchise, beginning with the original PlayStation 2
game in 2000. But despite some new courses, moves, and
characters (including the addition of skiers), not much has
changed over the years. That is, until now.
SSX Blur for the Nintendo Wii is the latest in the best-selling franchise, and the first that changes how the game is played, thanks to the Wii's wireless and motion-sensing remotes to control the action; one of your hands guides your daredevil down the mountain with the Nunchuck controller while the other hand on the Wii remote lets you create a seemingly unlimited number of aerial maneuvers by twisting and turning it in multiple directions. Think of it as painting shapes on a 3-D canvas and the effects are seen immediately onscreen, be it flips, spins, fancy hand-plants, and other tricks to add to your rising "groove" meter. Max out your meter for faster speeds and bigger air.
While the colorful graphics aren't revolutionary -- as with other Wii titles -- controlling the boarders or skiers feels intuitive and rewarding, plus the rocking soundtrack brings a lot to the party. In fact, the music is dynamic, meaning the tunes will intensify the better you perform.
In total, Wii Blur features a dozen tracks spread out over three unique peaks. If you don't want to partake in the various tournaments and other challenges, simply carve yourself a path from top to bottom to practice your moves.
SSX characters from past games are back again -- including Mac, Psymon, and Kaori -- along with two new faces. Add unlockable content and multiple game modes, including a deep career mode and a multiplayer option (on the same TV), and you've got yourself another downhill classic.
For similar games, pick up older SSX games (if you still have the systems that run them) or Amped 3 for the Xbox 360. For younger children, check out Backyard Skateboarding .
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
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