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Hands-on: NFL Tour demo
You don't have to play the newly released NFL Tour demo for more than a few minutes before you realize that something is wrong ... very, very wrong. From the game's incredibly woeful character models and jerky animations to the most annoying commentator in the world, EA's NFL Tour feels like it should have been an added feature buried deep inside the bowels of the next edition of Madden than to be unleashed upon an unsuspecting gaming audience. The game tries to combine several aspects from NFL Street and the career mode we've come to expect in Madden. However, judging from the demo, it looks as if it fails on both fronts.
EA producer responds to SSX Blur's icy reception [update 1]
SSX Blur didn't exactly receive unanimous approval. Many thought that the Wii controller was going to be a perfect fit for the trick-heavy snowboard series, and while some continued to think that after playing it, other reviewers were nonplussed. EA Montreal's Eric Chartrand, who recently revealed Nintendo's Mii stinginess, responded to the cumulative critical "meh" his last game received, saying "The reaction to the game was very... how can I say that... interesting." He goes on to talk about wildly varying feelings about the effectiveness of the control scheme. He also suggested that the gaming press were disproportionately negative about the controls, and that the public enjoyed the game more than reviews would indicate. What did you think about Blur? Did you find it "serviceable and enjoyable at times" or do you agree with Chartrand that it was a "damn fine game"? [Update: fixed a broken link.]
SSX Blur: Analyzing the controls
With the Wii's focus on controls, how does a franchise like SSX handle the transition? Snowboarding -- and Wii-only SSX Blur -- lacks a direct relation to the Wii's motion sensitivity, but the game still translates to hand movements. The steering mechanic, which relies on Nunchuk twists, fits well; it even seems like it had always been a part of SSX. The tricks, however, are mixed; simple remote flicks feel like a gimmick, while drawing shapes for Ubertricks only works some of the time. Overall, the controls work well enough to keep me playing, but I sometimes stop in frustration after consecutive, unrecognized moves. As far as graphics, sound, and other review standards, those all hold up in Blur, but aren't my focus in this analysis. (Look up scored reviews for other opinions.) Instead, I'll further explain how Blur translates a thumbstick-and-button game into a tilt-and-flail experience. %Gallery-2374%
Metareview - SSX Blur
Should there be reason for concern with another hodgepodge of reviews? IGN gives SSX Blur a thumbs-up, but warns it's for "hardcore" gamers only; 1UP disses, claiming SSX vets will be turned off. So which is it? Why have we been sifting through so many mixed reviews for Wii games? It's sorta like DS's first year, no? Everyone -- publishers, developers, and gamers -- are trying to figure out how it works; and what works. So then, aren't we a little concerned? Fearful that Wii is just a gimmick. The gems will come, but might we also be faced with a lotta "meh." SSX has been a reliable franchise, but Blur has so far scored the lowest average of any of the series' console iterations -- it's hard not to see a message in that.
