Sled Storm
The highly anticipated sled racing sequel is making its way to the PS2. Take an early look at what could be the next SSX.
Published: March 2, 2002
Sled Storm has come a long way since its original PS one release in 1999. This time around they've promised to deliver enhanced graphics, superior sound, and last but not least everlasting gameplay. Under the infamous Electronic Arts BIG label, you know Sled Storm is sure to gain the popularity and success of SSX, if not more.
The game's basis could be described as ATV: Off Road Fury, just with snow and a lot more attitude. Players can choose from a roster of six unique characters to play as, each of which has their own style of riding and sled. When starting out, there are a total of seven courses to ride in. The object of each environment being to get the most amount of points. Players receive points for coming in first place, landing insane tricks or combos, and destroying the course's obstacles, or as the game likes to call them, "smashables." So what good are the points? Borrowing some features from games such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, the ending score is converted into cash, which in turn are used to upgrade a player's stats and sled, which is where the 41 different sleds come into play. Oh, and don't worry if first place wasn't achieved in all the maps, because the end goal is to have the highest score.
From the early looks of the game, the course environments are very diversified. They are incredibly massive which hopefully will make up for the fact that only seven levels are available in the game. But don't be disappointed, as the tracks have many distractions, shortcuts, alternate routes, and "smashables" that range from markers and signs to full-blown houses. Each challenge takes place in different locals around the world such as Argentina, France and Sweden.
In just about all of EA BIG's games there is some sort of special power boost, and Sled Storm is no exception. Dubbed the "STORM" meter, its gauge is filled up the same way as points are earned. When the "STORM" boost is deployed, the sled gets supercharged in both speed and power. All of this in addition to invulnerability which allows a player to crash through houses (just in case you were wondering). Also, visual blur from the flames trailing the sled look amazing.
Sled Storm also includes the basic head-to-head mode. Although the two-player split screen is nothing fancy, it makes it very clear that this game will get your heart pumping with excitement! What makes this game so electrifying is the intense reality of the surroundings, not to mention the incredible speeds that these sleds travel at, as they're modeled after real racing snowmobiles. The sleds differ in many ways, but two designs set them apart. First-off are the four track sleds -- or to the sled aficionado, "Quad" sled - which means that it has four tracks running through the snow. Quad sleds are known for being stable and having well balanced traction, but on the flip side has lackluster speed and acceleration. On the other hand, "Mono-track" sleds have, you guessed it, one track, and boasts great speeds but has weaker traction. Then of course there's the boring "normal" sled, but who wants that, right?
With all this exciting gameplay, we can't forget to mention the music, because I mean, that's all a game is. Well not really, but the game's soundtrack features popular recording artists such as Project Wyze, Overseer and Sulphur. Now all you hardcore wrestling fans, get ready for this one... that's right the legendary WWF announcer Mean Gene gives commentary throughout the game along with Scooby Doo's very own Shaggy (aka Mathew Lillard) doing the color commentary.
All in all, this game looks to be a best buy. This considering the astounding 30 trick inventory and the welcome addition of DTS 5.1 surround sound. Titles like The Bouncer used Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (only during the cinemas mind you), but Sled Storm happens to be one of the lucky PS2 games to have both it's soundtrack and sound effects encoded in DTS, which is a step up from the latter. Although the user still needs a receiver capable of encoding DTS, it is still a nice feature for those that have the hardware. The screens really don't do this game justice, but take a look and form your own opinion. Sled Storm is set to be released on March 13, 2002, so make sure to keep checking back with us for the latest news regarding the release, and a review once it arrives on the market.
The game's basis could be described as ATV: Off Road Fury, just with snow and a lot more attitude. Players can choose from a roster of six unique characters to play as, each of which has their own style of riding and sled. When starting out, there are a total of seven courses to ride in. The object of each environment being to get the most amount of points. Players receive points for coming in first place, landing insane tricks or combos, and destroying the course's obstacles, or as the game likes to call them, "smashables." So what good are the points? Borrowing some features from games such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, the ending score is converted into cash, which in turn are used to upgrade a player's stats and sled, which is where the 41 different sleds come into play. Oh, and don't worry if first place wasn't achieved in all the maps, because the end goal is to have the highest score.
From the early looks of the game, the course environments are very diversified. They are incredibly massive which hopefully will make up for the fact that only seven levels are available in the game. But don't be disappointed, as the tracks have many distractions, shortcuts, alternate routes, and "smashables" that range from markers and signs to full-blown houses. Each challenge takes place in different locals around the world such as Argentina, France and Sweden.
In just about all of EA BIG's games there is some sort of special power boost, and Sled Storm is no exception. Dubbed the "STORM" meter, its gauge is filled up the same way as points are earned. When the "STORM" boost is deployed, the sled gets supercharged in both speed and power. All of this in addition to invulnerability which allows a player to crash through houses (just in case you were wondering). Also, visual blur from the flames trailing the sled look amazing.
Sled Storm also includes the basic head-to-head mode. Although the two-player split screen is nothing fancy, it makes it very clear that this game will get your heart pumping with excitement! What makes this game so electrifying is the intense reality of the surroundings, not to mention the incredible speeds that these sleds travel at, as they're modeled after real racing snowmobiles. The sleds differ in many ways, but two designs set them apart. First-off are the four track sleds -- or to the sled aficionado, "Quad" sled - which means that it has four tracks running through the snow. Quad sleds are known for being stable and having well balanced traction, but on the flip side has lackluster speed and acceleration. On the other hand, "Mono-track" sleds have, you guessed it, one track, and boasts great speeds but has weaker traction. Then of course there's the boring "normal" sled, but who wants that, right?
With all this exciting gameplay, we can't forget to mention the music, because I mean, that's all a game is. Well not really, but the game's soundtrack features popular recording artists such as Project Wyze, Overseer and Sulphur. Now all you hardcore wrestling fans, get ready for this one... that's right the legendary WWF announcer Mean Gene gives commentary throughout the game along with Scooby Doo's very own Shaggy (aka Mathew Lillard) doing the color commentary.
All in all, this game looks to be a best buy. This considering the astounding 30 trick inventory and the welcome addition of DTS 5.1 surround sound. Titles like The Bouncer used Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (only during the cinemas mind you), but Sled Storm happens to be one of the lucky PS2 games to have both it's soundtrack and sound effects encoded in DTS, which is a step up from the latter. Although the user still needs a receiver capable of encoding DTS, it is still a nice feature for those that have the hardware. The screens really don't do this game justice, but take a look and form your own opinion. Sled Storm is set to be released on March 13, 2002, so make sure to keep checking back with us for the latest news regarding the release, and a review once it arrives on the market.
