It’s Been 24 Years, and I’m Still Obsessed With This Wild Sports Game

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Some games just stick with you, and I still find myself constantly thinking about this snowboarding game released 24 years ago. SSX Tricky, the third game in the EA Sports BIG series, was a huge hit, proving that over-the-top, arcade-style sports games could thrive even as more realistic games became popular.

Similar to how the Tony Hawk series defined skateboarding games, SSX Tricky became a standout snowboarding title. But it wasn’t just the snowboarding itself that made it special. The game’s bright characters, huge levels, and fantastic music created a memorable experience, particularly for gamers who first played it on the GameCube or Xbox. Even after nearly 25 years, people still enjoy SSX Tricky, and it’s easy to see why.

SSX Tricky Was The Ultimate Extreme Sports Game

The snowboarding game SSX first came out in 2000 as part of EA Sports BIG, but it was the second game, SSX Tricky, that really became popular with players. SSX was one of the first games available for the PlayStation 2, which helped introduce the series to a wide audience. Following its success, EA Sports BIG planned two more games for 2001. NBA Street, released earlier that year, was a fun and engaging update to classic games like NBA Jam. And SSX Tricky took everything that made the first game good and improved it significantly.

The game started as an idea to simply expand upon the original SSX, initially titled SSX DVD. The plan was to add more to the existing maps, give characters voices and personalities, and improve the graphics. But as development went on, the project grew into a completely new game. While the first SSX was a fun, arcade-style snowboarding experience, SSX Tricky really leaned into over-the-top, exaggerated gameplay.

The characters were given more unique personalities, and the game’s environments became much more vibrant. Players could use special, over-the-top moves that added to the game’s exciting and energetic feel. The game also allowed players to build rivalries with computer-controlled opponents, making races more competitive and aggressive. This emphasis on dramatic moments and playful disruption really captured the game’s over-the-top style and set it apart from more serious, realistic sports titles.

SSX Tricky Helped Define A Generation Of Sports Games

EA Sports BIG was a surprisingly fun direction for the company. While games like Madden focused on realism, fans who loved the over-the-top action of NBA Jam and NFL Blitz didn’t have many choices. The BIG series, with games like NBA Street, NFL Street, and Def Jam Vendetta, delivered the exciting, fast-paced feel of arcade sports, and stood out with its energetic music, style, and reflection of the time.

SSX Tricky really captured the spirit of the early 2000s with its emphasis on extreme sports, bold style, and high energy. It felt like a product of its time, but its over-the-top, fun-focused gameplay gave it lasting appeal. The game prioritized enjoyment over realism, letting players take creative routes to win. Wild, unbelievable tricks were central to the experience, particularly on courses built for grinding, half-pipes, and huge jumps.

Released on PlayStation 2 in November 2001, SSX Tricky quickly became popular on Nintendo GameCube and Xbox as well. The game was a commercial success, achieving “Platinum” status on PS2, and critics praised its improvements over the original SSX, particularly the expanded gameplay, characters, and levels. SSX Tricky was a key launch title for both the GameCube, appearing less than two weeks after the console’s US release, and the Xbox, which it followed a few weeks later. For many players, SSX Tricky remains a nostalgic highlight of experiencing new consoles and gaming at the time.

Why I Still Think About SSX Tricky So Much

I still think about SSX Tricky all the time, and it’s easy to see why so many other people love it too! Back when it first came out, everyone – critics and players alike – was really into it. It just felt so fresh and fun, with smooth controls and a really polished look. But honestly, a huge part of what makes it special is the music. As soon as you turn the game on and that Run DMC track, “It’s Tricky,” kicks in, you’re instantly pumped up and ready to ride!

SSX Tricky was a truly enjoyable game, featuring a great cast of characters and colorful environments. Levels like Tokyo Megaplex were fun to master for big tricks, and challenging maps like Alaska kept even experienced players engaged. What stood out about SSX Tricky was its broad appeal – it didn’t seem to suffer from the same social barriers that often limited other multiplayer games.

SSX Tricky appealed to a wide range of players with its stylish look and easy-to-learn controls, and its diverse cast of characters really stood out in the sports game genre. The combination of fast-paced racing, exciting tricks, and strong multiplayer features made it a game people kept coming back to. Although other SSX games exist, none have quite captured the magic of SSX Tricky. Even 24 years later, I vividly remember the endless hours I spent playing it on my GameCube, and I know many others feel the same way. That’s why fans have been hoping for a remake for so long. But we’ll always have those original memories of landing that first incredible Uber Trick and hearing Run DMC’s iconic theme song.

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2025-11-06 00:49