EA hosts SSX party at Ice Hotel
To celebrate the release of SSX Blur, EA held an event at Quebec's Ice Hotel, which is a hotel made of ice. A hotel, where people sleep, where the walls are made of ice. Journalists got a chance to play the new game and see new demos of Army of Two and a mysterious new property that is, unfortunately, under embargo. Junkie XL, who is responsible for Blur's soundtrack, provided a performance, presumably using non-ice-based instruments. The crowd was also treated to drinks at the ice bar (a bar made of ice), and, of course, warm chicken soup, which no doubt helped everyone keep warm. Ice, as you may have heard, is cold, and the event took place in a building made entirely of ice.We don't know whether to be jealous of the people who were invited to this unusual locale, or happy that we spent the day in an environment habitable by humans. Luckily Blur is out in stores and we can enjoy it in our nice, temperate homes.[Via QJ.net]
Metareview: SSX: Blur [update 1]
Update: Finally, the reviews are rolling in. We've updated the post with plenty of more scores. With SSX: Blur being available at retailers today, the reviews are rolling in kind of late. As of right now, only two online outlets have reviewed the game, giving it very decent scores. Looks like many of you who were hoping for a game from a third-party with the same attention to detail that many of Nintendo's first-party titles receive may just be getting their wish. Many of the popular online outlets have yet to review the game, so keep in mind we'll be updating the post when their reviews go live. Without further delay, let's check out what some of the critics had to say: Game Informer (85/100) says the controls aren't as precise as they would've liked them to be: "The one real problem I have with this game is that the ubertrick system doesn't work nearly as well as it should. The new controls do add something new to the series, but almost the entire time I pined for something more traditional." GameTrailers (84/100) finds the experience to be authentic: "It replicates the feeling of sliding down a mountain side with eerie precision and manages to make other control schemes feel dated. There's certainly plenty of opportunity for improvement with the sequel, but with a ton of content and even more fun, it's hard to go wrong with SSX Blur." GameDaily (80/100) says that eventhough the game lacks online play, it's still quite fun: "No online play hurts, and the two-player split screen mode offers limited enjoyment, but overall, EA successfully "blurs" the line between realism and fantasy, creating a great video game for all ages." 1UP (55/100) finds the game prevents you from really getting into the flow: "No matter how badly you want to get into the game, to find the flow...the game doesn't let you. And that's too bad, because it really does look great, the multiplayer mode is basic yet competent, and there are flashes of true SSX brilliance." GamePro (50/100) says it takes too long to figure out the game's controls: "Dedicated (read: sadistic) gamers willing to invest the time necessary to figure out the controls might get a kick out of this one, but the convoluted controls will turn off most players. The lesson here is clear: Wii developers need to start with a blank slate rather than graft old-school control schemes onto the Wii Remote because, as SSX Blur demonstrates, it just doesn't work."
SSX: Blur brings on the crystal clear screens
With the game's release a mere few days away (2/27 in case you didn't know), those of you dying to get out on the digital mountain and get some huge air are probably sitting at your computer, Googling away furious for some more news on the title, or perhaps some reviews. You've also probably got your snow boots on. It's OK, we understand (we rarely leave the house without our Wiimote in our pocket), and we humbly offer you some screens of the game. As usual, we've embedded some of our favorites past the post break for your viewing convenience.
SSX Blur cast biographies
IGN has put up some cast biographies for EA's upcoming Wii installment in the SSX franchise in SSX: Blur. Instead of drumming interest in the game, it instead reads like a list of riders up for the possibility of being endorsed by Mountain Dew. Still though, the game should be fun as all previous installments in the series have been, so we're looking forward to its release come later this month. We've embedded the information into the post past the break in the hopes of saving you from IGN's advertisements slow-loading pages.
Joystiq hands-on: SSX Blur (Wii)
The Wii Remote should be great for certain sports titles: tennis, golf, baseball, and other swinging games. But I've been skeptical about how the console will handle lower-body games, like soccer and snowboarding. Some recent play-time with Wii-only SSX Blur made me look forward to at least snowboarding; the controls felt more fluid than a gamepad. In my limited time with Blur, all of the movements -- even heart drawing and flicking up to jump -- added to the experience.
Draw hearts in SSX: Blur
A previous video on SSX: Blur might've shown us how one performs tricks, grabs and spins, but we had no idea we had to be drawing shapes as well. Turns out, in order to utilize the game's Uber Tricks, the player must use the Wiimote and nunchuk to draw complex shapes, including the pictured heart, as well as the letter S. These are the only documented Uber Tricks so far, however we're sure they're not the only ones to be included in the final game. [Via Joystiq]
SSX Blur will force you to draw hearts
Harmony. That's Wiimote and Nunchuk moving in tandem. Drawing hearts. Newsweek's N'Gai Croal has posted a visual guide of SSX Blur's Wii commands. Pictured above, an 'Uber Trick' is executed by drawing a heart-shape with the two controls. Not every action is as creative or involved, nor should all be, but the Wiiness certainly looks to put a spin on a series that could use some shaking up. Peep the photo album.
