Snowboarding games can be found on every console. Cool Boarders, Rippin' Riders, 1080, and Freestyle Boardin', to name just a few. With a quickly flooding market, SSX takes snowboarding to new heights and is sometimes more fun than the real thing.

The game keeps players going far into the night, thanks to the incredible challenge level that's just right, and the multi-player modes that add even more playability. As the game progresess, new courses, riders, and boards open up, all for the player's use.

The riders are all tremendously detailed and the backgrounds contain fireworks, ski lifts, and massive lighting effects. Slowdown does occur around the bigger turns, but this in no way detracts from the game's look or feel. Everything moves extremely fast and the boost option for your boarder pushes it even faster. Definitely one of the best looking games on the PS2.

Controlling your boarder is a snap, but those who have played Tony Hawk will actually find the adjustment a bit difficult. Playing with the L and R buttons lets the player perform multiple tricks with ease. Even the flashiest of moves can pulled off by even the most inexperienced gamer. Pulling off more tricks in one jump pushes the players points sky high and the "boost" meter goes right along with them.

The length of the game tends to be a bit short, but the challenge level more than makes up the shortness. Each level will take more than a few play-throughs before it has been completed. Multi-player also extends the game's life and keeps players coming back for more. Also, those looking for a true-to-life snowboarding experience will more than likely be disappointed.

When it comes time to decide what the best launch game for the PS2 was, gamers will be torn between this and Madden 2001. A tie could alays be agreed upon, but that idea is no fun. It doesn't matter which one you pick, as both games are must-buys, no questions asked. Make sure you buy this one with your console.