Switching, clicking, and tricking in SSX Blur
EA has released a new video featuring their upcoming Wii-exclusive SSX Blur, but this gameplay video isn't all about showing off the shinyz. Rather, the focus is on the franchise's new dedication to the Wii control scheme, and offers a nice (if not in depth) look at how some of the high-flying, snow-spraying acrobatics will be performed. Even better news -- in motion, the game seems to look better than it did in stills. See for yourself after the jump.
Screenshot explosion: SSX Blur
More dozens than a baker could ever count of images for SSX Blur have hit the intertron and we here at Wii Fanboy really think they could look better. Granted, we have not yet seen the game in motion, so final judgements are nowhere near close to being made on our part (we roll honest here, folks). What we thinks doesn't matter though, it's all about you guys! So, do the new screenshots get you excited or instill a sense of apathy on par with our own? We've included several more of them past the jump for your viewing pleasure.
NBA Street heads to PS3, Xbox 360
Just days after pulling the plug on the NBA Street V3 servers, EA has announced that the streetball-inspired franchise will be crossing over onto next-gen platforms in spring 2007. The next edition of NBA Street has been confirmed for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 -- but not Wii.The game will still focus on over-the-top, 3-on-3 b-ball, but now includes a new twist, described by EA as, "a hyper-real world that merges legendary courts with the hometown courts of your favorite NBA stars into one seamless city of streetball moments. Earn a name for yourself and garner respect as you progress along your hometown journey and become a legend."Peep the teaser trailer after the break.
SSX to feature Mario, Luigi, and Peach
Mario has been going athletic and nothing can stop him. I don't know, maybe it is a midlife crisis, but lately Mario has moved from playing board game parties to trying every single sport in existence. His latest move is snowboarding, with a little help from NBA Street publishers Electronic Arts. In the upcoming SSX On Tour, to be released sometime this November, the GameCube version of the title will feature Mario, Luigi, and Peach as playable characters going down the slopes. Update: GameSpot has screenshots of Mario in action. You can peruse those here. And just to keep track of all the lame and adorable comments company spokespeople say, here's one from Reggie Fils-Aime: "Mario has traveled in snow before, but never this fast. Let's hope his mustache doesn't freeze."
First SSX 4 clip is full of major air
Worthplaying has a few clips running of upcoming games. The list includes a number of official E3 trailers, so the quality is a bit higher than usual, overall. Of note is the first glimpse of the next SSX title, SSX 4. The clip shows off a skiier (not a boarder) and the graphics are really fine. I'm a fan. Color me excited. The full list of clips includes: Gothic III Indigo Prophecy Kingdom Hearts II Metal Combat Rollercoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked SSX 4 TimeShift Tycoon City: New York Tycoons, time warps and war. That about sums it up, doesn't it?
SSX 4 announced - including DS version
EA BIG has confirmed SSX 4 is in the works for your favorite console. No surprise. But wait, there's more... drum roll please... EA BIG has also announced SSX 4 will be heading to the DS! Oops, did the title give that away? Anyway, move over Snowboard Kids, there's a new king of the mountain. Some highlights of the latest installment include: - Burnout-like speed-blur effects - An option to ski - Create-A-Character mode - Game takes place on one mountain (again) [via Cubed3]
SSX Out of Bounds gives Ngage users some love
Being a huge fan of the SSX series of snowboarding games, it came as a surprise that the only SSX title of this season is on the Ngage. Isn't this the console so many people out there are decrying as, well, "insufficient." I've been using an Ngage QD for about a week now. I can certainly tell you this...it's a better gaming device than it is a phone. If I ever find the keypad lock or wallpaper switcher, I'll let you know. But the games have been surprisingly fun to play. I've enjoyed Tony Hawk and Pocket Kingdom all over NYC. In fact, the bearclaw-looking thing is starting to grow on me. When I consider my game purchase plans for the next few months, there are 3 Ngage titles on the list. SSX Out of Bounds, Elder Scrolls and (if I can ever get my hands on it) Ghost Recon. GR has been sold out everywhere near me. Could it be that the Ngage has more life in it than we think? I didn't want to link to a press release, so I opted for a Gamespot preview.
